Glasgow’s Alistair Garroway has decided to take on the Great Scottish Run to celebrate turning 50.

After being involved in a car crash 23 years ago, Alistair, of Rutherglen, couldn’t work for three years and has suffered chronic back pain ever since.

Deciding to do something about it, Alistair took up running as a means of increasing his mobility and ran his first marathon four years ago.

This year, Alistair is taking on the Great Scottish Run on September 30 as a representative for South Lanarkshire in the Bank of Scotland’s Community Challenge.

The campaign aims to recruit one runner from each of the 32 local authorities in Scotland to take on a ‘10 week to 10k’ running challenge. 

Having been in a position where he could hardly walk two decades ago, Alistair claimed the thrill of completing a race like the Great Scottish Run has transformed his outlook on life.

He said: “I’ve still got back pain and I think I’ve got arthritis in the base of my spine; when it comes to winter I really feel it. 

“Keeping moving helps you from seizing up though, so it’s really about getting out there and doing runs.

“I changed careers and put on quite a bit of weight so until I adjust my diet then exercise is the only way I’m staying healthy.

“It’s definitely a challenge, I’m glad I got into running as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience, I’ve done five marathons now.

“This will be my first big run after my 50th, I did the Edinburgh marathon this year and the Sky half marathon. 

“I don’t know whether it’s part of my midlife crisis, I heard a thing on the radio saying that when you hit 50 these days you don’t buy a sports car, you run a marathon and become a vegan, so I might become vegan because I eat too much!”

Receiving a personalised training programme by an expert coach through the Community Challenge, Alistair can’t wait to hit the road for the big event.

“I’m looking forward to the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run, I’m not dreading it because I know I’ll get around it, I try and push myself on the day to get a personal best, I have reservations about leaving my girlfriend behind me though! 

“I’ll see how I feel, I’ll either take off like a mad man or plug around with my girlfriend, but I’ll enjoy the day. Running as a group, getting out and about is a lovely experience. 

“Schemes like these are immensely important, it’s inclusive for all, and it’s about having a good laugh with other people and the spectators. When you get a great crowd behind you it’s brilliant.

“The more inclusive the better, I’m trying to get my kids to take part and my girlfriend has started, so it’s all good.”

Bank of Scotland is celebrating its 10th year as proud partner of the Great Scottish Run and for the second-year running will support runners from communities across Scotland on their 10 weeks to 10k challenge in the Bank of Scotland Community Challenge. For more information, visit greatscottishrun.com/community-challenge