This weekend, around 20,000 volunteers will take part in the Great Scottish Run form all across the country.

We spoke with three Glasgow participants, who are all taking on the challenge to support an important cause in their lives.

Glasgow Times:

Kathleen Reid, 57, from Glasgow, is running 10k to raise money for the East Kilbride District and Dementia Care Group, who are supporting her mother and mother-in-law through their diagnosis.

She said: "It’s a charity that is very close to my heart.

“It’s been a difficult journey but with support and advice, they have given us a better awareness of dementia.

“My son is also doing the half-marathon for the same charity, for his grans.

“Running is a bit of a chore but I am very grateful and happy to do this for the charity.

“All I want to do is get over the finish line, I know the atmosphere is absolutely unique and the crowd will get me through this.”

Glasgow Times: Kathleen Reid Kathleen Reid (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Glasgow Times:

Elise Schwarz is challenging herself for the second year with her six-year-old daughter Hannah, to support Garden of Evan, a charity she set up three years ago, on behalf of her son.

Evan sadly died due to complications with his brain damage, 10 years ago.

She said: “Everyone is coming together, you hear the choirs sing and people all around the city are cheering you on, coming into Glasgow Green is an amazing feeling.

"We raise funds to buy specialist equipment for children with additional needs.

“Last year, we had six runners with us, they are called GofERs, and this we have eight people, so it’s a real team effort.

"We don’t run as a team because we all have different abilities but we have two runners who have never run before but it’s a great thing to do."

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times: Elise Schwarz and her 6-year-old daughter HannahElise Schwarz and her 6-year-old daughter Hannah (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Dr Julie McElroy, 37, is hoping to complete her first-ever half marathon.

Born with cerebral palsy, she started frame running following a traumatic accident and eventually worked her way up from 100m runs to 10ks.

She said: “Now, it’s time to up my game. I’m absolutely terrified.

"I think I will be fine as long as I have the mentality in my head that I can do it and just enjoy doing it as my first half-marathon opportunity.

“This is my first time doing the Great Scottish Run with my frame. It’s a fantastic opportunity not only for Glasgow but to promote inclusion more than anything because I really wanted to run with my able-bodied peers.

“I’m not running for a charity this year because I’m still new to the running business but any fundraising I do goes to Victoria Park Athletic Club so they can buy new frames because they cost £3,500 each."

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times: Dr.Julie McElroy Dr.Julie McElroy (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Glasgow Times:

The 10k and half-marathon will take place on Sunday, October 1 and the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run will go ahead on Saturday, September 30.