Runs you can take part in near our campuses

Runs you can take part in near our campuses

Young hearts, run free. From local 10K races to scenic trail runs, check out our tips for the best local runs near our campuses. 

Paisley 10K

Our Paisley students don’t have far to look for a local race. The Paisley 10K route passes by our campus and is perfect for all runners of all abilities. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced runner with enough carbon-plate shoes to fill, well, a shoe shop, the Paisley 10K is not to be missed. 

Great Scottish Run 

Held in Glasgow every October, the Great Scottish Run offers you the chance to run a 10K or Half Marathon. The race brings Glaswegians out in their droves to cheer squad the runners. The USP of this event? Participants run over the Kingston Bridge, taking you across the river to the south of Glasgow. Don’t forget your passport! 

Newton 10K

UWS Lanarkshire students should check out the Newton 10K. Hosted by Newton Road Runners, the race is an an out-and-back route along the Clyde Walkway path. It's a flat route. Okay, there’s a ‘small’ incline as you leave the Clyde Path. And a ‘couple’ more after that. But remember - hills pay those bills! 

Troon 10K

Runners will love this brisk, evening run along the Ayrshire coast. Held in May every year, the Troon 10K is fast and flat - the perfect race for our UWS Ayr students. And with lots of local chip shops nearby, you can reward your efforts with a chippy dinner at the conclusion of the run. Remember, the bigger the race - the bigger the chippy. That’s a saying. Definitely. Ahem.  

Run the Blades

Held within the UK’s largest onshore wind farm, Run the Blades is a unique 3-day trail running festival. There are three distances to challenge you: a 10K, Half Marathon & 50K Ultra Marathon. Just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow, all finishers are rewarded with the famous ‘spinny’ medal. It’s an event not to be missed! 

Doonhamer 10K, Dumfries    

The lovely chaps at Dumfries Harriers host the Doonhamer 10K, held in August every year. This 10K race starts and finishes in the beautiful Dock Park, beside the River Nith in Dumfries. It traces the pathways alongside the river, meaning aesthetically minded runners are in for a treat!  

Truthfully, we’ve only scratched the surface with runs that are near our campuses. There are literally hundreds of road and trail races in Scotland, all of which are worth checking out. If you want to learn more about running and other ways you can keep fit on our campuses, check out UWS Sport. 

Blog written by UWS Digital and Marketing team | January 2025