Radcliffe recommends Great Women’s 10k

Friday 15th May 2015

Paula Radcliffe with Jennifer Bremner – photo by Lennie Warren

Paula Radcliffe, the greatest female distance runner that Britain has ever seen and current world record holder for the marathon, was in Glasgow to lend her support to the UK’s largest female only running event, the Morrisons Great Women’s 10k.

On Sunday May 17 the streets of Glasgow’s south side will be filled with thousands of women walking, jogging or running round the iconic route, which starts in Nithsdale Road and finishes in the beautiful surroundings of Bellahouston Park.

Paula was at Pollok House in Pollok Park on Thursday, which is part of the Morrisons Great Women’s 10k route, passing on her expert advice to Jennifer Bremner and her friends who are taking part in the event as ‘Jen’s Team HOPE’, raising money for Maggie’s Centres.

Maggie’s has been instrumental in supporting Jennifer in her fight against leiomyosarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer. Jen will be re-admitted as an inpatient at the Beatson the day after the 10k as she begins further rounds of chemotherapy.

Jennifer said: ‘Team HOPE stands for Have Only Positive Expectations which is exactly how I plan to tackle the Morrisons Great Women’s 10k.

‘I plan to walk as much as I can but I currently have only around 50% lung capacity so my wonderful friends are bringing a rickshaw so they can pedal me along for a while if walking becomes too much for me.

‘Getting the chance to spend time with Paula has been absolutely amazing. She is an inspirational lady and after listening to some of her top tips for the event I am more determined than ever to cross that finish line one way or another with my team mates by my side.’

Paula Radcliffe said: ‘The beauty of these events is that they cater for all abilities. Whether you are after that elusive personal best or you’re taking part for the very first time, the atmosphere is electric and it is inspirational to see so many women taking part together and encouraging one another to the finish line.

‘Jen’s Team HOPE is a fabulous group undertaking the 10k for a brilliant cause and it has been a pleasure to meet them. Hopefully I have managed to pass on some pearls of wisdom that will help them all on their way to the finish line.

‘The Morrisons Great Women’s 10k is a truly unique day and I would encourage any ladies out there still considering taking part to bite the bullet and sign up now while there is still time. You absolutely won’t regret it!.’

Andy Mitchelmore from The Great Run Company, said: ‘Online entries have now closed, but we are still accepting in-person entries Friday and Saturday between 10am and 5pm at our pop-up shop in the St Enoch Centre.

‘The Morrisons Great Women’s 10k has a spirit that is second-to-none and whether you take part as a group or an individual – walking, jogging or running – I guarantee you will have a fantastic day.’

The Morrisons Great Women’s 10k will follow the same route as previous years with runners starting on Nithsdale Road and finishing on Mosspark Boulevard taking in Pollok Park and Pollokshields along the way, with locals lining the route and cheering the ladies on.

The pop-up shop in the St Enoch Centre is taking in-person entries on Friday May 15 (10am – 5pm) and Saturday May 16 (10am – 5pm).

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