AJ Bell Great Scottish Run – Glasgow, Scotland 2025

Background & History

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, Scotland’s largest running event, began in 1979 and has grown into a celebrated annual tradition in Glasgow, organised by the Great Run Company, known for the Great North Run. Held on 5 October 2025, it features a 10K and Half Marathon, attracting over 30,000 runners of all abilities. The event showcases Glasgow’s vibrant urban architecture, green spaces, and historic landmarks, with a city centre start at George Square and a finish at Glasgow Green.

It raises millions for charities like the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Scottish SPCA, with strong community support from Glasgow’s “friendliest city” crowds. The Junior & Mini events on 4 October engage families, making it a weekend of inclusive celebration.

Event Highlights

• Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run: 4 October 2025, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Glasgow Green, £5–£10 ≈ $6.25–$12.50 USD (speculative). Includes Toddler Dash (up to 3 years, free), Mini (3–8 years, 1.5km), and Junior (9–15 years, 2.5km). Official starters: BBC Gladiators Sabre and Apollo.,
• 10K Race: 5 October 2025, 8:30 AM, George Square to Glasgow Green, £37 ≈ $46 USD. Passes landmarks like The Hydro, Finnieston Crane, and McLennan Arch. Minimum age: 15.,
• Half Marathon: 5 October 2025, 10:00 AM, George Square to Glasgow Green, £42 ≈ $53 USD. Includes Nelson’s Monument, Clyde Arc, and Pollok Park. Minimum age: 17.,
• Fringe Events: 4–5 October 2025, Glasgow Green and George Square, free–£10 ≈ $0–$12.50 USD. Includes charity village, live music, and family activities.,
• Post-Race: Medals, finisher t-shirts, and official photos for all participants. Access to the Great Run app for live tracking and results.,

City

• Glasgow: Scotland’s largest city, known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and green spaces like Glasgow Green and Pollok Park. Dubbed the UK’s “friendliest city” by Condé Nast, it’s a hub for music, history, and community spirit, 50 miles from Edinburgh.,

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues: George Square (G2 1DU, start), Glasgow Green (G40 1AT, finish, Junior & Mini events), St Vincent Street (10K/Half Marathon route).
• Secondary Venues: Charity village and fringe events at Glasgow Green and George Square.
• Administrative Contact: The Great Run Company, PO Box 557, Gateshead, NE8 9FU; enquiries@greatrun.org.
• Note: Course maps and spectator details at www.greatrun.org.,

Date & Duration

• Date: 4–5 October 2025.
• Duration: 2 days.
• Opening Times:
  • 4 October: Junior & Mini Events, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
  • 5 October: 10K (8:30 AM), Half Marathon (10:00 AM), fringe events (8:00 AM–4:00 PM).
• Note: Times per the provided document and check www.greatrun.org for updates.

Venue / Location

• George Square: Race start (G2 1DU). Limited accessibility due to crowds; temporary accessible toilets. Public transport advised (Queen Street Station, 5-minute walk).
• Glasgow Green: Race finish and Junior & Mini events (G40 1AT). Step-free access, temporary toilets (some accessible). Limited parking; Blue Badge spaces via enquiries@greatrun.org.
• Route: 10K and Half Marathon pass The Hydro, Finnieston Crane, Clyde Arc, McLennan Arch, and Pollok Park (Half Marathon). Spectator points mapped in event programme (~£5 ≈ $6.25 USD). Uneven terrain at some points; accessibility TBD.
• Note: Full accessibility and spectator details TBD at www.greatrun.org; contact enquiries@greatrun.org.

