Thousands of children take on Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run at Glasgow Green

Thousands of children turned out for the return of the Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.

The event returned for 2026 on Saturday after last year’s races were cancelled due to Storm Amy.

Families from across Scotland travelled to the city as 2,000 children took part in the event, which was held at Glasgow Green.

Gladiators Athena and Hammer were at the start line to give high fives to children taking part, while four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan and Tartan Trekker Craig Ferguson also cheered on the next generation of runners.

Children aged three to eight took part in the 1.5km Mini course, while the Junior run saw nine to 15-year-olds take on 2.5km.

Toddlers also took part in a mini dash, while a mascot race saw Brightest Star’s Buddy the Star cross the finish line ahead of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Kami Bear, Glasgow Warriors’ Clyde, AJ Bell’s Investabell and Great Run’s Tyney.

Fundraisers included 11-year-old Zane Murray, who raised £900 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and sisters Lana, eight, and Edie, seven, who raised funds for the Beatson.

Mum Colleen said: “It was lovely to get the kids involved. The girls had a great time and they loved meeting the Gladiators. Glasgow is at its best when it’s a family event like this and everyone comes together. Everyone knows someone who has had treatment at the Beatson.

“Lana is already desperate to do the 2k next year, so there’s definitely going to be a Davidson attendance in some form.”

Mum Laurin, whose two-year-old Roisin ran the toddler dash in a Wonder Woman costume, said: “She loved her medal, meeting Eilish and the Gladiators, and seeing Kami Bear run. The morning was really well set up for the kids.”

Athena said: “Seeing so many young runners give it everything today was brilliant. The energy on Glasgow Green was unreal, and every single one of them should be proud of themselves.”

Eilish McColgan added: “Days like this are where it all starts. I loved running as a kid, and seeing thousands of children crossing the finish line with huge smiles is the best thing about the Great Scottish Run weekend.”

Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company, said: “It was fantastic to see the Junior and Mini events back bigger and better than ever. Glasgow Green was full of colour and pride today, and it’s the perfect start to what is set to be our biggest ever weekend.”

The children’s events served as a warm up for Sunday’s Great Scottish Run, which will see more than 30,000 people take part in the 10k and half marathon.