Thousands of Glasgow runners join The Great Scottish Run.
The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returned for its 2025 installment on the streets of Glasgow with a record-setting 32,000 competitors taking part in both the half-marathon and 10k races on the 5th October. The initiative was backed by thousands of spectators all the way along the route from George Square to Glasgow Green!
The route for both the 10k and half marathon takes runners on a scenic route through the city across the River Clyde over the Kingston Bridge, going through some parts of the city’s southside for the 3-5km stretch. The half-marathon route then takes runners past Bellahouston Park and around Pollok Country Park before heading back across the river, similar to the 10k and down the Clyde again, crossing over the King George V Bridge before the grand finish on Glasgow Green.
Due to Storm Amy, the junior and mini events scheduled for Saturday, 4th October, were unfortunately cancelled, but the conditions improved for Sunday, and the run went ahead under blue skies. From the elite runners chasing records and personal bests, to charity runners representing meaningful causes and fun runners soaking up the atmosphere and being cheered on by strangers, the success of the Great Scottish Run 2025 proved why it is one of the hallmarks of Glasgow’s annual sporting calendar.
Jamie Burns of Shettleston Harriers and Katie Rourke of Gala Harriers were the two elite runners who took home gold in the men and women half marathons respectively, while former Olympic swimming champion Ross Murdoch was also among the runners crossing the finish line.
The sounds of bagpipes, drums and even Rock Choir Scotland alongside the cheering spectators and pounding footsteps of thousands of runners could be heard throughout the city, creating a soundtrack to the event that gave a taste of Scotland’s sense of community and highlighted why this event is so popular!
As one of the competitors myself, I ran the 10k race alongside my sister. It’s a fantastic event and we’re both looking forward to taking part in the half-marathon in 2026! The atmosphere was incredible, every corner had someone shouting your name, which really drove you forwards! I can’t recommend it enough – even if it’s just for the medal and the free stuff at the finish line!
Simona, another student and editor at The Glasgow Guardian, also took part in the 10k race: “It was my first race, and I was extremely nervous the day before. I had been training for months at that point, but what if I suddenly forgot how to run and made an absolute fool of myself in front of 30.000 people? All the tension left my body as I got to St Vincent Street bright and early on Sunday morning. The buzz is truly contagious: the crowd cheering, and the entertainment along the route really kept me going – special shout out to the drag queen at kilometre 3! Everything felt perfect, and my excitement showed in my running as I beat my PB! I already signed up for next year’s race, I cannot wait!”
The Great Scottish Run is always more than just a race. Resilience, community and local pride are on full display every year. With record-setting participation and an atmosphere for the ages, the 2025 edition has set the bar high for years to come!
Image credits: BBC
