Tens of thousands flock to Glasgow for Great Scottish Run

More than 30,000 runners flocked to the city on Sunday, October 6, as the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returned for another fun-filled year.

The action got underway with the 10km elite wheelchair race leaving George Square at 8.25am followed by three colour co-ordinated waves of runners setting off between 8.30am and 8.58am.

(Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes)

Later in the morning, the first wave of half marathon runners set off at 10am with the final wave leaving at 12pm.

Taking home first place in the men and women’s half marathons were Scottish long-distance runners Callum Hawkins and Natasha Phillips.

Callum Hawkins and Natasha Phillips (Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes)

10km and half marathon results

Men’s half marathon – top three

1. Callum Hawkins (Kilbarchan AAC) 01:03:25
2. Tewelde Menges (Medway & Maidstone AC) 01:04:14
3. Andrew Heyes (Hallamshire Harriers Sheffield) 01:04:58

Women’s half marathon – top three

1. Natasha Phillips (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) 01:13:26
2. Nynke Mulholland-Stümmer (Inverclyde Athletic Club) 01:18:16
3. Brogan Wallace (Shettleston Harriers) 01:19:10

Men’s 10km – top three

1. Jamie Burns (Shettleston Harriers) 00:29:55
2. Taha Ghafari (Shettleston Harriers) 00:30:19
3. Ross Good (Giffnock North AAC) 00:30:32

Women’s 10km – top three

1. Kirsty Walker (Edinburgh Athletic Club) 00:33:55
2. Saoirse Mcnulty (Giffnock North AAC) 00:37:18
3. Josie Wren Golder (Corstorphine AAC) 00:38:24

(Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes)

Charging up the atmosphere were breakfast show Heart Radio hosts Desk Clarke and Jennifer Reoch.

STV weather presenter Sean Batty and Glasgow Warriors' players Duncan Weir and Kyle Steyn then rang the start bell.

Runners passed various Glasgow landmarks and had the opportunity to run over the Kingston Bridge before crossing the finish line in Glasgow Green.

(Image: Jeff Holmes) (Image: Jeff Holmes)

Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company, said: “What a weekend. Every year I continue to be astounded by the running prowess we witness here in Glasgow.

“This weekend has been a running party atmosphere like no other, and I congratulate each and every one of our participants for their incredible achievements.”

Many of those taking part were raising money for personal causes and charity fundraisers.

Amongst them, were a number of our journalists raising funds for the NSPCC, a child protection charity.

The NSPCC is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and their support service Childline is part of their work to eliminate child abuse in the UK.

Its Glasgow office supported an estimated 8,200 Scottish kids last year on a wide range of issues.

The Glasgow Times team was made up of current and former colleagues as well as journalists from The Herald and The National.

It included Stewart Paterson, Yvonne Flynn, Eszter Tarnai, Andrew Learmonth, Marissa MacWhirter, Jacob Nicol, and James Walker.

[Left to right]: Eszter Tarnai, Jacob Nicol, Marissa MacWhirter, Yvonne Flynn, Stewart Paterson, Andrew Learmonth, and James Walker (Image: Newsquest staff)

Eszter Tarnai, of the Glasgow Times, said: “This was my first time running at such an event and I had an incredible experience.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who came and cheered us on. I decided to sign up to support the NSPCC.

“Through my work, I have learned about the amazing job they do supporting children across the UK with their many services.”  

Stewart Paterson, also of the Glasgow Times, added: "The Great Scottish Run is a super event to take part in with thousands of runners and people cheering you on along the way.

"It was particularly enjoyable this year to take part with colleagues in the Glasgow Times and friends team to raise funds for the NSPCC.

"I have taken part in several runs in many different places over the years but there is always something special about participating in your home city."

Marissa MacWhirter, newsletter editor of The Glasgow Wrap, commented: "We've been thinking about doing this for a while because the NSPCC is the charity partner of Newsquest.

"We thought it was a great opportunity to get everyone together from different publications to do something for a good cause."

The Glasgow Times’ fundraiser has raised £416 so far to support the NSPCC's work which has been ongoing for 38 years.

The Great Scottish Run will return to Glasgow next year. For further information visit HERE.