Over 30,000 runners braved the inclement conditions to take part in the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in Glasgow, an event which has been rewarded with a five-star certification by European Athletics Running for All.
The event culminated with the half marathon which featured reigning champion and home favourite Callum Hawkins, who finished an excellent fourth in the marathon at the IAAF World Championships in London less than two months ago.
But the effects of that standout performance still lingered in Hawkins’ legs as Chris Thompson, 36, broke clear from Hawkins and fellow Rio Olympian Tsegai Tewelde in the middle stages of the race. The only time the leader looked on the cusp of faltering was on a particularly sharp corner in Bellahouston Park which was made treacherous by the rainfall but Thompson just about kept his balance.
Thompson, who won a silver medal in the 10,000m at the European Championships behind Mo Farah seven years ago, broke the tape in 62:44 with Hawkins and Tewelde second and third respectively, both timed at 63:18.
“At my age I have good days and bad days. This was a good day especially when you’re ahead of someone who was fourth at the world championships. It was as much a mental battle as a physical one because he is such a good athlete,” Thompson told Athletics Weekly after the race.
Our first runner is over the line here at the Bank Of Scotland #GreatScottishRun half marathon! Congratulations @Thommo10k pic.twitter.com/fkFOiMgy52
— Great Scottish Run (@GreatScotRun) October 1, 2017
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Filomena Cheyech Daniel broke away from the rest of the elite women as soon as the gun fired. She settled in with a group of top level domestic runners and coasted to victory in 70:17 ahead of Charlotte Purdue (72:18) and Fionnuala Ross (74:26). On her comeback from injury, former European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey was seventh in 78:11.
The amazing @jopavey is over the finish here in Glasgow Green! #GreatScottishRun pic.twitter.com/fY3CLaMHjd
— Great Scottish Run (@GreatScotRun) October 1, 2017
With more than 30,000 runners taking part, the event remains Scotland’s biggest sporting event.
“Today has been the culmination of Scotland’s biggest ever weekend of running with over 30,000 participants. Congratulations to the winners, to all the runners who took part and, as ever, our profound thanks to the people of Glasgow who lined the streets and created such a great atmosphere to cheer them on,” said Alex Jackson from the Great Run Company.
Entries are already open for the 2018 edition of the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run.
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