Marathon runners could be back on city’s streets... after 30 years
GLASGOW could soon have its own regular marathon for the first time in more than 30 years.
The Evening Times can reveal that the company behind the annual Great Scottish Run is considering bringing a new 26-mile race back to the city.
Glasgow Life yesterday confirmed it is in discussions with the Great Run company over the return of the race.
Thousands of runners took part in the firm’s Glasgow events over the weekend, including the 10k, the flagship half-marathon and the Super Saturday family and kids races.
Everyone who participated was sent a survey by organisers, which included a question on whether or not “adding a marathon to the weekend would enhance the Great Scottish Run”.
They were then asked if they would “take part in the marathon if it was introduced”.
Glasgow last regularly hosted a marathon between 1978 until 1987, but dwindling numbers saw it replaced by the shorter distances – apart from a one-off for the millennium.
There have been a number of attempts to bring the race back to the city over the years, but the prohibitive cost has always seemingly put potential organisers off.
A professional marathon was last run in Glasgow as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
A spokeswoman for Glasgow Life said: “There are ongoing discussions regarding the potential to hold a marathon event in the city, and the feedback from Great Scottish Run participants will be carefully considered.”
Kevin Queenan from Bellahouston Road Runners said there would now definitely be demand for the run in the city.
“The running community is crying out for one,” he said, pointing out that most of the other big cities in the UK have a marathon. “It’s disappointing that Glasgow doesn’t”.
Glasgow East MP and marathon runner, David
news@ eveningtimes. co.uk Linden, said he believed it would be “hugely popular for runners all across the world.”
He added: “A huge amount of work has already been done by the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to make sure our city is a welcoming destination and open for business.
“This seems like a logical way to build on that good work.
“Having run a couple of London marathons now, I’ve seen just how much money is generated for the local economy and it would be great to see that replicated here in our great city of Glasgow.
“Let’s hope this comes to fruition”
Earlier this year the Great Run company cancelled the marathon in Stirling after just three years.
They said they had been forced to make the “difficult” decision because they had been unable to create the “world-class” event they had hoped.