Olympian and mental health campaigner to launch Great Scottish Run

Eilish McColgan, a four-time Olympian, will sound the starting bell for this year’s half marathon runners, while Craig Ferguson, known for his recent fundraising trek across America, will send off the 10km runners.

Taking place on Sunday, October 4, this year's event is set to be the largest yet, with 35,000 runners expected to take part across the weekend.

Reflecting on the upcoming run weekend, Eilish said: "I love this event, it's one of the best races in the calendar and there’s nothing like the Glasgow crowds who create an amazing atmosphere from start to finish.

"There aren’t many sports where so many people of different levels and abilities can join together and take on the same challenge, in a sport that I love so much."

Craig, a Tartan Army superfan who raised more than £1 million during his Tartan Trek across the US, said: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be one of the official starters at this year’s event to celebrate what's already been an incredible year of sporting achievements for Scotland.

"I’ve taken part in this event before but this is going to be something else.

"Can’t wait to soak up that start line atmosphere that the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is known and loved for."

The AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run returns on Saturday, October 3, with BBC One’s Gladiators also making a comeback to entertain young runners and their families.

Thousands of supporters are expected to line the streets once again, cheering on participants of all abilities as they race through Glasgow and finish at the Après Run Village in Glasgow Green.

Organisers say the event marks the culmination of a "massive" year of sport in Scotland and encourage everyone to get involved, whether inspired by football fever, recent successes at the Commonwealth Games, or just a personal love of sport.

Entries are now open for this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and runners can sign up at greatrun.org/Scottish.