If you like to make plans, then here’s a date for your diary! Entries have recently opened for one of Scotland’s oldest road races - The Nigel Barge Memorial 10K and it is the perfect start to a year of racing in 2023. First run in 1943, next year’s race will be celebrating its 80th anniversary when it hits the streets of Glasgow on 22 January. 

The race honours the memory of Nigel Barge, a Royal Engineer who was killed in action at Dunkirk at the age of 23. The talented officer, who helped prepare the defences around the Northern French coast, was also a member of the Maryhill Harriers, organisers of the ever-popular event. 

The Barge started life as a 5 mile road race and has had a long and formidable history in which every top endurance runner in Scotland took part in it at one time or another. These days, the 10K race is a classic 2-lap course starting and finishing within the grounds of the Garscube Kelvin Campus estate in Glasgow. The route is entirely on tarmac path and roads.

Speaking about next year’s event, a spokesperson said: “Kick off the new year in the best way possible by running the Nigel Barge 10K. The 2023 event will be the 80th anniversary of this iconic road race, and we can’t wait for you all to join us!”

This year’s race saw 208 participants with Finlay Todd of Glasgow University Hares and Hounds winning in a time of 31:36 while it was Meredith Reid of Inverclyde AC who took top spot in the women’s race finishing in a time of 37:01. 

In 2023, prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place male and female, as well as age group prizes. There will also be a whisky prize for the traditional 'King and Queen of the Hill' award for the first runners to scale the Vet School hill. And to celebrate the race’s 80th anniversary, spot prizes will be awarded to the 19th, 43rd and 80th finishers. 

If you’d like to know more, visit the event website here. 

Image: Maryhill Harriers