Contact Information

• Email: enquiries@greatrun.org (general, ticketing, accessibility).
• Phone: Not listed; use online form at www.greatrun.org/contact.
• Website: www.greatrun.org (tickets, course maps, FAQs).
• Social Media: @Great_Run (Twitter/X), @GreatNorthRunGNR (Facebook), @GreatRunTV (YouTube). Newsletter signup at www.greatrun.org.
• Ticketing: Via www.greatrun.org or www.letsdothis.com; charity entries via partner websites (e.g., www.bhf.org.uk, www.scottishspca.org).,,

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Standard entries via www.greatrun.org or www.letsdothis.com; charity entries via partner websites (e.g., www.bhf.org.uk, www.macmillan.org.uk). Booking fee (£2.50 ≈ $3.13 USD) and Glasgow Council Environmental Levy (£2.40 ≈ $3 USD) apply. Refunds per Great Run policies; charity entries may have fundraising commitments. Early registration advised (opens January 2025). Contact enquiries@greatrun.org for groups or accessibility.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD):
  • 10K: £37 ≈ $46 USD (standard); charity entries: £10–£37 ≈ $12.50–$46 USD (e.g., British Heart Foundation: £10 + £175 fundraising; Scottish SPCA: £37, no target).
  • Half Marathon: £42 ≈ $53 USD (standard); charity entries: £10–£42 ≈ $12.50–$53 USD (e.g., Macmillan: £25 + £250 fundraising; Marie Curie: £10 + £175 fundraising).
  • Junior & Mini: £5–£10 ≈ $6.25–$12.50 USD (speculative, Toddler Dash free).
  • Programme: ~£5 ≈ $6.25 USD (speculative, includes course maps).
  • Donations: Suggested $2.50–$12.50 USD at charity village (not mandatory).
• Additional Notes: Prices per provided document and speculative for Junior & Mini and programme. Full 2025 prices TBD January 2025 at www.greatrun.org. Concessions TBD.

Cultural Experience

The Great Scottish Run celebrates Glasgow’s vibrant spirit, blending athletic challenge with community pride. Runners experience iconic landmarks, live music at entertainment zones every kilometre, and enthusiastic crowd support. The Junior & Mini events engage families, while charity participation fosters social impact, raising funds for causes like cancer research and animal welfare, reflecting Scotland’s communal ethos.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Food stalls at Glasgow Green and George Square (e.g., burgers, coffee, Scottish fare, $5–$15 USD, cash/card). No alcohol at race venues due to safety regulations.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Willow Tearooms (Sauchiehall Street, afternoon tea, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from George Square).
  • Rogano (seafood, $15–$30 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • The Bothy (Scottish cuisine, $10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Horseshoe Bar, $5–$10 USD); none at race venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Junior & Mini events (4 October) for ages 3–15; Toddler Dash (up to 3 years) free, must run with parent. Mini (3–8 years) requires parental accompaniment; Junior (9–15 years) is optional. Suitable for all ages at fringe events; parental discretion advised for crowded race day.
• Accessibility:
  • George Square: Limited accessibility due to crowds; temporary accessible toilets.
  • Glasgow Green: Step-free access, some accessible toilets; Blue Badge parking via enquiries@greatrun.org.
  • Route: Uneven terrain at spectator points; accessibility TBD. Contact enquiries@greatrun.org for accommodations.
  • Assistance animals welcome; full details TBD at www.greatrun.org.,

Getting There

• By Air: Glasgow Airport (GLA, 10 miles, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Glasgow Queen Street/Central Stations (5-minute walk to George Square, $10–$30 USD from Edinburgh). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: Buchanan Bus Station (10-minute walk, $5–$15 USD from Edinburgh). Free for under 22s/over 60s with a Scottish bus pass.
• By Car: Limited parking at Glasgow Green ($5–$10 USD, speculative); Blue Badge spaces via enquiries@greatrun.org. Public transport is advised due to road closures.
• By Coach: Pre-book via enquiries@greatrun.org (24 hours’ notice).
• By Bike/Foot: 10-minute walk from Queen Street Station; bike racks at George Square.
• By Taxi: Glasgow Taxis (+44 141 429 7070, $5–$10 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($5–$15 USD).,