Thousands of everyday heroes take part in the Great Scottish Run 10K each year to challenge themselves and to raise money for good causes.
Scotland’s friendliest city always delivers on the support front, with crowds of locals turning out to cheer and high-five charity runners from beginning to end. Plus, there are medals, finisher t-shirts and bragging rights as just reward.
A sea of runners line up at the start of the Great Scottish Run 10K each autumn and a huge number of these will be charity runners ie. people who have secured a charity place in the event in return for raising funds for a charity.
These incredible charity runners raise millions of pounds for important causes. You too can get a guaranteed place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time by running for one of these charities.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries have sold out.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth 10K, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation.
When you show up in central Glasgow, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear with pride on the big day, and often kit you out with a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high. You won't be alone in central Glasgow!
The Great Scottish Run 10K and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
The Great Scottish Run is suitable for wheelchair users. There is a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).
The Business Challenge is a corporate running challenge in the biggest cities across the UK. It’s open to organisations of all shapes and sizes, is suitable for groups large or small (minimum team of 4) and is great for all ages and abilities. If you’re tired of cringey teambuilding exercises, it’s a great way to invest in workforce wellbeing for a happier and healthier team.
Follow a stunning route past the city’s most famous landmarks, along the River Clyde and through some of Glasgow’s greenest spaces. Starting in the heart of the city, runners soak up the atmosphere and music all the way to the finish in Glasgow Green, passing the famous entertainment zones every kilometre.
This event is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of this event will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:
In addition, it is striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.
Finisher tees are now optional. You can choose to forgo your finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this the organiser will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.
The organisers will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be around £20,000.
A shiny new, Great Scottish Run medal, an exclusive finishers t-shirt plus a finisher’s bag filled with goodies.
Event day tracking and results ready to view on the app shortly after you cross the finish line.
Access to exclusive runners only discounts and offers via the rewards platform.
Make it personal with an iTAB. Order yours when you sign up.
For environmental reasons the official t-shirt is now optional.
Official event day photos available to view and purchase straight after the event, so smile for the cameras!
Wondering whether to run for charity but unsure how to fundraise? Charities are experts in this topic and will provide the reassurance you need but here are some tips get you started:
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
Well organised. Well supported. Well done to all runners and spectators alike. Well, I’m in for 2024. Come join us. Billy T
My first time doing anything like that. Was nervous before but once I got there the other runners and the crowd made me feel at ease. Great experience will definitely be doing it again. Paul B
First time taking part in an organised event like this and enjoyed the atmosphere, course and the whole experience. Frazer D
I really enjoyed the race and the atmosphere was amazing!! Clara B
Exciting, great vibes, everyone was supportive of each other, great course, good goody bag. Marisa L
Fantastic run! Perfect for beginners like myself. Very well organised and amazing atmosphere with lots of local support. Definetly recommend. Lucy M
Was a great day. If you want to do this type of thing just do it. Michael M
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
