Thousands Of Schoolchildren Help Kick Off Great Scottish Run
Glasgow 2014 bronze medallist Jo Pavey has joined thousands of schoolchildren to kick off the Great Scottish Run weekend.
About 3,500 youngsters from schools across the city took part in the Glasgow Green event, which included a 1.5k fun run assisted by Pavey and British long-distance runner Gemma Steel.
The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run Friday Schools Challenge was the first event of a busy weekend, with more children arriving at George Square tomorrow to take part in the Super Saturday kids event, including a 2.5k junior run, the family mile and the toddler dash.
They will be followed on Sunday by the Bank of Scotland 10k Great Scottish Run and half marathon, which is the country's largest mass participation sporting event.
Pavey, who won bronze in the 5,000 metres at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, spoke of the special memories she has of Glasgow.
She said: It's really lovely to be back here in Glasgow.
Obviously I've got really fond memories of competing here last year and it's lovely as well to see all the kids competing with smiles on their faces and full of enthusiasm in this school challenge that I am absolutely thrilled to be an part of.
Hopefully most of them will continue to enjoy it and keep running in the future. That's what it's all about - encouraging people to enjoy running.
I've heard a lot about the Glasgow half marathon, it's a really competitive race and a great course, so it will be great to get out there racing.''
Steel, a former winner of the Great Irish, Birmingham and Yorkshire runs, emphasised the importance in helping to develop the next generation of athletes.
She said: It's definitely important for kids to get a head start when they are young, which I didn't get, and hopefully inspire them to get into running and stay fit.''
Long-distance champions Edna Kiplagat and Moses Kipsiro also helped launch the schools challenge.
Ugandan Kipsiro was returning to Glasgow for the first time since winning gold in the 10,000m at the 2014 Games.
He said: I am very grateful to be back in Glasgow and it reminds me of the wonderful memories of last year.
It was something so special for me and when I think or hear about Glasgow or Scotland I am happy, so it is a really good place for me.''