With the Men’s 10K Glasgow set to return to the streets of Glasgow on Sunday 12 July, runners across Scotland are being encouraged to lace up their trainers and sign up for one of the country’s most popular running events. Taking participants through the heart of Glasgow on closed roads, the event has become a firm favourite on the running calendar, known for its incredible atmosphere and strong sense of community.
For Men’s 10K ambassador Jock Rintoul, it’s an event that captures everything he loves about running.
“It means a lot to me to represent the Men’s 10K,” he said. “It’s an event that’s always on my calendar and something I look forward to every year. Everything I love about running is represented in this event - the atmosphere, the community, and seeing so many people come together on the day.”
The event brings together runners of all abilities, from those taking part in their very first 10K to seasoned runners chasing personal bests. With thousands expected to line the route, the support from spectators is one of the defining features of the day, “The crowds are great. Running through the closed roads of the city makes it a proper big event.”
For many runners, one of the most memorable moments comes during the final stretch of the course, “Glasgow Green just before the finish,” is Rintoul’s most memorable. “The crowd energy really picks up there and you can see the finish line ahead of you and it gives you that final push.”
The supportive atmosphere is something that repeatedly stands out to participants.
“Everyone is encouraging each other and the crowds really get behind the runners. It makes a huge difference. There’s a massive turnout for a 10K and hearing people cheering you on really helps when you’re digging deep.”
Beyond the challenge of the run itself, the event is also about shared experiences and celebrating personal achievements. For Rintoul, some of the most rewarding moments come from seeing others succeed, “Getting to do the run with a group of guys and seeing them all smash their goals and have a great day out together is brilliant.”
The Men’s 10K also plays an important role in bringing the wider community together, with thousands of supporters turning out along the route to cheer on participants.
“There’s a big running community feel to it,” Rintoul said. “Everyone’s out supporting us and it really brings people together for the day.”
Among the crowds and runners are countless inspiring stories, from those running their first 10K to participants raising money for causes close to their hearts.
“There were so many inspiring runners out there,” he said. “People running their first ever event, people running for charities and causes close to them. That’s always motivating to see.”
For Rintoul, events like the Men’s 10K are also vital in encouraging people to stay active and set personal goals.
“Events like this give people a goal to aim for and something to train towards. It’s a great way to get people into running and staying active.”
With this year’s event approaching, he has a clear message for anyone thinking about signing up: “Sign up already. Set the goal, get the training in and commit to it. This is the event to do it at - incredible atmosphere, closed roads and huge support all the way round.”
If he had to sum up the Men’s 10K in just three words, Rintoul doesn’t hesitate.
“Supportive. Motivational. Inspirational.”
With the countdown to Sunday 12 July now underway, runners across the country are being encouraged to join thousands of others on the start line and experience the atmosphere for themselves.