BBC TELEVISION weather presenter Cat Cubie is getting on her marks for a tale of two cities – Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The 31-year-old is taking on the challenge of two 10K races to show her support for the charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.

She will pound the streets of Glasgow first in the Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K on May 13.

Then, a fortnight later, she will follow that with the same run in the events that make up the Edinburgh Marathon weekend.

Cat has been undergoing intense training sessions to make sure she is fully prepared for the event.

She said: "Macmillan contacted me last year and asked me to support their push to get people running races to raise funds for them.

"I thought there was no way I could support other runners without running myself so I decided to get training.

"I had never run two kilometres, let alone 10, so it was a bit daunting."

But Cat has been having training sessions with Stella Bartram, a personal trainer, and she is feeling confident she can meet the challenge.

And Cat has developed a real passion for running.

She added: "It was tough at first and I could really feel the toll that running was taking on my knees, but I love it now.

"It is a fantastic thing. It's not just about running, its also about getting out in the fresh air and clearing your head."

Cat will be joining about 12,000 other women in the Glasgow event, and will be one of more than 3000 runners from west Scotland travelling to the capital for the Edinburgh Marathon events. Her race is on May 26.

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan's director in Scotland, said: "We are very grateful to Cat for taking part in this run in support of Macmillan.

"She has been a great supporter and really goes the extra mile to support our work through fundraising and helping us raise our profile.

"I hope her efforts will encourage others to take on a run for us or to join our team if they already have a place in one of the running events.

"The atmosphere is always amazing and our previous runners always says it is an emotional experience to be part of such a big team of people all running for the same cause and being cheered on by scores of people in Macmillan T-shirts.

"Running is becoming more popular every year, partly because more of us are recognising its health benefits and partly because it is easy and relatively inexpensive to do.

"All you really need is a good pair of trainers and you can get running, although anyone with health issues should check with their doctor first.

"Signing up for a running challenge and setting a fundraising target can help motivate people, especially when they are tired or the weather is not great.

"Everyone needs a bit of extra motivation at times, whether they are planning on doing their first 5K or their 10th marathon."

Macmillan will use the money raised from the marathon to fund its cancer advice services.

Macmillan already funds specialist cancer services across west Scotland, including medical professionals that work within the NHS, and information and support centres in hospitals and local communities.

Last year the charity also gave out £434,000 in grants to 1180 Glasgow cancer patients.

Its benefits advice service for the city helped cancer patients and carers claim £18m.

Macmillan also runs a helpline in Glasgow city centre, which is staffed by specialist cancer nurses. Anyone can call for information or support on cancer.

Ms Atkinson added: "Every year about 30,000 people in Scotland are told they have cancer, so most of us will know someone who has or has had the illness.

"We often hear people tell us they could not have coped without the support Macmillan gave them, but, equally, we could not help anyone without the support we get from ordinary people who take on sometimes big personal challenges to raise money for us.

"So we are very grateful for every penny raised and every mile run."

Cat added: "It is a fantastic charity that does so much to support people with cancer and their families.

"Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and I am really pleased to give my support to the charity."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk