The Women’s 10K is one of the most influential mass participation running events in Scotland, with major annual editions held separately in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Created to encourage women to engage with physical activity in supportive and inclusive environments, the Women’s 10K has transformed participation patterns and helped redefine what mass running events can represent. Its history reflects broader cultural shifts around representation, confidence, and wellbeing in sport.
What Is the Women’s 10K?
The Women’s 10K is a women-only mass participation 10-kilometre running and walking event held on closed city streets. Both the Glasgow Women’s 10K and the Edinburgh Women’s 10K welcome thousands of participants each year, ranging from first-time runners to experienced recreational athletes and charity fundraisers.
The events prioritise encouragement, accessibility, and shared experience, allowing participants to engage at their own pace without competitive pressure.
Why Women-Only Mass Participation Events Matter
The creation of the Women’s 10K was driven by evidence that many women faced barriers to participating in mixed-gender running events. These barriers included confidence, safety concerns, lack of representation, and fear of judgement.
Women-only mass participation events were designed to address these challenges by creating spaces where participants felt supported and understood. The Women’s 10K in both Glasgow and Edinburgh was positioned as a welcoming entry point into organised physical activity.
The Women’s 10K in Glasgow: Community and Collective Experience
The Women’s 10K in Glasgow quickly became one of the city’s most popular mass participation events. Glasgow’s strong tradition of community-led initiatives and public gatherings helped the event gain momentum from its early editions.
Participants often enter as part of charity teams, friendship groups, or workplace initiatives, reinforcing the sense of collective achievement. The supportive atmosphere has become a defining feature, with encouragement from volunteers and spectators playing a central role.
The Women’s 10K in Edinburgh: A Capital City Participation Event
The Edinburgh Women’s 10K offers a distinctive experience shaped by the city’s historic environment and green spaces. Routes often pass through central streets and parkland, offering a scenic and memorable setting.
The Edinburgh event attracts participants from across Scotland and beyond, many of whom view it as a destination experience. This has helped broaden the event’s reach and profile.
Charity Fundraising and Health Awareness
Charity fundraising is a cornerstone of the Women’s 10K. Many participants run or walk in support of causes related to women’s health, cancer research, mental wellbeing, and community support services.
These fundraising efforts have helped raise significant funds while also increasing awareness of important health issues. The events provide a platform for conversation, advocacy, and collective action.
Supporting Confidence and Long-Term Engagement
One of the most significant impacts of the Women’s 10K has been its role in building confidence. For many participants, completing the 10K represents a transformative moment that challenges self-doubt and encourages continued physical activity.
Training programmes, peer support, and inclusive messaging help participants develop sustainable habits that extend beyond the event itself.
Cultural Significance and Visibility
The sight of thousands of women participating in mass running events through city centres carries powerful cultural significance. In both Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Women’s 10K has become a visible celebration of empowerment, resilience, and shared achievement.
These events contribute to changing perceptions of who organised running is for and how sport can support wellbeing at every stage of life.
Community Involvement and City Impact
Volunteers, local organisations, and supporters play a crucial role in delivering the Women’s 10K. Their involvement reinforces the events’ welcoming atmosphere and strengthens community connections.
The temporary transformation of city streets into active spaces highlights the potential of urban environments to support inclusive physical activity.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
The Women’s 10K delivers economic benefits to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Participants and supporters contribute to local businesses, accommodation providers, and transport services.
The Edinburgh event, in particular, benefits from visitors who extend their stay, supporting the city’s tourism economy.
The Women’s 10K Today and Its Lasting Legacy
Today, the Women’s 10K in Glasgow and the Women’s 10K in Edinburgh are among Scotland’s most successful women-only mass participation events. Their histories demonstrate how thoughtful event design can break down barriers, build confidence, and foster long-term engagement with physical activity.
Together, they represent a powerful example of how mass participation events can create lasting social, cultural, and health-related impact.