Michelle Finn leads the way in Great Scottish Run

Ireland's Michelle Finn sets PB for Half Marathon in Great Scottish Run

The Great Scottish Run returned to Glasgow this weekend for the first time in three years, and over 20,000 runners took to the city’s streets. 

Runners started the 10k and half marathon races in George Square and soaked up the atmosphere, music and legendary Glaswegian support all the way to the finish line in Glasgow Green.

Ireland’s Michelle Finn followed up success at Bohermeen this spring with a fabulous run on the streets of Glasgow. Michelle won the women’s half marathon in 1:12:33, taking 2m and 41s off her PB. On a day where much of the running world was focused on London, Finn ran a strong race, going through 5k at 17:04. The pace slowed somewhat up to 10k to 36:52, but a strong second half saw Finn come home in first place, some 21 seconds ahead of Lily Partridge, and 52 seconds ahead of Fionnuala Ross.

Michelle Finn is the first Irish person to win the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon since Catherina McKiernan in 1997. The Irish Half Marathon record is held since 2002 by Sonia O'Sullivan in the Great North Run with a 1:07:19 on October 6th.

More on the Great Scottish Run

Elite runners and grown-ups took part in races today (Sunday 2 October), but over 1200 young runners took part in the Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run and Toddler Dash on Saturday.  Some of the city’s best-loved charity mascots also took part in a competitive 100m dash.

Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company said, “We’re so happy to be back in Glasgow after three years of cancellations due to the pandemic.

“It was incredible to see 20,000 runners of all ages and abilities on the city’s streets this weekend.  Some were running for charity, some for the challenge.

“The Great Scottish Run has something for everyone, from elite runners to complete beginners.  At the front of the field Eilish McColgan has set a British women’s 10k record for a mixed race, and, at the other end of the scale, we had over 1200 kids enjoying their own sprint to the finish line in the Junior & Mini Saturday events in George Square.

“The people of Glasgow always give our runners an incredible welcome and support them right along the course, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part – whether running, volunteering or spectating – and we hope to see you all again next year.”

Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said: “Glasgow has earned an international reputation for being an outstanding destination for sports events and a superb host city.  It also has a strong track record of encouraging active participation in sports.