Thousands compete in Glasgow race

Runners approach the finish line at Glasgow Green

Almost 18,000 runners of all ages and abilities have taken to the streets of Glasgow for Scotland's largest participatory event.

The freshnlo Great Scottish Run was described as an "outstanding success".

The junior 3K race took place on Saturday, while seniors competed in the 10K and half marathon on Sunday.

Elite athletes and fun-runners raced from George Square, over the Kingston Bridge to complete the course at Glasgow Green.

The men's half marathon was won by Kenyan Issal Macharia in a time of 1.02.42. Japanese athletes Toru Okada and Naoto Yoneda were second and third respectively, with Andrew Lemoncello from Fife the first Scot home in 1.06.29.

In the women's race, first place went to Arusei Peninah from Kenya in a time of 1.10.47 followed by Hayley Haining from Kilbarchan, in 1.11.18, also claiming the prize for first placed Scot.

The atmosphere was electric from the moment the first runner crossed the start line Derek Casey Glasgow 2014 bid director

Aya Manome from Japan was third, while the wheelchair race was won by Mark Telford in a time of 58.48.

Derek Casey, the director for Glasgow's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said it had been a great weekend for the city.

"Today's 10k and half marathon have been an outstanding success, with Glasgow's streets transformed into a giant running track for the day," he said.

"Over 20,000 people took part, making it one of the biggest and best races ever held in our country.

"The atmosphere was electric from the moment the first runner crossed the start line and it continued as thousands more followed in their tracks throughout the morning."

He said the success of the event highlighted that Glasgow was ready to host the 2014 games.

Marc Wynn and his friends hoped to set a new world record

Bailie Liz Cameron, chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: "It's been an outstanding day, with runners setting their own personal bests and raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity."

The race was started by veteran entertainer Sir Jimmy Savile, with runners including Marc Wynn, who was hoping to raise £10,000 for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill in Glasgow.

He and a group of friends dressed as ostriches in an attempt to set a new world record.

Mr Wynn, whose daughter was treated at the hospital as a baby, said: "We were very impressed by the care she received and very grateful to the staff for all they did.

"I decided that I'd do all I could to raise money for the hospital - and this weekend that means dressing up as an ostrich and running the Great Scottish Run."

All money raised will be donated to the Yorkhill Children's Foundation, which aims to make time spent in the hospital less distressing for children and their families.