By Kyle Murphy

The Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow this weekend, with an expected 30,000 people turning up to run in their designated races. This weekend’s run will break its own records, as the half marathon will see its biggest-ever turnout. In addition to this, the 10km, Junior, and Mini events are all sold out, highlighting how popular the event will be in Glasgow.

Many people will be running for different reasons, which reinforces the togetherness that this event has shown over the years. At the pre-event presser at George Square, people from all across Scotland came together to tell their stories. 

A decade ago, Jay Cruz Semple lost his sight after developing a rare genetic condition called Choroideremia. The condition, which affects mostly males, leads to progressive vision loss and Semple will be running to raise awareness for it. Alongside his son Tyler James who will be his guide this weekend, Semple discussed how much enjoyment he’ll get from running alongside his family.

He said: “My son’s been running since he was 11 months old, he did the toddler dash and so I was able to see him do it but the next year, I lost my eyesight and I’ve missed out on all these great moments.

“He runs with me, he guides me and I think this weekend is one of my favourites due to how it’s organised and how they treat us. My son means the world to me and I can’t wait to share this moment with him again.”

Running can bring the best out of everyone, especially when it comes down to meeting new friends. It brings a community spirit within people and describes what running is all about. 

Carol Torrance joined Paisley running club Jogging Buddies in 2014 and has created new friendships for life, expressing how running has had a positive impact on her life. She spoke about how much running means to her and how excited she is to be running with her friends in this Sunday’s half marathon.

She said: “It was them (Jogging Buddies) who got me into doing the half marathon. We have two groups in Paisley and Johnstone and we put on a lot of events such as open water swimming so it reignites that community spirit. They’re a great bunch of people with a great support network when training. 

“Running has been so important for me. I can go out for a couple of hours and lose myself in my thoughts. It’s the best thing for you.”

Many organisations have been getting involved in this weekend’s preparation to raise money for their chosen charities. One organisation that is taking part is the rugby club Glasgow Warriors as they aim to raise £85,000 throughout the 2024/25 season as part of their help in the campaign Fighting for our Families, in association with the Glasgow Children’s Hospital charity. 

Cameron MacAllister and Katie Miller discussed the work the Warriors are doing this weekend and how much they are looking forward to this weekend.

They said: “We’ve got 16 Glasgow Warriors staff running this weekend and two of our players who will be pulling the starting gun for the half marathon so there’s a big club involvement which everyone is looking forward to.

“As a club, the whole squad and our supporters are rallying for us to reach our target. We’re really blown away by the generosity from friends and family and the wider community.”

It is set to be a brilliant weekend for running as many people come together to celebrate something they all share a passion for. Whether it’s running for a charity or doing it for your own well-being, there will be an immense sense of pride driving through Glasgow, highlighting how the event creates such a positive atmosphere.