Community spirit on show as town hosts one of its biggest participation events
Paisley’s main thoroughfares were awash with runners and supporters on a sunny morning as the town hosted this year’s Paisley 10k and accompanying Fun Run. Organisers reported approximately 3,500 entrants across both events, underlining the race’s status as a major fixture in the town’s sporting and civic calendar.
The 10k was formally started by Paisley native and long‑distance fundraiser Craig Ferguson, who then joined the field of runners. Ferguson had recently completed a celebrated charity walk of 3,100 miles across the United States in a kilt to raise funds for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), and his presence at the start added a local celebrity element to the day.
"Always proud to be a Paisley Buddie... Such an honour to start and then race in the Paisley 10k, one of our town’s biggest events,"
In his social media post after the event, Ferguson described the experience as “a great experience” and said he was “surprisingly” pleased with his finishing time of 48:32, having not run since before his American walk.
Local clubs and athletes dominate podium
The competitive field saw strong performances from nearby athletics clubs. In the men’s 10k, Ross Horgan of Bellahouston Road Runners claimed victory with a net time of 31:36. He was followed closely by Ethan Carolan of Giffnock North AAC in 31:43, and Ewan McKerral of Kilbarchan AAC in 31:53.
The women’s race was won by Anya MacLean of Garscube Harriers in 33:55, with Yvonne McNairn (Giffnock North AAC) second in 35:31 and Nynke Mulholland (Inverclyde AC) third in 36:07.
| Event | Name | Club | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's 10k - 1st | Ross Horgan | Bellahouston Road Runners | 31:36 |
| Men's 10k - 2nd | Ethan Carolan | Giffnock North AAC | 31:43 |
| Men's 10k - 3rd | Ewan McKerral | Kilbarchan AAC | 31:53 |
| Women's 10k - 1st | Anya MacLean | Garscube Harriers | 33:55 |
| Women's 10k - 2nd | Yvonne McNairn | Giffnock North AAC | 35:31 |
| Women's 10k - 3rd | Nynke Mulholland | Inverclyde AC | 36:07 |
Fun Run showcases young talent and community clubs
The shorter Fun Run, aimed at families and younger athletes, produced tight finishes and highlighted the strength of local youth clubs. Blair Wright of Gleniffer Thistle won the male Fun Run in 9:58, with Lewis Leavy (Renfrew FC Youth 2011 White) second in 9:59 and Murray Graham (North Ayrshire Athletics) third in 10:18.
Skye Williams of Kilbarchan AAC topped the female Fun Run in 10:44, followed by clubmate Kira Mitchell in 10:51 and Anna Hill of Giffnock North AAC in 11:02. The Fun Run was started by former Scotland basketball professional and OneRen board member Kieron Achara MBE.
- Approximately 3,500 participants across both events.
- Community clubs from across Renfrewshire and neighbouring areas dominated results.
- Civic figures and local celebrities, including Craig Ferguson, helped raise the profile of the race and associated charities.
Councillor Lisa‑Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen, said the event was “one of our region’s best days of the year”, praising the atmosphere and the sense of achievement shown by participants. Organisers and local clubs said the day was a welcome celebration of grassroots athletics and community endeavour in Paisley.
The Paisley 10k and Fun Run also play a role in supporting local causes and encouraging physical activity across age groups. For many clubs the race provides a focal point for training and development, and for the wider town it remains an annual occasion that attracts visitors and energises the high street.
Plans for next year’s event have not been announced publicly, but the scale of participation this year makes clear there is strong appetite locally for the race to continue to grow.
