Glasgow has been at the centre of much sporting chat recently with news that it will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, but yesterday it was running that stole the headlines with 2024's staging of the Great Scottish Run taking to the city's streets, parks and bridges.

It was a record-breaking year for the event, with some 30,000 runners taking part across the weekend's various races which included those for kids as well as the iconic 10K and Half marathon distances on Sunday (6 October).

On Sunday 1 October thousands crossed the start line in the heart of the city at George Square to the sound of Glasgow Warriors' Kyle Steyn and Duncan Weir ringing the start bell for the 10K and half marathon.

Charging up the atmosphere and energy, Heart Radio breakfast show hosts Des Clarke and Jennifer Reoch together with the iconic Glasgow Crowd, cheered runners on as they crossed the start line onto the steep incline of St Vincent Street. Runners then went on a scenic route passing many key landmarks including The Hydro, The Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay before making their way to the finish line in Glasgow Green.

In the Half Marathon it was the Scots that reigned supreme with Callum Hawkins clinching victory in 01:03:25 for his third win at the event. Tewelde Menges took second in 01:04:14 and third was claimed by Andrew Heyes in 01:04:58. Reigning champion and fellow Scot, Natasha Phillips, took gold in the women's race with a time of 01:13:26. She was followed by Nynke Mulholland-Stümmer in 01:18:16 and Brogan Wallace in 01:19:10.

The 10K race was won by Jamie Burns in 29:55 he was followed by Taha Ghafari in 30:19 and hot on his heels Ross Good completed the podium with a time of 30:32. The women's winner was Kirsty Walker in 33:55 - well ahead of Saoirse Mcnulty who came second in 37:18 and Josie Wren Golder in third at 38:24.

Your correspondent took part in the 10K this year, having sampled the half in 2023. It was another amazing experience with so much joviality at the start, typical Glasgow-style as everyone shrugged off the imposing St Vincent Street hill that lay ahead!

The support throughout the route was once again second-to-none and particularly important over that last couple of kilometres along the Broomielaw. Stephen Baxter agrees, and commented on Facebook post-race: "The people cheering us on! ...I was almost weeping at the joy of the place. Thank you Glasgow!"

The 2025 event will take place over the weekend of 4/5 October, you can find out more at the Great Scottish Run website.

Image: Great Run Company