A popular event is returning to East Renfrewshire next weekend for a second year.

The Uplawmoor Festival of Running/Jogging/Walking is taking place on April 6 with three events lined up – a 1k, 3k and 9k.

The festival will be a mirror image of last year’s event, which attracted people of all ages and abilities.

Barrhead News:

All of the events are free to enter although a small charitable donation for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) would be much appreciated.

Organiser John O’Donnell told the Barrhead News: “Last year’s event was a success.

“It is a race but we are trying to encourage people to just generally take part and to walk as well.”

Barrhead News:

Registration for the races will be in the tennis club clubhouse next to Mure Hall.

The 1k is aimed at those of primary school age and starts at 9.30am.

Both the 3k and the main event 9k start at 10.30am with registration from 9.30am.

The entire 9k route is run on ‘B’ roads and will be a fairly fast race.

Those taking part will be faced with a 200ft climb almost immediately up to 2k and then rewarded with a 1k descent.

From 3k to 4k the route is undulating before runners hit the big hill at 4k.

This hill continues to 5k.

From 5k to 6k there is a very gradual incline and then last 3k will be very fast downhill all the way to the finish.

A trophy will be awarded to the first male and female finishers.

Barrhead News: John O'DonnellJohn O'Donnell (Image: Newsquest)

John, who has coaching business Run Llama, also runs a Monday night running club in Uplawmoor which has grown in strength over the last six months and now has a great mix of about 15 to 20 people who turn up to it every week.

“It’s about making (running) accessible to as many people as possible and trying to create a community for everybody.

“Walking quickly becomes jogging and jogging soon turns into running.

“The benefits of it are endless,” he added. 

Barrhead News: Members of the Monday night running clubMembers of the Monday night running club (Image: Supplied)

Run Llama will be offering free consultations at the event to anybody who is interested in learning more about running.

A cake sale will also be running during the morning.

Runners should bring their own water and will be taking part at their own risk, although a first aider will be on hand.

To donate to the SAMH fundraiser click HERE