ACTOR Martin Compston today led calls for men across Scotland to get in the running on Father's Day.

The 24-year-old, best known for his roles in the film Sweet Sixteen and television series Monarch Of The Glen, was in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, for the launch of this year's Men's Health Forum Scotland 10K for Men.

The event, the only one of its kind in Britain specifically for men, attracted 2000 runners last year and organisers are hoping to attract around 3500 this year.

It will be held in the park on June 15 - Father's Day - and is open to all males aged 15 or over.

As well as individual runners, family, community or workplace team participation is being widely encouraged.

Mark Ward, national coordinator of MHFS, said: "The number of men of all abilities taking part is increasing. It is a fantastic opportunity to become more active and healthy.

"For those who have made resolutions to get fit, there could not be a better way than to join a local Men's Jogging Group and work up to the MHFS 10k for Men in June."

The event is being supported by the charity Cancerbackup and the Evening Times is media partner.

Another actor, Billy McElhaney, who plays Jimmy Mullen in River City, is also lending his support to the campaign for men to get fit.

He said: "Even among family and friends, it seems there is an attitude that it is an effeminate, unmanly thing to talk about health.

"But there is nothing manly about lying in a hospital bed with lung cancer, or cirrhosis of the liver.

"Anything that highlights the need for men to think about this and brings attention to health is a wonderful thing."

Registration for the 10K costs £15 until March 31 and £17 thereafter.

Scottish Athletics members receive a £2 discount, while members of the Men's Jogging Group can register for £12.