Great Scottish Run 2026: Start times, routes, event village, entertainment, food and drink, and can I still take part?
It’s one of the biggest weekends of the year for Scottish runners.
The Great Scottish run dates back to 1979 when the first Glasgow Marathon was held, with fewer than 200 runners taking part in the first two events combined due to tough qualification standards.
It changed its name to the Scottish People's Marathon in 1981 with over 7,000 runners taking place but, diminishing interest meant that it became a half-marathon event in 1988 before being rebranded as the Great Scottish Run in 1989.
Since then it’s been run over a variety of distances but in recent years it’s seen a full weekend of races take place on the streets in and around Glasgow, with junior races taking place on the Saturday and a 10K and a half marathon run on the Sunday.
It’s now the largest mass-participation sporting event in Scotland, with round 30,000 competitors taking part each year.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.
When is the Great Scottish Run?
This year The Great Scottish Run takes place on the weekend of October 3-4.
Where is the Great Scottish Run?
The races all start in Glasgow city centre.
When do all the races start at the Great Scottish Run?
Here are all the times you need to know:
Saturday, October 3
- 9am: Junior Race (2.5km)
- 10.45am: Toddler Dash (70m)
- 11.40am: Mini Race (1.5km)
Sunday, October 4
- 7am: Buchanan Street information point opens
- 7.30pm 10k Assembly opens for all waves
- 8.20am: 10k Warm Up startd for all waves
- 8.26am: 10k Elite wheelchair athletes and VI participants start
- 8.30am: 10k Faster wave runners and purple wave start
- 8.42am: 10k greens wave start
- 9.03am: 10k pink wave start
- 9.30am: Half marathon assembly open (Start A)
- 10am: Half marathon warm up (Start A)
- 10.10am: Half marathon faster wave and purple start
- 10.22am: Half marathon green wave start
- 10.43am: Half marathon pink wave start
- 11am: Half marathon assembly opne (Start B)
- 11.30am: Half marathon warm up (Start B)
- 11.40am: Half marathon red wave start
- 11.52: Half marathon yellow wave start
- 12.13pm: Half marathon blue wave start
What route does the race take?
Here’s how the race organisers explain the race route for both the half marathon and the 10K:
“The Great Scottish Run showcases many of Glasgow’s best-known landmarks, with both the 10K and half marathon starting in the city centre and finishing on Glasgow Green. Half-marathon runners follow an urban route through the city before crossing the River Clyde and heading along Paisley Road West towards Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park. After several miles of scenic parkland and riverside running, the route returns towards the city centre, crossing the Clyde again before a memorable finish through McLennan Arch and onto Glasgow Green. The 10K follows a more urban course, skipping the park section but taking in four bridges and a long riverside stretch. The half marathon features a gradual uphill section between miles 2 and 8 before turning mostly downhill towards the finish, while the 10K is largely flat and fast, making it an attractive route for runners aiming for a personal best.”
Can I still take part in the Great Scottish Run?
While the majority of the races are now sold out there are still a few places left for the 10K race priced at £41, plus £5.40 in fees, available here.
What entertainment will be at the Great Scottish Run?
There will be a wide selection of entertainment at various points on the race route, including “banging beats, karaoke anthems, a host of local bands and choirs, orchestras, charity cheerpoints, toe tapping tune trucks and huge support all the way around”.
What do runners get on completing the course?
All runners will get the chance to claim a free photo at a designated photo point on both the 10k and half marathon races. The finishers packs will include a bottle of water, a medal, a Finisher’s t-shirt and a tasty treat.
Where is the Event Village?
The Great Scottish Run Event Village is near the finish of the half marathon at Glasgow Green. It will feature competitions, giveaways, music and plenty of food and drink including ice cream, coffees, burritos, pizzas, Greek street food, burgers, donuts, cakes and alcoholic drinks.
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