ORGANISERS of one of the biggest women's running events in the coun-try have celebrated by handing out red roses to surprised commuters.

The Bupa Great Women's 10k, which is being supported by the Evening Times , is expected to see up to 10,000 entrants pound the pavements this year.

To mark the official launch of the 2014 race, Clyde One presenter Cassi was joined by two members of the Braehead Clan ice hockey team to race around Bellahouston Park, the finishing site of the run.

Organisers Nova International have received more than 3000 entries so far and are expecting thous-ands more women to sign up before the race takes place on May 11.

Andy Mitchelmore, of Nova International, said: "This will be the 22nd staging of the event and the run has become an iconic part of Scotland's running calendar. Its enduring popularity is thanks to the thousands of women who take part and make it such a welcoming event."

Cassi, who is a traffic and travel presenter on Clyde One's breakfast show, and a participant in this year's race, said: "People should get involved as they should support charities that they believe in and raise lots of money.

"As well as that, it's just a fun event - everyone has a laugh. It's great to become a finisher because you really feel as if you've achieved something.

"I want to smash my target from last year, so I'm really looking forward to it this year."

The event in May will follow the same path as previous years.

Starting in Niths-dale Road in the South Side, runners will go through Pollokshields and Pollok Park before finishing at the ent-rance to Bellahouston Park in Mosspark Boulevard.

Nicola Hedley, of Nova International, said: "It's an exciting event and such a party atmosphere with thousands of women on the streets of Glasgow. There are a whole range of reasons why people do it - to raise money for charity, to keep fit or to just have fun.

Apprehensive runners still have 12 weeks to get prepared for the race, and customised training plans are available from www.greatrun.org/training.

The plans give advice for people of all abilities on how to prepare before the run.

To register, visit www.greatrun.org/womens10k.

Entrants must be over 15.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk