A GROUP of hardy women are urging others to join an army of thousands preparing to take on one of the most popular 10k races in Scotland.

Ten ‘army wives’ from Paisley, including a couple who are ex-military themselves, will be taking on the Great Women’s Run on Sunday June 10 to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

The race goes through Glasgow’s scenic West End and along the quayside taking in some of city’s most iconic buildings including Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow University, The Science Centre and the SSE Hydro before finishing in Kelvingrove Park.

The women, who are aged between 32 and 44, all know each other through their husbands’ postings in central and west Scotland.

They decided to form the running group as a way to get fit and raise money for a charity that was close to all their hearts.

Diane Hollinger – whose mum survived cervical cancer – said: “We’re all really proud to be taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run, running alongside other women, some of whom are raising money for fantastic causes.

“We will be raising much needed funding for Cancer Research and this incredible event in the heart of Glasgow is going to be an occasion to remember.”

Fellow runner Pam Davis added: “We’ve been training hard, a few of us have signed up to a sofa to 10k app, while the mums amongst us have been going on buggy runs around the local area.

“We try to go out on runs together, there is certainly more motivation to do it if someone else is going too, as you don’t want to let them down.

“Myself and another member of the group are ex-military ourselves and it is funny to think that we both used to hate running but now we love it.”

The women running the event are: Diane Hollinger, Kelly Clough, Annette Louden, Rebecca Leek, Lucy Prentice, Charlotte Neilson, Lindsey Hempenstall, Nicky McEvoy. Caroline Kelly and Pam Davis.

Romana Abdin, CEO of Simplyhealth said: “It’s fantastic to see so many inspirational women coming together to participate in the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run. We have a passion and purpose that’s all about helping people make the most of life through better everyday health, and movement plays a big part in that. We look forward to welcoming the Paisley Army Wives, and the many other women who will join them in Glasgow this year.”

Local ‘Bands on the Run’ and Scottish Pipers will be on hand to help motivate runners all the way to the finish line.

Finishers will receive a special goody bag including a medal, technical T-shirt, water and lots of other rewards.

For more information and to enter the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run visit www.greatrun.org/womens

You can follow the event on Twitter @great_run using #GreatWomensRun or on www.facebook.com/GreatWomensRun

To help the team reach their fundraising target of £675, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/diane-hollinger