Glasgow marathon proposal welcomed by running clubs

A proposal to bring back the Glasgow marathon after a 30-year absence has been welcomed by local running clubs.

The 26.2-mile race was last run in 1987 before the distance was shortened due to falling competitor numbers, little television coverage and the lack of a sponsor.

Earlier this week, Clyde News revealed a proposal to return the event to Glasgow had been brought by a company to the council.

The likes of the Shettleston Harriers, Kilbarchan AAC, Maryhill Harriers and Bellahouston Road Runners all enjoy healthy membership in the city, with many more spread across the wider area.

Speaking in response to the news, Jim Goudie - the president of Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club - said: "I think Glasgow does need one.

"Marathons are difficult to train for. They take a lot of time up, and a lot of organising, but one more Scottish marathon would be bang on.

"I believe that the issue will be: when. The date is important, and it's tricky to find a suitable date.

"Stirling's in the spring; Edinburgh's in the summer. Loch Ness is late September, so there possibly could be a slot either at the current Glasgow half-marathon, or at the end of October."

Murray Wilson, a runner from Finnieston, told Clyde News: "It's an event which has been sorely missed from the sporting calendar in Glasgow. I think it would be brilliant to have it back.

"For me or any of my fellow runners to do a Scottish marathon, we have to head to Stirling or up north just now.

"It would be great to have one on our doorstep."

A Glasgow Life spokesman previously told Clyde News: “We have received a proposal from a third party expressing an interest to hold a marathon event in the city.

“As with all such proposals this will be considered by the city’s Event Board in due course."

The last marathon in the city for elite athletes was held during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.