Great Scottish Runners set a new record

Published on Sunday 5 September 2010 16:49

A RECORD-BREAKING 23,000 competitors took part in Scotland's biggest race yesterday.

TV presenters Michelle McManus and Jenni Falconer and Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell were among those who took to the streets in the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.

The annual 10km and half marathon race is the largest mass participation sporting event in the country and raises millions of pounds for charity. Organisers said 23,386 people signed up for this year's races, beating last year's record of 20,868. Entrants came from across the world including Spain, Canada and Brazil.

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was to run in aid of the Pakistan flood victims, pulled out following an injury during training. The health secretary waved off her team mates from the community radio station Awaz FM at the start line.

Matthew Gillespie won the 10km event in 31 minutes and 12 seconds. The first female to cross the finish line was Beth Potter in 34 minutes and 39 seconds. Ethiopian Haliu Mekonnen won the men's half marathon and Kenyan Caroline Kilel the women's.