Home-town hero Callum Hawkins wins record-breaking Paisley 10k

More than 5,500 people have taken part in the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run, setting a new record for the event. Former Olympic distance runner and the current Scottish marathon record-holder, Callum Hawkins, won the event for the third time, in a time of 29min 4secs. The women’s race was won by Garscube Harriers’ Anya MacLean in a time of 35min 14secs.

Former European Cross Country Champion, Hawkins, completed his warm-up for the event by jogging from his home in nearby Elderslie.

Under the clear blue skies, the Paisley 10k attracted 3,353 participants with 2,211 signed up for the fun run, representing a new record of 5,569 runners, an increase of 1,000 on last year’s numbers. The race is organised by OneRen – the Renfrewshire charity which provides cultural, leisure and sporting opportunities to help people enjoy active and healthy lives – and supported by Renfrewshire Council and Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club.

The runners were cheered on by thousands of supporters who lined the streets of Paisley, as participants made the most of hot summer sunshine, while taking in the town’s many famous landmarks.

After the race, Hawkins, representing Kilbarchan AAC, said: “I’ve been doing this for a long time and was just a kid when I competed in my first Paisley Fun Run, so it’s always special. I’m feeling a lot fitter, a lot healthier than I’ve been in the last four or five years, so it’s good to get a time around the 29-minute mark.”

Callum added: “The crowds are amazing and it’s good to see so many people so enthusiastic about the sport I love. I’m also lucky that this is just on my doorstep – I jogged over here for my warm-up and will probably jog back home.”

Anya MacLean said: “I was happy to get a good time, especially in the heat. It’s my first time running the Paisley 10k and it’s a great course, well organised and with a good crowd. The atmosphere was fantastic, with everyone so encouraging and I’ll definitely be back.”

Second place in the men’s race went to Lewis Hannigan, Kilbarchan AAC, with a time of 29min 46secs and third was Central AC’s Jamie Crowe with a time of 30min 8secs.

In the women’s race, second place went to Hannah Cox, from Edinburgh AC, with a time of 36mins 14secs and third was last year’s winner, Nynke Mulholland-Stummer from Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club, with a time of 36mins 50secs.

Also running was Dr Julie McElroy, who uses a frame to assist her running endeavours, running the race for a third time. Julie took part in her first Paisley 10k in 2023 using it as a platform to go on to race in the London Marathon.

Many of the fun runners were raising money for charities, local sports clubs and in memory of loved ones. Some walked, pushed buggies or carried their babies across the finish line of the Fun Run, symbolising the family-friendly nature of the event.

Lorraine Cameron, Renfrewshire’s Provost, said: “The Paisley 10k and Fun Run is one of Renfrewshire’s biggest outdoor participation events and I’m delighted that more people than ever before have taken part, all cheered on by their family and friends.

“The sun always shines on Paisley, but today was truly glorious, with a record-breaking event and it’s a real honour to see so many people achieving their goals and the joy on their faces as they crossed the finish line. Everyone pushed themselves so hard, people of all ages and abilities, from veterans of the Olympics to babies in buggies. That’s what makes the Paisley 10k and Fun Run truly special.

“I want to thank all of the OneRen staff, volunteers and our partners, not least Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and our supporters at Kilbarchan AAC, who came together to make this event one of Scotland’s very best.”