RUNNERS from all over Scotland can get ready to spring into action, as the countdown to the 26th freshnlo Great Scottish Run starts today.

The race, to be held over two days for the first time - on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 & 2 - was launched this morning by top Scots runner Liz McColgan, and her daughter Eilish, 16, who has already shown she wants to follow in her mum's footsteps, by winning the 3K Junior Run, which Liz won in 2003.

With the Evening Times as media partner, it is now the third-biggest road race in Britain, behind only the London Marathon and Great North Run, with 20,753 people entering last year.

It has become one of Scotland's showpiece sporting events, with elite athletes from all over the world running the 10K and half marathon routes alongside beginners and fun-runners.

Upwards of 30,000 spectators are expected to line the route, which starts in George Square before crossing the Kingston Bridge to the South Side.

In an effort to make it easier for families with children and parents who both want to run, for the first time this year the 3K Junior Run will be held on the Saturday, the day before the adult races.

Open to young runners aged from nine to 17, the race is a chance for children to take part in the fun, as well as an opportunity for aspiring athletes to test themselves against some of Scotland's best junior runners.

To get participants of all ages geared up for the run, Commonwealth and World Championship medal winner Liz, and Eilish, were in Glasgow this morning for the race launch.

Long-distance running champ Liz triumphed at the New York and London marathons in the 90s, and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 1991, before receiving an MBE the following year.

She has put her name behind the Glasgow race, which has so far seen over 300,000 runners raise £35million over the event's 26-year-history.

Councillor John Lynch, executive member for Cultural and Leisure Services at Glasgow City Council said: "The freshnlo Great Scottish Run has gone from strength to strength over the past few years.

We look forward to another record-breaking entry generating millions of pounds for charity and improving the health of runners from all over Scotland and beyond.

"Glasgow City Council is delighted to be working once again with freshnlo as the title sponsors."

Sandy Wilkie, sales and marketing director for Robert Wiseman Dairies, who make freshnlo, said: "Last year the run and freshnlo both celebrated 25th anniversaries, which made it a very special year, and demonstrated the importance of the run not only to the sporting calendar, but also to Glasgow and Scotland, so it's great to be involved again this year.

"At the end of the day it's a fantastic day out for all the family, and with the event now taking place over two days, there's even more opportunity to make a weekend of it and we'd like to encourage as many people as possible to take part."

In June, the Evening Times will again be bringing your weekly training plans for both the 10K and half marathon, as well as diaries, features, all the latest news on the race, and a dedicated freshnlo Great Scottish Run website, with readers' pictures from last year and much more. Friendly rivals are hot to trot

JOHN DAVIDSON and Meg Hunter are keen runners who take part in races around the country. But the freshnlo Great Scottish Run is the highlight of their calendar.

John, 27, and Meg, 28, have taken part in the Glasgow run several times before. They met at their local running club and train together several times a week.

They admit there's a friendly rivalry between them when it comes to running, but it spurs them on and keeps them going - even when it gets tough.

"The rivalry is intense," says John. "But we motivate each other. When one of us can't be bothered going out, the other will kick them into gear."

They have been discovering new routes all around Glasgow each weekend, often using cycle paths in different parts of the city and the parks.

"Pollok and Kelvingrove parks are both good, and there are lots of new routes to try if you look for them," adds John.

Meg, who lives in the West End and has been running for 10 years, and South Sider John, who started five years ago, are looking forward to this year's run.

"It's really great that it gets people in Glasgow motivated to get out and run," says Meg.

John adds: "It's one of our favourite races."