TAKING those first steps to start running can be a daunting prospect for many of us.

It has just been made easier thanks to the help of Stephen Morrison.

The 41-year-old fitness guru, who is a Job Centre Plus adviser and in his spare time writes the blog How Many Miles?, was instrumental in bringing the Great Run Local to Glasgow.

Now beginners and experienced runners can get together every Sunday morning to cover the two-mile route along the Clydeside from the Tradeston Bridge.

"I have spoken before about the barriers I faced as a new runner," says Stephen who competes in 5ks, 10ks and half marathons. "Most of the barriers were internal: no-one was putting them there. It was more my own perceptions and beliefs.

"It was about feeling uncomfortable and my experiences at Park Run - it is a fantastic initiative but people were lapping me, men were overtaking me pushing prams, and you feel quite self-conscious. It can hold you back from going more often."

A lay adviser on obesity to The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK, through his links with the Great Scottish Run Stephen learned about a pilot of the Great Run Local in Manchester and asked if it could be brought to Glasgow.

When the answer was yes he was then charged with mapping a safe, accessible and secure route that could be tackled by adults and children of all abilities.

Starting at 10am on the south side of the Tradeston Bridge, it crosses the river then follows the path past the Renfrew Ferry and under the Kingston Bridge to Lancefield Quay and back. Runners and joggers can register at www.greatrunlocal.org and get a free chipped wristband that will give them an exact time for every outing.

Great Run Local uses a unique timing device through a mobile phone app that is used by the organiser to time the run and tag each runner as they finish using wristband.

"It's all about taking that first step. We also have a Facebook page is make sure that every week I post something to say that it is inclusive - most of the volunteers, including myself were overweight or unfit at some point," explains Stephen, from Langside, who turned his life around after shedding half his body weight.

"We want people to see it is an initiative to help beat those barriers. Old runners, new runners, people who haven't run in several years, also children - we take anyone from five years and upwards as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The idea is to get families running together ."

Most Sundays Stephen goes along with his partner Teresa Inkster and their two boys Daniel, 10, and Jack, eight.

"I went along first to support Stephen but also to get back into running," says Terersa. " I had tried to take up running in the summer by myself but failed.

"I enjoy the challenge of improving my times, but I also love the fact that it is an activity we can do as a family in a very relaxed, friendly and safe environment.

"I have gone from walking parts of the 3.2km route to running it in under 20 minutes . I have also participated in 5K races. It has given me the confidence to sign up for the women's 10k next year."

She says the children love the competitive element and the chance to meet other youngsters. Now Daniel is taking part in cross-country running at school and it gives him more confidence because he is running two miles every week.

"I would say to anyone to come along, have a look and speak to the runners and volunteers," suggests Teresa.

"Many of them are experienced runners who used to be obese and/or inactive. Don't be afraid to walk part or all of it. There is no time limit and no expectations.

"And age is not a barrier - all age groups are welcome. A couple of older people come to improve their walking times. The volunteers are happy to run or walk with you."

Great Run Local organiser Steve Verson says they are delighted to be working in partnership with Glasgow City Council's City Centre Regeneration Team to host the Great Run Local.

"We have had a lot of interest but hope we can encourage more people to try something new with their friends and family in a non-competitive, sociable environment," he adds.

Evening Times Active 2014 aims to improve the health of Scots in the year of the Commonwealth Games and build a lasting legacy of physical wellbeing.

Working with partners Glasgow Life, SportScotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we are creating exciting opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses to get active as we bid to improve the health of as many people as possible in the community.

The message of this campaign is that even the smallest of changes in activity and lifestyle can make a huge improvement in health.