Capes, eye masks and very small trainers: Glasgow Green will be full of pint-sized superheroes on Saturday 3 October, when the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run brings closed roads, on-course music and plenty of high fives to the city.

Runners big and small are encouraged to turn up in superhero fancy dress. The event's listing on What's On Glasgow invites every young participant to "discover their own superpower, whether it's racing, fundraising or being a superstar spectator".

First, the bad news: it's sold out

If your child hasn't got a place, there is no way in this year. The official Great Run page shows the Mini, Junior and Toddler Dash entries all sold out. It directs families to a 2027 reminder service so they hear as soon as next year's entries open.

That makes this a day for cheering. Organisers promise an event village with exhibitors, food and drink, an "unforgettable finish line experience" and "plenty of cheers and high fives from local supporters". This year, that could be you.

Where is it?

Some listings, including What's On Glasgow, put the event in George Square. The Great Run Company's official event page names Glasgow Green as the start. Other listings give the event HQ as Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, off the Saltmarket. Head there. The 10K and half marathon on Sunday 4 October are a separate event.

Races and times

The timetable below is taken from the Time Outdoors event listing. The official page confirms the 9am start. Entrants receive the official event guide, so check it if you are taking part.

  • 8am: Event village opens
  • 9am: Junior waves (ages 9 to 15, 2.5km, entry was 14 to 20 pounds)
  • 10.35am: Mascot Dash
  • 10.45am: Toddler Dash (up to age 3, a 70m dash, free to enter)
  • 11.40am: Mini waves (ages 3 to 8, around 1.5km, entry was 14 to 20 pounds)
  • 1.45pm: Event site closes

Toddlers and Minis must run with a parent. Juniors can run solo, or with an adult if requested at entry. Every child gets a shiny finisher's medal. Most will also run in an event t-shirt posted out beforehand. Families who chose the "Trees not tees" option at entry skip the shirt, and the organisers make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal instead.

What spectators should know

We could not find a published spectator charge or a list of recommended viewing spots, so check the Great Run website before you set off. The organisers say every entrant receives an event guide by email. It covers road closures, public transport advice, assembly points and route maps.

If you're going along, plan your journey early and arrive in good time. Roads on the course will be closed, so expect diversions around the city centre and the east end.

If the sight of hundreds of tiny caped crusaders leaves you inspired, the main Great Scottish Run weekend continues on Sunday with the 10K and half marathon.