Run for the money two for the show .. let’s get ready and GO GO GO

The Paisley 10k and fun run will see thousands of people taking to the streets when the event returns to the town later this year.

Event organisers OneRen are aiming high this year and hope to be able to smash 2023’s record-breaking runners total which saw over 3,500 people participate in the 10K road race and fun run – taking in some of Paisley’s most iconic landmarks along the way.

Entries for the Sunday, August 18, spectacular are now open with participants able to enjoy a discount on their entry fee before Friday, June 14.

Putting their best foot forward are people seeking to set a new personal best, those overcoming challenges to take part and folk looking to enjoy a great, family day out.

Following an accident six years ago, Dr Julie McElroy found her options became more limited – but last year she completed the Paisley 10k with the help of her Frame Runner.

Determined Julie told the Express: “Last year, the cheers from my fellow runners when they were shouting, ‘keep left’ so that I could bypass some of the slower runners was immensely helpful.

“It’s great when navigating downhill and through the bustling high street, feeling energised by the supportive crowd.”

Julie added that participating in the Paisley 10k with a Frame Runner allowed her to advocate for inclusion, demonstrating her capability to engage in mainstream activities alongside others – and it reminds her of her past.

She said: “Paisley has been integral to my journey. Spending a decade studying at the University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley campus holds significant memories for me.

“Being able to run alongside everyone and experience the atmosphere, passing through familiar streets, makes the navigation and enjoyment worthwhile.”

The Paisley 10k road race is a flat, fast course that takes runners out to the west of the town after a loop around Paisley’s historic town centre.

Over 3k of the route will be on the Paisley Canal to Kilmacolm cycle track, with the start and finish line located in County Square, right outside Paisley Gilmour Street railway station.

The course is an accurately measured 10k verified by Scottish Athletics – many past runners have achieved their 10k personal best in Paisley so it represents a target race.

The event is brought to the town by OneRen and supported by Renfrewshire Council.

Euan McCracken, 30, from Paisley, has run the 10k twice and is keen to beat his personal best. He said: “I find the event a tremendous experience. Not only does it encourage an impressive number of runners across the country, but also attracts a big crowd who create a terrific atmosphere throughout the town.

“You can really feed off the crowd energy to push through the finish line.”

And Chris Brown, 55, from Paisley, is determined to better his five previous performances for the “bragging rights” particularly as he’s “not getting any younger”. He added: “Running round our Paisley landmarks with the huge numbers that come to support and cheer you on is a great feeling.

“The home straight and finish line are always exciting and give you that wee boost when you need it!”

But it’s not all serious runners. Angela Hamilton, 31, from Lochwinnoch, took part in last year’s fun run with her five-month-old daughter Poppy. Her husband ran his first 10k and was so inspired, he signed up for the 2024 London Marathon.

Angela said: “The event allowed me to take part in the fun run with my daughter in the pram so it meant that I wasn’t having to miss out and I was able to just take her along with me. It is also local to me and a great excuse for a different activity to do as a family.”