Get ready to kick off the 2026 season at one of Glasgow’s most historic road races, the Nigel Barge Memorial 10K organised by Maryhill Harriers, returns on 18 January, promising a classic start to the year for competitive and club runners alike. A 3K junior race is also hosted for younger runners aged nine to 15, encouraging families and youth athletes to be part of the day.

First held in January 1943, the Nigel Barge Memorial 10K is one of the oldest road races on the local calendar and traditionally one of the earliest events of the year. Over eight decades on, it remains a popular fixture in the winter running season, welcoming hundreds of athletes to Glasgow each January.

The race commemorates Nigel Barge, a talented athlete and Royal Engineer who was killed in action during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II. An accomplished runner and licensed pilot, Nigel came top of his class at Woolwich and was remembered by his father, Kenneth Barge, a member of the Maryhill Harriers committee and former Bengal Lancers officer.

The 10K starts at Garscube Sports Complex on the Garscube Estate and follows a two-lap classic route entirely on tarmac paths and roads around the surrounding estate. The course provides a fast layout with the competitive hills that local runners know well, including the climb up Vet School hill where the traditional ‘King and Queen of the Hill’ prizes are awarded to the first runners over that toughest section.

Every finisher will receive a medal, fresh fruit and water at the finish and afterwards runners and spectators are invited to enjoy tea, coffee and the now-legendary home baking spread in the Sports Centre! Last year the race attracted over 300 runners, with Taha Ghafari of Shettleston Harriers taking the win in 31:01 and Fionnuala Ross, also of Shettleston Harriers, finishing as the first female in 33:31.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Nigel Barge Memorial 10K entry page.

Image: Chris Gunn/Maryhill Harriers Facebook