THE running track used by athletes going for gold during the Commonwealth Games will be donated to an East End sports club.

Scotland's national football stadium has been adapted to allow it to host the high profile athletics events.

That has involved laying an international standard running track that will have to be lifted when the Games finish to allow Hampden Park to revert to a football stadium.

The track has been bought by sportscotland, the national agency, which invited Glasgow and Falkirk councils to submit bids to reuse it.

Glasgow wants to use its section of track to benefit a popular East End club.

And next week, councillors will be asked to approve the £530,000 cost of installing it at Crownpoint.

It has been identified by Scottish Athletics as an important training and competition venue.

A report from Archie Graham, the city council's Games spokesman, states: The opportunity to improve facilities as a result of the 2014 Games will benefit resident athletic clubs Shettleston Harriers and Redstar AC and other clubs, groups and individuals across the city.

"Crownpoint is at the heart of athletics in the east of Glasgow, inspiring those within the area to get involved through their local club network.

"Shettleston Harriers is one of the fastest growing clubs in Scotland and has produced many top level athletes, including Commonwealth Games gold medallists."

Redstar is a club for athletes with disabilities and is renowned for the work it does in the field of disability sport.

Mr Graham said: "The legacy from Hampden would provide a world class track and field experience for thousands of Glasgow athletes, young and old, representing all levels of the sport from casual participant to elite athletes.

"The much-needed improvements will ensure these successful programmes can continue and that Glasgow will be in a strong position to respond to the expected increase in demand for sports facilities in the wake of the 2014 Games."

The council states city-wide, regional and national events could be hosted at an upgraded Crownpoint, relieving pressure on the city's main outdoor athletics venue at Scotstoun and the indoor athletics space at the Emirates.

It is expected there will enough of the running track carpet to provide high jump and javelin run-up tracks and to replace pole vault and high jump tracks.

It will cost about £430,000 to relocate the Hampden track to Crownpoint and a further £100,000 to upgrade specialist field event facilities and to carry out improvements to the spectator accommodation.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk