West of Scotland (South)

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The running scene in the west of Scotland is well-established with a wide range of clubs, groups, races, routes and specialist retailers. In Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire there's a tradition of athletic achievement with names like Kilbarchan AC, Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers and Ayr Seaforth but there's also a new world of recreational running that's blossomed dramatically in the last decade.

Names like Troon Tortoises and Strathaven Striders hint at a more relaxed environment of inclusion, fitness and fun. And of course jogscotland has transformed the running landscape for beginners and those of modest abilities with dozens of welcoming groups now firmly established across the area.

The race scene too is going from strength to strength. Highlights on the calendar are the Troon Tortoises 10K - the evening spring race heralds the start of lighter nights and warmer days; the Paisley Vision 10k attracts a bumper field, the Tom Scott 10 mile race at Strathclyde Park is a good test; there's a big day in September at Kilmacolm (10k/half marathon double) and the Ayr Turkey Trot is a Boxing Day favourite. Another recent addition is parkrun, and the 5K free timed Saturday morning event has become a fixture since it was launched in 2010 and now attracts 100 plus runners each week.

For the more serious runner there are over 30 tracks in the Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire area - there's bound to be one near you if you're building interval training into your programme. For the rest of us, happy with a gentle plod, the area has a network of parks and open spaces (Strathclyde Park, Chatelherault Park and Eglinton Park are popular locations), great hills (Gleniffer Braes come to mind) plus river walkways, canal paths and bicycle routes. So no excuse for not pulling on your shoes and getting some miles in!

Have a look through the sections below to find out more about the running community in the area!