A 39-YEAR-OLD runner from Hamilton was delighted to be the first across the line in the annual men's 10k in Glasgow.

Robert Gilroy, who runs regularly for Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers, was delighted to be first with a time of 31 minutes 21 seconds today.

He said: "It feels brilliant. I always do this every year - it is a good cause, plus the atmosphere here is just brilliant.

"Running through Glasgow city centre was amazing. There was a group of guys standing out on a veranda who must have been up drinking all night and they were all cheering and applauding me when I ran by , I thought I was nearly finished with the noise they were making, they kept on shouting and stuff it was mental."

The route took the runners from the Riverside museum through the city centre and on to the finish line at Glasgow Green.

Robert added: "Last year it was Bellahouston park but this year I think it was a faster course and to finish at Glasgow Green is just amazing. It was brilliant at the end with everybody all applauding and cheering you on over the finish line."

Experience runner Robert now plans to take advantage of a well earned day off tomorrow from a busy schedule before he is back training again on Tuesday.

He said: "I've won loads of races before, I have also run for Scotland and for Great Britain.

"I ran on Friday night and finished second. I could have gone a lot faster today but I stopped near the end for the high fives. That's what it's all about, and plus I stopped and gave my brand new Nike gloves to a young kid just before the finish line.

"I'm off work tomorrow so I will be celebrating tonight with a few Coronas, put the feet up tomorrow and then back into it. I do around 120 miles a week and train three times a day. So I put the hard work and I seen the results at the end there; I was cruising."

Other runners included 60-year-old Patrick Carson, who was happy enough to finish in under an hour.

He said: "My time was 47 mins. I am getting older and losing a minute every year. I am happy to stay under 50 so that will do me.

"The route this year was better for visitors coming to the city because it takes you through a lot of the sights."

First time runner Gary Kimmons, 31, was raising money for The Stroke association.

He said: "My granny had a stroke so I was doing it for her and for a charity that is close to my heart.

"I finished in under an hour, around about 55 minutes, so I reckon a done alright for my first time."

Richard Melvin, 40, was visiting Glasgow for the day to take part.

He said: "What a brilliant route, it makes Glasgow look amazing and what a beautiful city it is here.

"Everyone usually thinks Edinburgh is the good looking city but you certainly see Glasgow in a good light when you see it like that today."