MORE than 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the 16th Paisley 10k and Fun Run, and entries are still available.

Runners from all over Scotland and further afield will be in Paisley this Sunday, covering more than 17 million metres in support of the Paisley 2021 bid to become UK City of Culture.

This year’s popular event is taking place as part of the Paisley 2021 Weekend, which sees around a dozen cultural events take place in Paisley and across Renfrewshire.

Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 aims to transform the town and Renfrewshire’s future by using its unique cultural and heritage offering as the home of the Paisley Pattern and one-time centre of the global textile industry.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, sporting a special commemorative Paisley 2021 race number, reminded runners and those looking for a challenge that entries are still available for the Paisley 10k until 12pm on Friday, August 19.

The event is organised by Renfrewshire Leisure in partnership with Renfrewshire Council. It is sponsored this year by Paisley FIRST and Decathlon.

Provost Hall will once again get the runners under way on Sunday, as they set out to test themselves on the fast and flat route around Paisley. She said: “The Paisley 10k has grown to become one of the most popular events on Scotland’s athletics calendar and it’s always a pleasure to start the event.

“It’s great to see the enjoyment which everybody, regardless of how quickly they are completing the courses, takes from running around our town. This year’s event has an extra special element to it, taking place as part of the Paisley 2021 Weekend and I hope all the runners will get behind backing our bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021.”

The Paisley 10k will likely have a brand new winner this year, with the winners of four of the past six events being otherwise occupied this Sunday.

The Team GB men’s marathon team competing at the Rio Olympics is made up entirely of recent winners of the Paisley 10k. Elderslie lads, Callum and Derek Hawkins, and Glasgow-based Tsegai Tewelde will all be donning the Team GB vest and competing in Brazil.

Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “Sport and physical activity has long been an important part of the culture of the people of Paisley and Renfrewshire.

“The annual Paisley 10k and Fun Run is a popular date in the calendar for local people who want to use it as an incentive to train and keep fit, to raise money for many good causes or as a great family activity that young and old can take part in.

“We are pleased to be supporting the town’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021.”

Entries for the Paisley 10k and Fun Run, which start at 10am and 12.15pm respectively, can be made here.