IT is a much-loved annual event that fills Queen's Park with laughter and love.

But this year, as with so many events, the Moira's Run has had to adapt to the limits of the pandemic and find a new way to go ahead.

For what is the sixth year of the event, the 5k run will be virtual - and people from across the UK and beyond are encouraged to get involved.

Organised by Police Scotland's Violence Reduction Unit, the event will take place over October 24 and 25 with people asked to run, walk or toddle a 5k distance in Moira's memory.

The event raises money for The Moira Fund, set up as a legacy for Moira Jones, who was brutally murdered in the South Side park in May 2008.

Her mum Bea said she was aware of people having signed up from as far away as Lewis and Cornwall to take part, as well as many who will still bring the joy of Moira's Run to Queen's Park.

She said: "Initially, this necessary change of plan brought me much disappointment because as you know, apart from being our biggest fundraiser of the year, we looked forward always to the wonderful warmth and camaraderie which surrounded us in Queen’s Park.

"Like so many others from near and far we cannot be there this time.

"However, I am now liking the idea that many people wherever they are will be walking or running for Moira over the weekend of October 24 and 25.

"We will be walking along a Staffordshire towpath, probably on both days and it will be good to know at the same time we will be walking virtually with folks from all round Glasgow, folks from Caithness to Hampshire, from the Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis to a coastal footpath in Cornwall, from all over Scotland and many paces in England too.

"This is so heart-warming and we are so grateful to those joining us everywhere."

A Moira's Run tradition is for a team from Govanhill's Neeson's Bar to take part - always dressed up in eye-catching costumes.

Glasgow Times:

Last year the team turned up wearing inflatable dinosaur costumes and brought the pre-race warm up session to tears of laughters.

Neeson's is stepping up to the start line again this year by walking 5k at 10.30am on Saturday.

They will be heading round the loch in St James Heritage Park in East Kilbride.

Bea added: "That I would like to see.

"They have become such an important part of this event, representing all that is good and positive in our wonderful community of supporters.

"And I am much comforted to know that Queen’s Park will not be deserted: that there will be flowers for Moira: that many will actually still walk or run there, not altogether of course, but at a time and around a route to suit them.

"And all participants will earn a medal as usual, not on the day, but by post with a virtual hug."

To register to take part see the website: www.entrycentral.com/MoirasRun