The Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow on 3–4 October with a record ~35,000 entrants and the return of junior and toddler races. Saturday features youth events on Glasgow Green; Sunday stages the 10K (08:26) and a half marathon (elite start 10:10, final wave 12:13) from St Vincent Street to Glasgow Green. Expect extensive road closures—particularly St Vincent Street, Paisley Road West and parts of Argyle Street—so public transport is strongly recommended.
Great Scottish Run Weekend Guide: Routes, Road Closures and What To Know (3–4 October)
About 35,000 runners are expected for the Great Scottish Run [Great Scottish Run]
A record crowd of around 35,000 runners is expected in Glasgow as the Great Scottish Run returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October. The two-day festival brings back junior and toddler races after last year’s cancellations due to Storm Amy, and features a 10K and a half marathon that finish on Glasgow Green.
Sunday will see both the 10k and the half marathon [Great Scottish Run]
Saturday: Junior, Mini and Toddler Events
Saturday’s programme starts at 09:00 with the juniors (ages 9–15) tackling a 2.5km course. Two stars from the hit TV show Gladiators, Athena and Hammer, will ring the start bell. A mascot dash follows at 10:15, the toddler dash at 10:25, and the minis (ages 3–8) run a 1.5km dash beginning at 11:20, with the last group off at 12:40. All youth events start and finish on Glasgow Green and use park paths and Greendyke Street, passing the People’s Palace and the Doulton Fountain.
The event will start on St Vincent Street [Great Scottish Run]
Sunday: 10K And Half Marathon
Sunday opens with the 10K at 08:26. Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson will be at the start, with elite wheelchair athletes leading the field. The 10K sends runners off in three colour-coded waves between 08:30 and 09:03.
The Great Scottish Run is Scotland's biggest running event [Great Scottish Run]
The half marathon (13.1 miles) begins later with six waves: the elite wave starts at 10:10 and the final wave is scheduled for 12:13. Both the 10K and half marathon start on St Vincent Street and finish on Glasgow Green.
Fancy dress is a common sight at the children's races [Great Scottish Run]
Routes & Landmarks
- The half marathon uses an urban course that crosses the River Clyde, heads toward Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park, then returns to the city centre.
- The 10K follows a denser city route that omits the park section but crosses four bridges and includes a long riverside stretch.
- All junior routes remain on Glasgow Green, offering riverside views and monuments such as Nelson’s Monument.
Weather
Saturday is expected to be largely calm with light cloud and a gentle breeze. Sunday looks more changeable with morning drizzle and showers, becoming steadier light rain closer to midday during the half marathon. Organisers do not anticipate a repeat of last year’s storm-related cancellations.
Particpants will receive a medal and T-shirt [Great Scottish Run]
Travel, Road Closures And Parking
Road closures and parking restrictions will affect the city, especially on Sunday. Key closures include St Vincent Street, Paisley Road West and part of Argyle Street, with some streets remaining closed until at least mid-afternoon. Saturday’s disruption is much lighter and mainly around Glasgow Green and Greendyke Street. Full closure maps are available to download from the Great Scottish Run website.
Organisers recommend public transport: the Glasgow Subway opens at 07:15 (Buchanan Street is a short walk to St Vincent Street). Glasgow Queen Street station will have limited Sunday services but an early 07:15 departure from Edinburgh Waverley will run to Glasgow. Buses operate to timetable where possible but expect diversions. There is no official event parking; pay-and-display car parks are available on George Street, Cathedral Street, Duke Street and Concert Square.
Event Facilities & Practical Info
- An information point on George Square will be open: Saturday 10:00–16:00 and Sunday 07:00–11:30 (expect queues on Sunday).
- Baggage buses for the 10K and half marathon are on George Street and close 15 minutes before each start; collect bags at Glasgow Green with the correct race-label.
- Dozens of portaloos are placed at each water station and medical support is available along the course.
- Mass warm-ups will be staged before each wave and on-course entertainment, including a themed “country mile,” will help boost runners’ morale.
Timing, Results And Finisher Kit
Each 10K and half-marathon runner has a timing chip attached to their race number, enabling live tracking via the official app and immediate results at the finish. Full results, including gender and age-group rankings, will be posted on the event website after the races. Finishers receive a medal and a commemorative T-shirt featuring Glasgow-inspired designs—criss-cross patterns nod to the Squinty Bridge, flowing lines echo the Clyde, and rose motifs reference Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
If you’re attending, allow extra time for travel, follow signage for closures, and check the Great Scottish Run website or official social channels for last-minute updates.
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