A GLASGOW runner is urging men to pull on their trainers for charity this Father's Day.

Thousands of men of all ages will take to the city's Bellahouston Park for this year's Men's 10K on June 17.

Last year's event - the first of its kind in Scotland - attracted more than 1500 participants and has now been extended to 5000 entrants.

The Men's Health Forum UK and charity Cancerbackup are working together for the race, which was launched yesterday by Health Minister Andy Kerr.

The event was set up to raise the profile of men's health and encourage them to get fit.

Among those taking part will be Martin Anderson, from East Kilbride, who ran last year with brothers Steven, 37, and Michael, 33.

The 39-year-old, an NHS technician at Gartnavel Hospital, finished in 50 minutes .

As well as boosting their fitness the brothers raised hundreds of pounds for cancer research.

He said: "It was a really good atmosphere and we finished within minutes of each other.

"I had done a bit of running before but never taken part in a race.

"The feeling of actually competing for something was a real buzz.

"Since the race we have all kept up running and taken part in other events.

"The day itself gave us the inspiration to keep running and it was good to feel we had done something good for charity as well as improving our own health."

Last year's race was so successful, it has now led to the creation of 17 jogging groups across Glasgow.

The race was launched by Mr Kerr and Dr Paul MacIntyre, the clinical lead for coronary heart disease in Scotland.

Mr Kerr said: "Any event that encourages people to get more active must be welcomed.

"More men are viewing health as something to be enjoyed.

"Jogging is just one of the many ways to build physical activity into everyday life. An active life is with-in everyone's grasp.

"I am determined to turn Scotland's poor health record around."

The 2007 run is open to all men over 15 years.