VIDEO: Stirling Scottish Marathon unveiled
The company behind the Great Scottish Run are launching a new race for Scotland's running calendar
Clyde News can reveal for the first time in nearly 30 years runners in Glasgow and the West are getting the chance to run a marathon on their doorstep.
The company behind the Great Scottish Run are launching the Stirling Scottish Marathon which will take place on the 21st May 2017.
The route starts from the Blair Drummond Safari Park, goes through Doune, Bridge of Allan, passes the Wallace Monument and ends at Stirling Castle.
The last time a marathon was staged in Glasgow was back in 1988.
YOU CAN SEE A SHORT VIDEO ABOUT THE RACE ABOVE.
Race Director Andy Mitchelmore says, "We've been doing half marathons and 10ks for the last 30 odd years. Our runners have been telling us they want a marathon, and that's what we at The Great Run Company are delivering. We have looked at the market and our portfolio and we believe the time is right to launch a marathon."
Organisers hope it will become the biggest marathon in Scotland in three years time.
They will be competing against the likes of the Edinburgh Marathon and the Loch Ness Marathon which are already firmly established on the running calendar.
Mr Mitchelmore says, "It is a route taking in some of central Scotland's most stunning scenery, including the historic Doune Castle, the Wallace Monument and ending in the historic old town of Stirling at the castle."
Glasgow's Hawkins brothers, who recently qualified for Rio in the marathon, are helping launch the new race.
Olympic bronze medallist Brendan Foster who is the Chair of The Great Run Company and Scotland's greatest long distance runner Liz McColgan who has previously won the London Marathon will also be helping promote the race.