The Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August..
Event organisers OneRen are aiming high this year and hope to be able to break last year’s record-breaking runners total, which saw over 3,500 people pull on their trainers and participate in the 10K road race and Fun Run, taking in some of Paisley’s most iconic landmarks along the way.
Among those dusting off their running shoes are those seeking to set a new personal best, those overcoming challenges to take part and those looking to enjoy a great, family day out.
Following an accident 6 years ago, Dr Julie McElroy found her options became more limited, but last year she completed the Paisley 10k with the help of her Frame Runner. Julie said: “Last year, the cheers from my fellow runners when they were shouting ‘keep left’ so that I could bypass some of the slower runners was immensely helpful. It’s great when navigating downhill and through the bustling high street, feeling energised by the supportive crowd.”
Julie added that participating in the Paisley 10k with a Frame Runner allowed her to advocate for inclusion, demonstrating her capability to engage in mainstream activities alongside others – and it reminds her of her past. She said: “Paisley has been integral to my journey. Spending a decade studying at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus holds significant memories for me. Being able to run alongside everyone and experience the atmosphere, passing through familiar streets makes the navigation and enjoyment worthwhile.”
The Paisley 10k Road race is a flat, fast race that takes runners out to the west of the town after a loop around Paisley’s historic town centre. Over 3k of the route will be on the Paisley Canal to Kilmacolm cycle track, with the start and finish line located in County Square, right outside Paisley Gilmour Street train station. The course is an accurately measured 10k verified by Scottish Athletics – many past runners have achieved their 10k personal best in Paisley, so it’s a great race if you’ve got a time target in mind. The event is brought to you by OneRen and supported by Renfrewshire Council.
Euan McCracken, age 30 from Paisley, has run the Paisley 10k twice and is keen to beat his PB. He said: “I find the event a tremendous experience. Not only does it encourage an impressive number of runners across the country, but also attracts a big crowd who create a terrific atmosphere throughout the town. You can really feed off the crowd energy to push through the finish line.
Chris Brown, 55 from Paisley, is determined to better his five previous times, for the ‘bragging rights’, particularly as he’s ‘not getting any younger’. He added: “Running round our Paisley Landmarks with the huge numbers that come to support and cheer you on is a great feeling. The route is always lined with people cheering you on and its never dull. The home straight and finish line are always exciting and gives you that wee boost when you need it!”
But it’s not all serious runners. Angela Hamilton, 31, from Lochwinnoch, took part in last year’s Fun Run, with her 5-month-old daughter, Poppy. Her husband ran his first 10k and was so inspired, he signed up for the 2024 London Marathon. Angela said: “The event allowed me to take part in the Fun Run with my daughter in the pram, so it meant that I wasn’t having to miss out and I was able to just take her along with me. It is also local to me and a great excuse for a different activity to do as a family.”
You can sign up online at www.oneren.org/paisley-10k. Early bird discount fee available until 14th June 2024.
Headline image: Dr Julie McElroy
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council