An Aberdeen nursery nurse was bowled over by the incredible support she received when she completed the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.

Michelle Aitken ran the Great Scottish Run as part of the Community Challenge, launched by race sponsors Bank of Scotland to help get Scotland active – with the programme in its second year.

The campaign aimed to recruit one runner from each of the 32 local authorities in Scotland to take on a ‘10 week to 10k’ running challenge, with each receiving a personalised training programme by an expert coach in the weeks leading up to the run, which took place on September 30.

After receiving a motivational talk from double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes prior to the race, the 33-year-old used the Olympic gold medalist’s words of wisdom to yield an impressive result by smashing her target of running under an hour.

“It was good to hear Kelly Holmes say, ‘don’t put pressure on yourself, just finish the race, and go out and challenge yourself’, said Michelle.

“It was good to hear a motivational speech just before you start.

“The whole event went really well for me, I enjoyed it and it was the best experience I’ve had of doing a 10k.

“I wanted to go under an hour and I ran 57:37 which was great.”

After retiring from playing for her local rugby club Aberdeenshire Quines last year, Michelle was looking for a route back into sport when she discovered her love for running.

An event known for its loud, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Michelle says she was buoyed by the sound of the crowd as she willed her way to the finish line.

“The atmosphere was really good, I had my headphones on, but there were drummers and pipers all lined along the route.

“As I got closer [to the finish] I turned my music off, so I could hear everyone shouting, ‘come on you can do it.’ It was good to hear all that.

“I have got no more running events planned just yet, but I am sure I am going to keep going, keep running and keep enjoying events on the day.”

Bank of Scotland is celebrating its 10th year as partner of the Great Scottish Run. For more information, visit greatscottishrun.com/community-challenge.