THIS year’s Glasgow Men’s 10K takes place on Father’s Day, Sunday 19th June. A beautiful city centre route awaits the thousands of men who will each have their own reason for running in just over a week’s time. Entries are flying in for the event this year and the stage is set for the biggest and best Men’s 10K yet!
Each year, the Men’s 10K acts as a catalyst for addressing the issues of men’s health and wellbeing, whether that be them becoming more active, overcoming serious illness, or running for a loved one. The event never fails to conjure up countless incredible stories of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, and 2016 is no different.
One guy who typifies the spirit of the event is Jay Semple. Jay will be the official starter of the Glasgow Men’s 10K this year, after being nominated by his good friend Christopher Quinn; a role he described as “an absolute honour”. Jay’s drive and determination inspired Christopher to put him forward, and we couldn’t have asked for a more worthy starter.
Jay is registered blind and runs with a guide runner, his vision is quickly deteriorating as time goes on, but this has not stopped him running events all over the UK in recent years. Jay has run in the Men’s 10K on several occasions and it is a hugely important event for him. Jay is inspired by his three year old son and plans to give him his medals once he is old enough as well as encouraging him to take up running himself. A growing collection of 65 medals from 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and more from all over the UK are testament to Jay’s courage. His refusal to let his loss of vision prevent him from completing these challenges is admirable. The 19th of June is set to be an extra special Father’s Day for Jay, starting the race and then running 10K to be greeted by his son at the finish line in George Square.
Elsewhere, Maurice Donohue, who was the official starter for the 10th anniversary last year, is back this year and you won’t miss him! Maurice and friend Colin Thomas (who also ran the event last year) will be running in their dashing cavemen outfits, fully clad with caveman clubs and headbands! Maurice and Colin will be raising awareness of mental health and Scotland’s leading mental health charity SAMH who are based in Glasgow. We hope their efforts will be a ‘roaring’ success. Be sure to give them a wave if you see them!
This year’s route begins at the Riverside Transport Museum, before heading along the River Clyde, passing by many of Glasgow’s most iconic landmarks and finishing in George Square where cheering crowds await to help runners across the line where they will receive their well earned medal, water and goodybag.
Entries are still open for this year’s Glasgow Men’s 10K, closing at 5pm on Wednesday 15th June. To find out more and grab your late entry, head to http://www.mens10k.com/glasgow.
Edinburgh will host the second Men’s 10K event of 2016 on Sunday 1st November just ahead of International Men’s Day. The route begins on the Royal Mile and finishes at Murrayfield Stadium. To find out more visit http://www.mens10k.com/edinburgh.
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