Here is more on the Alfie's Angels story.

If you're supporting one of Alfie's Angels send us your good luck messages to #getinspired.

BBC Sport Wales

As we told you earlier, former Welsh rugby international Gareth Thomas has been training a group of woman, known as Alfie's Angels, to complete today's race. 

Alfie is taking part alongside the team and has just reached Christian Malcolm at Cardiff Bay. 

"The woman are doing really well. We are struggling with the heat but we're doing alright. The start was so exciting that some of them went off a bit quicker than they should be they'll be OK. I'll wait for the last one whatever happens."

Running motivation: When former army officer John Owens had his first stroke he was in his early 20s and he thought it was a hangover. But when he was 38 he suffered his second stroke.

Further tests confirmed it was as a result of a hole in his heart, which he had been born with and he was left with a brain injury, which can make processing information more difficult. 

At his lowest point he was walking on crutches, and thought he'd never walk properly again but now 42, he enjoys running, which has helped him get out of the house and make new friends.

John says: "I needed to find something to get me motivated and keep me going, because you could easily find yourself getting secluded in your own house.

"Having a positive mental attitude definitely helps. What's happened has happened, I don't mope about it, I just want to get out there."

Louise Andrew
Our woman on the course

This pair deserve a gold for their efforts to raise money for breast cancer. But will the cactus get a medal? 

Image source, BBC Sport

Meanwhile Gary knocked four minutes of his personal best, so probably deserves to use his daughter's pram as a zimmer frame :-) 

Gareth Wardle: Good luck today in the half marathon jadey! Love Gareth mummy and Tammy

Bethan Hawkins: Good luck to Lisa Edwards in the Cardiff Half! See you at the finish line Love from all the family

Claire Saralis: Cardiff is looking stunning for today's #cardiffhalf - great coverage @BBCWales Keep going everyone.

Callum Hawkins will be taking part in his third Great Scottish Run after performaing so well in the Rio Olympics marathon, leading at halfway and finishing ninth.

"It's given me a massive amount of confidence. It's spurred me on to really go for it," Callum said.

"I love this course. I've run two out of my quickest times here. It was my first ever half marathon three years ago and inspired me to move up to the marathon.

"I'm going to go for it and hopefully challenge for the win."

The defending champion Joseph Kipsiro missed the Rio Olympics through injury and admits he is "not so fit" this weekend but added: "I look forward to defending my title."

Here is more on the elite runners who are taking part in Glasgow.

Go, go, go. The Great Scottish Run half marathon is under way. 

The final race of a weekend which sees 30,000 people running through the streets of Glasgow.

Here is the route they will take.

I mentioned seeing a panda on the start line in Cardiff earlier and for all of you frantically refreshing this page for his progress, I can confirm he has made it to Cardiff Bay.

Here he is with former Olympic sprinter Christian Malcolm who is working for BBC One Wales today.

The scene in Glasgow. The half marathon is moments away.

Louise Andrew
Our woman on the course

That moment when you genuinely love a sign. 400 metres to go!

Rachel Hubbard is an aerobics instructor and for her living a healthy lifestyle was fundamental. 

Then things changed. In November last year, whilst taking a class, a cyst in her ovary burst and changed her view on life forever. 

After a couple of operations and months of recovery Rachel is a woman on a mission.

" I feel it is so important to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. It is the silent killer of women. It is often diagnosed too late and I do feel women are dying needlessly as a result."

Callum Skinner and Katie Archibald, who both won team gold medals on the track at the Rio Olympics, are in Glasgow to support the Great Scottish Run.

"It's such a big event - really encouraging to see such a community participation," said Katie.

"Everybody here's got a very personal reason for taking part," added Callum.  "People say I'm and inspiration but I take inspiration for them."

Of course it's not all about the adults this weekend. 

There have been mile runs, family fun runs and more in Cardiff and Glasgow on Saturday....

Louise Andrew
Our woman on the course

Meet the Guinness World Record holder for fastest marathon time dressed as a monk. Good luck Ian for the half marathon record attempt today!

A bit of a chill in the air in Glasgow but let's not get too fussy. 

It is looking like a fine day for the thousands taking part and supporting today.

We'll continue to bring you the best of the action throughout the day, just 20 minutes until the 13.1 mile half marathon begins.

Our first winners in Cardiff in the elite races.

Briton Richie Powell comfortably wins the men's wheelchair race in 56 minutes and 35 seconds.

In the men's race Shadrack Korir wins in a time of one hour and 54 seconds, a personal best and course record. The Kenyan pulled away in the late stages in an excellent men's race around the streets of Cardiff.

BBC Sport Wales

Olympic team pursuit gold medallist Owain Doull on BBC One Wales: "It almost feels like an international rugby match day in Cardiff.

"Most of my family are taking part today, they are much better runners than I am.

"It is about people going out pushing themselves and doing it for a good cause."