What to Expect at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October – and we cannae wait!!

Each year, tens of thousands of runners push their perseverance and passion to the limit and take on the super-scenic 10k and half marathon routes. With over 30,000 runners taking part across the weekend, and some exciting additions to shout about, this year’s event promises to be even more incredible – so read on to find out what to look and listen out for.

Scenic views throughout

Starting and finishing in the heart of the city, runners can expect stunning scenery, iconic landmarks, and local support from start to finish. You’ll cross the River Clyde – “the river that made Glasgow” – before running alongside Festival Park, Bellahouston Park, Pollok Country Park and more. Packed with greenery, the route showcases some of the most breathtaking views and architecture Glasgow has to offer.

Unbeatable atmosphere

If it’s atmosphere you’re after – this is the one! No one does support like Glasgow, and locals will be lining the route with high-fives, hugs, and Jelly Babies to keep you going. Our start line DJ, deafening music zones, and post-race celebrations create the perfect atmosphere for runners of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of running together. Get ready for the friendliest city in the world to come alive – and for the experience to continue long past the finish line.

Music to motivate you

We’ll be blasting out motivational tunes all along the route to keep you going. There’ll be bagpipers marking every mile to mile 12 and Clanadonia, known for their incredible kilt-wearing, drum, and pipe band performances, will be there to give you a boost. The legendary Rock Choir will be belting out some classic motivational songs, and Glasgow Drum Circle will help you keep up the tempo.

Unrivalled sense of achievement

Whether you’re running for a worthy cause, the challenge, or to achieve something amazing, the pure joy as you cross the finish line and receive your medal is unrivalled. But bragging rights are earned, not given – so join us on the start line and be part of it.

Sustainable initiatives

We’re working to keep the Great Scottish Run classy, not trashy. As well as organising event day clothing collections, we’re asking all runners to Drink, Drain, Aim, and use the Aqua Pura recycling stations on the route. You can also bring your unwanted shoes with you on race day and drop them at the Jog On collection point to keep them out of landfill.

Shiny medal and snazzy t-shirt

The best thing about taking part in an event is the “I did it!” sense of achievement – but the goody bag is a close second. Inside you’ll find treats and freebies, a souvenir t-shirt, and a shiny, specially-designed medal. Wear it with pride: it’s your moment.

Après Run party

This year’s Après Run zone at the finish on Glasgow Green is a party you do not want to miss out on. Celebrate your achievement in style in the bar from Jim and Tonic, and fuel up with a selection of local food options including: Scarpetta (homemade fresh pasta), Dough Man’s Land (delicious wood fired pizza), Lemon Squeezy (yummy flatbreads), Maclaurin’s Bar (coffee, hot drinks and snacks), and a Street Diner offering breakfast items and hot drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for freebies given out by our amazing partners or enjoy a post-run massage from the team in the TUI massage zone.

A SUPER Saturday build-up

The theme of this year’s SOLD OUT AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run is ‘Finding Your Superpower’ and we’re celebrating with superhero fancy dress – we want to see a start line full of young runners in capes, eye masks or something else to showcase their power! Our mascot Tyney the Tortoise is back in Glasgow again this year, and will be lining up alongside other mascots from charities and sporting clubs for the fun, fast mascot race. Who will take the top spot?!

There is still time to be a part of Scotland’s biggest and best running event, but both distances are selling fast. Find out more & enter here.