Ladies Who Launch

11 JAN2011

One of the biggest events in the Scottish running calendar in 2011 was launched with some pzazz in Glasgow's busy Buchanan St shopping precinct yesterday. The four 'Faces of the Race' were joined by Clyde 1 presenter Shebahn Littlejohn for their first workout of the year despite the winter weather conditions. Dressed in full running gear the girls worked up a sweat as their preparations for the Ignis Asset Management Women's 10k on Sunday 8 May moved up a gear.

The 'Faces of the Race' are four 'everyday' women, who were chosen from hundreds of entries to front this year's Women's 10k promotional. campaign. They are Liz Burns, Jill Smyllie, Ruth Webber and Jodie McNair. The inspirational quartet are taking part for very different reasons with Liz (43), who is a nurse, aiming to walk the course after a very challenging year with her health. Ruth (55) runs her own business and enjoys running because she can fit it in around her busy schedule. Teacher Jill (30) takes part every year and is aiming for a personal best while full-time student Jodie (18) runs to help her focus on her studies.

Race organisers Glasgow Life hope that by sharing their reasons for signing up more than 13,000 others will be encouraged to join them, for what has become one of the best loved events in the Scottish sporting calendar and the biggest race of its kind in the UK.

Race spokesperson Councillor Anne McTaggart said: "The Ignis Asset Management Women's 10k is such a special day - I took part last year and it was just an amazing experience. The atmosphere is always incredible and everyone supports each other. The Women's 10k is like no other race - it is one of the best events in the country.

Clyde 1's Shebahn Littlejohn will be joined by DJ Knoxy for the big race and Shebahn is already looking forward to the big day. She said: "Last year I ran the Women's 10k in a chicken mascot suit! I can honestly say it was the most exhausting, yet exhilarating feeling crossing the finish line and I can't wait to do it all again this year.

"I would encourage women of all shapes and sizes to get involved. If you want to hop, walk, skip or sprint, it's an achievement to take part. I genuinely feel that the women's 10k gives a real 'girl power' vibe. It's so much fun and taking part last year with thousands of women actually brought a wee tear to my eye and I hope that thousands more women take part this year."

Once again, competitors will be able to take advantage of on-line 'early bird' offers through the official race website, which gives a discount of up to £7 to runners entering online before Friday, March 18 or up to £14 for entering both the Women's 10k and the September 2011 Great Scottish Run. Online registration is now available at £20.