AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2026: Glasgow's Biggest 10K and Half Marathon

On October 4, 2026, Glasgow hosts the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, Scotland's biggest running event. Both races – 10K and half marathon – start on St Vincent Street and take runners through the city before finishing on Glasgow Green. Over 20,000 runners of all abilities experience the finest Scottish welcome and run through the streets and green parks of Glasgow.

AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2026 by numbers

The event includes a half marathon (21.1 km) and 10K course through the streets of Glasgow. Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026. Both courses feature rolling terrain on closed roads. Entries are open to runners aged 15+ (10K) and 17+ (half marathon). More than 35,000 runners are expected across the weekend (including Saturday's junior events). Entry fee ranges from £15 to £25. 703 runners registered through Cobbr.

Course breakdown

The 10K: Urban Glasgow and four bridges

The 10K shares the St Vincent Street start and Glasgow Green finish but offers a more urban and potentially faster challenge. There's some climbing to 1K followed by a descent towards 3K, but the final 7K is relatively flat.

10K runners cross the River Clyde and pass iconic landmarks including The Hydro, The Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay as they make their way toward the McLellan Arch and the finish line in Glasgow Green. You cross four bridges and enjoy a lovely long riverside final stretch.

Half marathon: km 0-8, the gradual climb

Half marathon runners face a course with two distinct characters: the opening section is predominantly urban, heading through Finnieston, across the River Clyde and along Paisley Road West before reaching Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park.

Miles 2 to 8 (roughly km 3 to 13) gradually climb, with the toughest incline coming between miles 7 and 8. Runners cross the Clyde twice using the Kingston Bridge and Clyde Arc. This section demands the most effort.

Half marathon: km 13-21, parks and descent

Once inside Pollok Park, around three and a half miles of green space provide a change of scenery before the journey back towards the city centre. Runners cross over the River Clyde and take a trip through Pollok Park and Bellahouston Park, before heading back for the grandstand finish on Glasgow Green.

The good news: runners have then earned a predominantly downhill journey from mile 8 towards the finish. You head back along Paisley Road West in the opposite direction, pass Festival Park, cross the Clyde again and hit mile 11 before a final riverside stretch through the iconic McLennan Arch onto Glasgow Green.

What weather to expect

Typical conditions for early October in Glasgow: temperatures between 9 and 14°C, with high probability of rain (77% of days around this date). Average wind can reach 25 km/h. Prepare clothing suitable for rain, even if it's dry at the start. A lightweight waterproof jacket or technical vest typically works well. The upside: these temperatures are ideal for running, neither too hot nor too cold. Hydrate normally – the cool weather limits overheating risks.

Race strategy and tips

Managing the first kilometers of the half

Miles 2 to 8 are slightly uphill, with the toughest incline between miles 7 and 8, then it's pretty much all downhill from the mile 8 marker to the finish line. Don't start too fast on the opening urban section. Save your energy until Pollok Park. The temptation is strong at the start with the crowds, but you'll pay for it in the parks if you burn your matches too early.

Taking advantage of the final descent

After kilometer 13 and exiting Pollok Park, the course descends. This is where you can make up time if you've managed your race well. Open up your stride a bit, let gravity work for you without braking. This is also where crowd support intensifies as you approach the city center.

The 10K: banking on the second half

With climbing to 1K followed by a descent towards 3K, but the final 7K relatively flat, the 10K lends itself well to a progressive acceleration strategy. Stay solid through the first 3 kilometers, then push on the flat section. It's a fast course if you know how to exploit it.

Nutrition and aid stations

Water stations are positioned along the course (details in the digital guide sent before race day). For the 10K, one gel before the start may suffice. For the half, plan for a gel or bar around kilometer 10-11, before exiting the parks, to have the energy needed for the downhill finish.

What makes this race special

The routes showcase Glasgow's architecture, landmarks and green spaces, with enthusiastic crowd support, music and entertainment adding to the atmosphere. Scotland's friendliest city always delivers on the support front, with crowds of locals turning out each year to cheer, wave signs, and high-five from beginning to end.

2026 brings several new additions: A Country Mile music zone and the new AJ Bell Motivation Station, where personal messages from friends and family could appear along the route just when a runner needs them most. Entertainment along the course includes choir, bagpipers, drumming band, charity cheering points and the 'Wall of Sound'.

The event is brought to you by the people behind the Great North Run, the world's biggest half marathon. Medals, finisher t-shirts and bragging rights for all. Finish at Glasgow Green with guaranteed festival atmosphere. Race pack collection and detailed info (first aid posts, toilets) are specified in the digital guide sent a few weeks before the race.

Receiving encouragement during the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run with Cobbr

When you're tackling the climb between kilometers 11 and 13 in Pollok Park, or pushing through the final downhill kilometers toward Glasgow Green, a word from your loved ones arrives at just the right moment. Cobbr allows your family and friends to record voice messages that trigger automatically at the kilometer of their choice during your race. They choose the moment – for example at kilometer 18 of the half when fatigue sets in – and you receive their voice in your earbuds, as if they were right there. Simple, effective, and it really makes a difference on the tough sections.

AJ Bell Great Scottish Run FAQ

What distances are available?

A 10K and half marathon (21.1 km), both on closed roads through Glasgow, starting at St Vincent Street and finishing at Glasgow Green.

Is the course difficult?

The 10K features a climb until km 1 then stays relatively flat for the final 7 kilometers. The half marathon gradually climbs from km 3 to km 13 (especially between km 11 and 13), then descends substantially to the finish. Rolling profile but accessible.

Are there time limits?

Specific information about time limits is provided in the digital guide sent before the race. The event welcomes runners of all levels.

Is it suitable for beginners?

The 10K works well for first-time goals, with a relatively flat second half. The half requires some preparation for the gradual climb, but the final descent helps. Both races benefit from exceptional atmosphere that carries you along.

What's the weather like in early October in Glasgow?

Typical conditions: between 9 and 14°C, high probability of rain (77%), average wind around 25 km/h. Prepare clothing suitable for moisture, but temperatures remain ideal for running.

Can I receive encouragement during the race?

Yes, in addition to the large crowds along the course, you can use Cobbr to receive voice messages from your loved ones triggered automatically at the kilometer of your choice. Useful when climbing through the parks or during those final kilometers.

The Great Scottish Run delivers Glasgow atmosphere, a course that shows two faces of the city, and a Glasgow Green finish that rewards all your efforts. The 703 runners registered through Cobbr understand: this is a race worth traveling for.