TELLY stars Kim Neill and Johnny Pender have a message for Great Scottish Junior runners everywhere: get up and go for it! The prince and princess of Saturday morning kids' TV are proud to be ambassadors for this year's event, of which the Evening Times is media partner.

And just to prove they are no slouches when it comes to getting fit and healthy, the teenagers have signed up for the 10K in the adult race. Top tips on how to prepare for the Junior run NEVER RUN before? Want to take part in the Junior Great Scottish Run on September 5? Stuart Grieve, sports development officer at Culture and Sport Glasgow, has some top tips on how to get ready ...

1 Start now! Use the summer break to get active, whether walking in the local park, swimming or trying out a new sport. There's lots going on around the city - check out www.activeglasgow.com for some ideas.

2 About four to six weeks before, begin more structured training. Start off slowly - run for 30 seconds, walk for 30 seconds, for example - and build up to running for three, walking for one. You don't have to run the whole 3K or 1.5K, you can part-walk, part-jog it if you prefer.

3 Make sure you warm up and cool down before each session and the run itself - slow jogs and stretching will help prepare your muscles.

4 Prepare your body with lots of healthy food - fruit, veg and a healthy breakfast on the day of the run are essential - and drink plenty of water in training and race day. Keep well hydrated.

5 Don't stop! Once you've done the Junior Run, join a jogging club or take part in running sessions and fitness classes. Visit www.activeglasgow.com or your local leisure centre for details. And most of all - enjoy it! Feeling fitter will make you feel happier and healthier and will also boost your confidence.

"We've never run a 10K before, so we're a wee bit nervous," admits Kim, who co-presents wknd@stv with Johnny, who adds: "But we're really honoured to have the opportunity to support the Junior Run."

This year's Junior Great Scottish Run, supported by Lloyds TSB and Bank of Scotland, takes place on September 5. This year there are two junior races to choose from: the standard 3K or, for the first time, the shorter 1.5K distance (1500 metres).

"We're determined to train properly, and really go for it," adds Kim, 18. "I do dance classes and the gym, but I'm not a runner. So I'm working with a personal trainer, and I'll stick to a plan."

Johnny, 18, who plays volleyball for the Glasgow Mets, says: "Running is completely different from any of the training I do for the Mets, but the commitment and discipline is the same."

Kim adds with a grin: "And we can motivate each other - or rather, compete against each other!"

Johnny laughs: "Absolutely - if Kim runs half a mile more than me, that will spur me on to do better ..."

The twosome have been at the helm of wknd@stv for the past six months, but have known each other since they started drama classes at the Glasgow Acting Academy around eight years ago.

"We were friends before we worked together - we also went to college together - so we get on really well," smiles Kim. "We'll train together when we can. It's fantastic to get involved in the Junior Run, hopefully because it will inspire lots of young people to sign up.

"What you learn while you're training will last long after the run itself. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone and it's great to start young."

Johnny adds: "If you train sensibly, anyone can do it, and it will be such an achievement to cross the finishing line. We're looking forward to experiencing the fantastic atmosphere too, with everyone cheering along the route."

Kim and Johnny were invited to become ambassadors by sponsor Lloyds TSB Scotland, whose Lisa Stephenson said: As a parent of two children, I know how much energy they have, and the opportunity to participate in this Junior Run will be a great focus for many.

Kim and Johnny understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are a perfect example of incorporating fitness into your life while having fun."

Both junior races will take place on September 5 on Glasgow Green. If you are between nine and 17 years old on the day, you can enter either. It costs £6 to enter, but if you are a Glasgow Young Scot or Kidz Card holder you can enter for £3. All entrants will receive a souvenir T-shirt and all those who finish will also receive a commemorative medal, goodie bag and race certificate with their race time and finish position on it.

To enter, visit www.runglasgow.org or call the race hotline: 0845 2700 166.