Meet the runners who are set to take part in the Great Scottish Run

We spoke to two particularly inspiring participants ahead of the event to find out what is motivating them, and hear why Glasgow is “the best” place to run.

Andrew Tomlinson has run marathons all over the world (Image: Gordon Terris)

Andrew Tomlinson, from Glasgow, is a member of Bellahouston Road Runners. Andrew’s left arm and leg have been paralysed by hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and yet he has completed all six of the world’s major marathons since he started running five years ago.

“Marathons bring people together,” Andrew said. “You meet so many people with all kinds of amazing stories.

“You get thousands of people all with one purpose. It doesn't matter where you’re from, whether you’re able bodied or disabled, religious or not, male or female - everyone shares the same race. Everyone does it together, and everyone supports each other.

“The camaraderie and the community is fantastic. A marathon shows the humanity of us all. It’s where I feel at home.”

All the runners are looking forward to the 2024 event (Image: Gordon Terris)

Andrew says running has given him independence and belonging, and he hopes to inspire others to get out and about.

“Running is very accessible,” he said. “There’s a place for everyone. I know people who run with visual impairment, people who are deaf. One of my friends runs with a frame. The community always finds a way to include people.

“Being able to run has given me an independence which I didn’t think was possible. I’m not the most sociable person, I have a lot of social anxiety and I find it hard to get out sometimes. But running has given me a platform to get out in the world and show others who I am.

“Running can bring down barriers. I want to prove that, with the right support, people with cerebral palsy can be active and get fit, and be part of normal everyday society.”

Claire Barker is running for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (Image: Gordon Terris)

Claire Barker, a South Lanarkshire resident, is taking part in her fourth Great Scottish Run. She’s raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity close to her heart.

“The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has been very supportive in the past,” Claire said. “They’ve supported me and my family in times of need. So I do as much as I can to raise funds for them.

“My husband has got cystic fibrosis. Thankfully, he keeps very well now due to a new drug which saved his life. But he wouldn’t be here now without it.

Claire recently started running again after a four year break.

“It was awful when I first got back into it,” she said. “The first five runs were terrible, I really had to talk myself into it.

“I’ve had an on-off relationship with running. I did a marathon a few years ago, which scunnered me and ended things for a while. But I’m really enjoying it now.”

Ciar Nixon from Vegan Runners, who will be celebrating their 20th birthday at this year's Great Scottish Run (Image: Gordon Terris)

Though Claire has run in a number of different races, she says nowhere compares to Glasgow.

“The atmosphere on the day is amazing,” she said. “If you’re thinking of doing a run, Glasgow is the best choice - the support here is brilliant. Compared to the other places I’ve run, Glasgow is definitely the best.”

Claire says her last Great Scottish Run was something of a bittersweet experience, but is hoping for a happier ending this time around.

“I have quite an emotional connection with the Great Scottish Run. The last time I entered was when my husband was unwell, so it was a very challenging weekend. I finished the race, then had to rush off to hospital.

“This time, I’ll be rushing off for a glass of wine.”

Actor Atta Yaqub, right, alongside filmmaker Erin Gavin and Apprentice contestant Reece Donnelly (Image: Gordon Terris) Leon Cerrone, left, and Stephen Tait from Outlier Run Club, who have over 100 members taking part this year (Image: Gordon Terris) Andrew and Claire alongside Heni Kurusa, who is running in support of the charity Venture Scotland (Image: Gordon Terris)

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is still open to entrants for 2024. To find out more or to sign up, visit: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-scottish-run/.