AN event prescribed by Glasgow GPs to improve men's health is operating on "skeletal" funding.

The organisers of Scotland's only Men's 10K have promised next year's event will go ahead - with a new 5K race added - despite the current cash deficit.

The event, run by the Men's Health Forum Scotland, receives no funding from the Scottish Government or health boards, although the council and Glasgow Life provide marketing assistance.

Organisers have warned funding remains an issue and are working to secure additional revenue streams.

The Men's Health Forum say it has been told by GPs they prescribe the event to male patients to improve health.

Figures show the race, which takes in Bellahouston and Pollok parks, attracts 12% of participants from Scotland's most deprived areas.

Despite the funding uncertainty, the race organisers hope to expand next year's event into a two-day festival of running with a 5K race, a 3K event for children and a toddler dash.

The 10K is scheduled for Sunday, June 15.

The Men's Health Forum is also hoping to attract more participants from across Scotland - about 65% are from Glasgow - and is in talks with Nova International, the new organisers of the Great Scottish Run and Women's 10K about how to grow the event.

Tim Street, chairman of the Forum, said: "Next year is going to be a big year for Scotland, with the Commonwealth Games, in terms of thinking about ourselves and people getting involved in sport.

"Next year's 10K event will happen. It needs more support but it is happening."

The race was launched in 2006 and raises tens of thousands of pounds for good causes every year. Last year's event raised about £42,000 for the Yorkhill Children's Foundation.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk