This is Great Scottish Run: Stuart Ronald

Glasgow had a vision 850 years ago to make a difference to the world — and this October, our AJ Bell Great Scottish Runners will do the same.

Stuart is part of Fit Ayrshire Dads, a Facebook community that has grown to more than 3,500 members. What began as a small online group has evolved into a supportive network where men of all ages can come together to share advice, take on challenges, and improve both their physical and mental health. Around 100 members are actively involved in weekly activities, from training sessions to mountain days, and some even take part in bigger events like the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.

The group has already raised over £12,000 for local causes, including the Ayrshire based charity Whiteleys Retreat, that provides free therapeutic respite breaks for children, young people, and their families who are affected by cancer or life-altering illnesses, and while there’s no official fundraising drive this year, members are using the event to showcase the benefits of fitness, community spirit, and looking after one another.

“Mental health support, especially for men, can be really hard to find,” Stuart explains. “The group is about more than just fitness. It’s a safe place for men to support each other, make changes, and push themselves to do things they maybe didn’t think were possible.”

This year, a handful of Fit Ayrshire Dads, including Stuart, will be at the 10km start line. Some are seasoned runners, while others, like Stuart, admit they’re more used to lifting weights than clocking up the miles. He laughs that his training this summer was geared towards a strongman competition, “probably the exact opposite of running training”, but says the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is less about the finishing time and more about enjoying the occasion.

That said, he still has his eye on finishing within 90 minutes, ideally closer to the hour mark. “I’ll definitely be giving it my best, but I’m also there to enjoy it. I’m one of those ‘party at the back’ runners,” he says.

Stuart is particularly excited about the unique experience of running across the Kingston Bridge. “It’s one of the few chances you get to cross it on foot in Scotland — that’s pretty special,” he adds.

With the finish line at Glasgow Green and the electric atmosphere that comes with thousands of runners and supporters, Stuart is confident it’ll be another day to remember. And for Ayrshire Dads, it’s another chance to prove just how powerful community can be.

There still a chance to be a part of the biggest Great Scottish Run yet. Sign up here.