Thousands of men created a positive impact of their health and wellbeing by taking to the streets of Glasgow for the 11th Men’s 10K on Father’s Day this morning. The event again acted as a perfect catalyst for addressing the issues of men’s health and wellbeing.
The rain held off and the 10K run took place in mild, overcast conditions in Glasgow’s city centre. The brand new 2016 route took runners from the Riverside Museum to George Square via some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The 10K race was officially started by Jay Semple who was nominated by his friend Christopher Quinn. Jay is registered blind and runs with a guide runner, but this didn’t stop him starting the event and then proceeding to run the 10K himself! He pressed the starter horn at 10am and then joined his running group to complete the route with his friends.
Event Director Neil Kilgour said: “The Men’s 10K plays such an important role in Scotland, inspiring thousands of men of all ages and abilities to get that little bit fitter. This year’s route was probably the best yet, taking in all of Glasgow’s iconic sights such as the Hydro, the Science Centre and the SECC, crossing over the Clyde via the Tradeston Bridge and finishing in George Square.”
“It was an incredible atmosphere generated by runners and supporters.”
The event threw up countless stories from ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
John Roach ran in honour of his son Calum, who was recently diagnosed with Autism. John uses running as a coping mechanism and a way to vent his frustration of being unable to help his son.
Relatively new to running, John’s first outing was a self-professed disaster; he vomited after one mile. Since then John has tackled several races including half marathons and one full marathon, raising funds and awareness of Autism. He now says that running is “part of my life” and he has plenty of races planned this year. John was understandably delighted after finishing the Glasgow Men’s 10K today, he has done Calum proud on Father’s Day!
Elsewhere, Bryan Morrison was running for a charity called SiMBA who give out memory boxes to parents who have recently experienced the awful case of a stillborn baby. In July 2003, Bryan and his wife were unfortunate enough to have this experience first-hand. SiMBA was set up in 2005 by a nurse called Sara Fitzsimmons who wanted to give these parents more. Well done to Bryan for raising money and awareness for a fantastic cause close to his heart.
Finally, Scott Sweeney ran the Glasgow Men’s 10K for the Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC) after his youngest son Liam was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis earlier this year.
Scott decided to run for SNAC after they had helped give some advice for Liam’s condition and he saw what great work they do. The fact it was Father’s Day no doubt made Scott’s 10K run all the more special.
Race Director Kilgour added: “Congratulations to everyone who took part – you all fully deserved your commemorative medal and goody bag. I am really proud of the fact that these men have acted and made positive change in their lives. They pulled the trainers on and made a difference not only in their lives but also that of their family and friends. They should walk tall once they’ve crossed that finish line.”
For those who want to do it all again or who missed out on Glasgow, there is still another chance to join the fun when the Men’s 10K returns to Edinburgh after a successful debut in the Scottish capital last year.
Edinburgh will host the event on Sunday 6th November just ahead of International Men’s Day with a route that begins on the Royal Mile and finishes at Murrayfield Stadium. To find out more visit http://www.mens10k.com/edinburgh and to see the full results from Glasgow, visit http://www.mens10k.com/glasgow