WHILE the elite athletes are chasing the big bucks, cruising the streets at a little over 4min 40sec per mile, the bulk of the massive field of over 9000 runners will be content to trundle along at a far more leisurely pace, inspired no doubt by the prospect of gorging on the 12,000 Tunnocks Snowballs which await them at the finishing line in Glasgow Green.

This is the largest participation sports event in Scotland and those who haul themselves around the 13.1-mile circuit have a variety of reasons for taking up the challenge.

Strathaven couple James and Angela Potter are among the countless numbers of runners taking part to raise money for charities. Their efforts will benefit the National Meningitis Trust Fund but the sweat and toil of the whole field will result in many thousands of pounds being raised for a wide range of deserving causes.

Chris Barbour, from Shotts, is doing the race for the simple reason that he has competed in all 16 previous Great Scottish Runs. Its an impressive record with few, if any, can probably match. Others, such as Glasgow's Russell McKinlay, admit that the superb atmosphere and camaraderie among participants and spectators makes the run an event which just cannot be missed. Sheer pleasure.

Many big guns from the celebrity world, led by the world's best kent jogger - Sir Jimmy Savile - will also be parading around the route adding a touch of colour to the carnival occasion.

If you want to be part of it, there's still time to sign up for the big race Entries will buntil 5pm today, see below.

q While the main race doesn't kick-off until 2pm, the Junior Great Scottish Run, sponsored by The Bank of Scotland, starts at noon at Glasgow Green.