Situated in the east of the city, Glasgow Green is the oldest public park in the city and will see competitors line-up for the marathon on Sunday July 27 before making their way around the 26.2 mile course through Scotland's largest city.

"The Glasgow 2014 Marathon is a wonderful showcase event for the Games and one that everyone can come and enjoy," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"The route the athletes will take really shows Glasgow at its best and will bring the spectacle of live competitive sport right into the heart of the city.

"We're looking forward to seeing thousands of sports fans line the route to cheer on the athletes as they push towards the finish line and the special atmosphere of Glasgow Green."

The route for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Marathon which takes place on Sunday July 27 ©Glasgow 2014



Athletes will pass some of the most famous landmarks in Glasgow as they make their way round the route including the Merchant City, George Square, Buchanan Street and the Clyde Arc as well as Bellahouston Park and Pollok Park.

They will also cross the famous River Clyde four times during the race.

The marathon is one of three events that are free to view for spectators along with the cycling road race and time trial competitions.

The course has been developed in collaboration with a range of sport, city and tourism stakeholders, including Glasgow City Council and Transport Scotland to ensure that the sport technical requirements are achieved, while aiming to minimise traffic disruption on the day.

"It will be incredible to see so many of the world's best marathon runners taking to the streets of Glasgow," said Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison.

"I know the people of Scotland and the many visitors in the city during the Games will be lining the streets to cheer on the athletes.

"The city has wonderful architecture, iconic river views and beautiful green spaces; it's not just the runners but a global audience that will be motivated by this fantastic route."

Glasgow Green will host the start and finish of this year's Commonwealth Games marathon race ©Glasgow 2014



The marathon route has been designed in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and has been endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and will receive final certification closer to Games time.

Marathon runner, Derek Hawkins will be one of the athletes competing for Team Scotland on the course and he is looking forward to the challenge of traversing the streets of Glasgow and being cheered on by home support.

"I experienced the roar of a home crowd first-hand at the London Marathon when I set the qualifying standard for the Commonwealth Games and I have no doubt the support in Glasgow will make a huge difference to me," said Hawkins, 13th at last year's London Marathon.

"It's fantastic for me to know the route to map it out fully in my head and start to think about when to push hard."

Derek Hawkins is banking on home support to cheer him on as he takes on the Glasgow 2014 marathon course ©Glasgow 2014



The medal ceremony for the marathon will be held at Hampden Park which will host all other athletics events as well as the Glasgow 2014 Closing Ceremony.

At Delhi 2010 it was a Kenyan double as John Kelai and Irene Jerotich took the men's and women's Commonwealth Games Marathon titles respectively.

"The route for the marathon is a classic," said chief executive of Scottish Athletics Nigel Holl.

"A tremendous combination that picks up and reflects so much of the wonderful contrasts Glasgow has to offer - stunning architecture in the city centre, vibrant riverside developments, and the quite beautiful parks that Glasgow is rightly proud about.

"Many Scottish runners have over the years run various sections on the route when completing the Great Scottish Run, so whether watching on TV, or thronging the streets, there will be an understanding and appreciation from the crowd –- as well as admiration for the speed, athleticism, and determination on show.

"Two laps and two races at the same time mean it'll be a busy course – wonderful for spectators at all points on the route."

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