Thousands of runners descend on Glasgow every year to celebrate everything that makes Glasgow great: history, humour, character, inspiring architecture and green spaces. The hype and the love for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is totally justified, year after year.
And we might be biased, but we think the Great Scottish Run half marathon and 10k routes are the best way to get to really know Glasgow. From crossing the River Clyde to Bellahoustone and Pollock Country Park to a grandstand finish on Glasgow Green, you’ll find much-loved landmarks – and cheering locals – at every turn.
Read on for a full run-down of what to expect from your Great Scottish Run route – and, more importantly, how to use that knowledge to your advantage as you train.
Ready? On your marks, get set, go!
Great Scottish Run – get route ready
Our first tip is to get familiar with your route. Take a close look at the Great Scottish Run route map on the Great Run website – if you select ‘download’, you’ll see this more clearly. A couple of weeks before the event, you’ll also receive an email with a link to your digital event guide. Inside, you’ll find a detailed route map, including details of drinks stations, first aid points, toilets and entertainment to really feel prepared for your big day.
Here’s a run-down of what to expect:
● Half marathon runners: you’ve got a city-centre start and finish, with runners setting off from George Square and crossing the finish line at Glasgow Green. Over the 13.1 miles in between, expect a tale of two cities: an urban first half, followed by six miles of parkland and riverside running.
● From the starting point, you’ll head along St Vincent Street and Finnieston Street, before crossing the River Clyde and travelling along the A814, West Street, Scotland Street and a long stretch along Paisley Road W.
● Then you’ll skirt Bellahoustone and Pollock Country Park before entering Pollock, a green Glasgow oasis. Soak up the calm for three and a half miles before exiting back onto Paisley Road W.
● Head back along Paisley Road W in the opposite direction, pass Festival Park, cross the Clyde again and hit mile 11 before a final riverside stretch through the iconic McLennan Arch onto Glasgow Green. You did it – claim your long awaited medal placed round your neck by our brilliant volunteers!
● Tackling the 10k? You’ve got the same start and finish point but your route misses the park section, making it more urban. However, what you lose in green space you gain in bridges – four bridges, to be precise – and a lovely long riverside final stretch.
Route need-to-knows and training tips:
● Up and down… Half-marathon runners: miles 2-8 are slightly uphill, with the toughest incline between miles 7 and 8. After that, you’ve earned some declines, and you’ll be happy to know it’s pretty much all downhill from the mile 8 marker to the finish line. Our advice: make sure you build some hill and strength training into your preparation to boost your stamina.
● …or flat and fast. Elevation-wise, the Great Scottish Run 10k route is pretty level. Yes, there’s a bit of uphill early on (until the 1km point), but then it’s downhill to 3km and the final 7km is pretty flat and even. If you’re aiming for a PB, harness this knowledge, train hard and prepare to give this final flat stretch everything you’ve got.
● Pavements and parkland. 10k runners: it’s all tarmac baby, so make sure your training involves plenty of road-running. Half marathon runners, you might want to seek out some grass and check out what it feels like to run on a softer surface.
Other hints and hacks:
● It’s official: running with friends make the miles feel shorter. Check out our recommendations for friendly running clubs in Glasgow. Wherever you live in the city, we’ve got a recommendation that are on your doorstep.
● Wondering what to wear? Glasgow never disappoints on the fancy dress front and we love spotting runners in crazy costumes! But whether you’re head-to-toe in lycra or a full-on Elvis ensemble, make sure your outfit contains one essential element: a pair of tried and tested, well-fitting trainers (we have more advice on running shoes here). And be sure to check the weather forecast before running – you may need to consider alterations to your outfit to better suit the conditions depending on the day.
● Don’t forget to share your training with us online – you can tag us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. There’s evidence to suggest that sharing your progress and goals helps keep you motivated – and we can’t get enough of those #SweatySelfies.
Happy training – we’ll see you at the start line!
