Everything you need to know about the Great Scottish Run
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
What is it?
The Great Scottish Run is Scotland’s biggest running event and takes place in Glasgow, with fun family events on the first day and a 10k and half marathon on the second.
The Great Scottish Run half marathon is considered to be the main event and welcomes thousands of runners to the city every year. The course starts in the centre of the city, in George Square, and from there takes runners past a selection of Glasgow’s finest venues and buildings. As well as crossing over the River Clyde, runners will take a trip through Pollok Park and Bellahouston Park, before heading back for the grandstand finish on Glasgow Green.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad
This spectacular weekend of running is a celebration of sport that is suitable for the whole family and is televised live on the BBC
When is it?
The event takes places over the first weekend in October with the Super Saturday family event on the Saturday the 1st of October and the 10k and half marathon running on the Sunday the 2nd of October.
Beginning at 9.30am on the Sunday, the 10k begins with a warm-up, before the Great Scottish Run elite wheelchair race (10k) begins. This is followed by the various waves of the 10k (the colour coded waves are staggered to reflect skill level) which begins at 9.45am.
The half marathon waves begin at 11.30am.
Where is it?
All three events take place in Glasgow’s city centre with both major runs beginning in George Square and finishing in Glasgow Green.
The 10k course is a shorter adaptation of the half marathon but shares many of the key landmarks with the longer route. Starting in George Square in the centre of the city, 10k runners will cross the River Clyde and pass iconic landmarks and buildings including The Hydro, The Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay as they make their way toward the McLellan Arch and the finish line in Glasgow Green.
The Super Saturday event takes place in and around George Square.
How do I enter?
To choose and event to enter just head along to the Great Scottish Runwebsite.
What’s Super Saturday?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOrganisers say: “Inspire your whole family to get active on a fun day of running in Glasgow. From the toddler dash, to the mini racers, family fliers and the junior heroes, we look forward to seeing your little stars and runners of all ages taking part around our city centre course.
For the fifth successive year, Super Saturday will take place in and around George Square. It’s easy to get to on public transport and there will be lots to see and do with
‘come and try it’ sports, music, sponsors stands and free giveaways throughout the day. There really is something for everyone, no matter what your age or ability, so why not sign up for Super Saturday and make regular exercise a great part of your family life.”
There will be three major run events which are for kids:
• There’s the toddler dash which is for children 5 and under takes place over 100m
• There’s the Junior Scottish Run which costs £7 to enter and sees runners aged 9–15 running a 2.5K, the entry fee includes a t-shirt, medal, finisher’s pack and accurate chip timing.
• the Great Scottish Run Famliy Mile costs £7 and sees children aged 3-8 years (With accompanied adult) running for a mile.
How much will it cost?
• The half marathon costs £33 (£23 for Great Women’s 10k 2016 entrants, discount triggered by name and DOB)
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad• The 10k costs £26 (£17 for Great Women’s 10k 2016 entrants, discount triggered as above)
• The Super Saturday events range from no cost to £7 depending on which you choose.
How should I prepare?
Whether you are taking part for a bit of fun, for charity or to compete against your own previous finishing times, the Great Scottish Run website has some great training programmes that can really help along the way, no matter your level.
• Starter
• Run/Walk
• Improver
Can I watch without taking part?
Yes, the Great Scottish Run is a great day out for the family and should you wish to support your friends or family who are running, or just want to enjoy the spectacle, you can easily do so at various points of the route.
FAQs
Are there age limits for the two main races? Yes, you must be 15 years or over on the day of the event to enter the 10K event and
you must be 17 years or over on the day of the event to enter the half marathon.
When will I receive my race pack? The race packs are sent out approximately two weeks prior to the event. Your pack will contain your race number and timing chip.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhat are the waves? Waves are allocated based on your skill level and you should adhere to them when beginning the race, you cannot move up to a faster level without proof of past races, however it is possible to move to a slower wave should you feel that would suit better by just switching to the later start time.
Do I have to run for one of the charities listed on the website? Once you have registered and paid to secure a place in the event, you have your own place. You do not need to run for the associated charities listed on the entry form or website. You can run and raise money for any charity/cause of your choice. All you need to do is contact your chosen charity directly and request a sponsorship pack.
What do I receive when I cross the finish line? All finishers will receive a finisher’s pack containing a medal, event T-shirt, a space blanket and a bottle of Lucozade Sport energy drink.
Social Media
You can follow the Great Scottish Run on social media:
• Twitter: @GreatScotRun or #GreatScotRun
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreatScottishRun/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/great_run/
DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY