What are the Great Scottish Run routes and which roads are closed?

A record number of runners are expected to hit the streets of Glasgow this weekend as Scotland's biggest running event returns.

Organisers estimate about 35,000 people will take part in this year's Great Scottish Run, an increase of about 3,000 on the race's previous record.

This year will also see the return of events for junior runners and toddlers, after fears over Storm Amy last year forced them to be cancelled.

The race, which has raised thousands for charity over the years, dates back to 1979 when the first edition was a marathon.

The event takes place across two days, Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October.

Saturday's programme kicks off with the juniors - meaning those aged between nine and 15 - tackling a 2.5km challenge. This gets underway at 09:00, with two of the stars from hit TV show Gladiators, Athena and Hammer, ringing the start bell.

A mascot dash follows at 10:15, then it is the toddler dash at 10:25.

Lastly the minis - meaning children aged three to eight - have a 1.5km dash from 11:20, with the last group setting off at 12:40.

On Sunday the action begins with the 10k at 08:26.

Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson, known for a kilted trek across the US to Scotland's World Cup opening match this year, will start the proceedings, with elite wheelchair competitors first to go.

Three colour co-ordinated waves of runners then head off for the 10k between 08:30 and 09:03.

The half marathon (13.1 miles) follows later. It will feature six waves of participants with the first, comprising of elite runners, setting the pace at 10:10.

The final wave will go off at 12:13.

All the junior and minis events will start and finish on Glasgow Green, with runners going past the People's Palace and the Doulton Fountain whilst using Glasgow Green's park paths and Greendyke Street.

They'll take in views of the River Clyde and Nelson's Monument throughout.

The toddler dash will start and end at the finish line on Glasgow Green.

On Sunday both the 10K and half marathon start on St Vincent Street in the city centre and conclude on Glasgow Green.

The half-marathon runners follow an urban route through the city before crossing the River Clyde, going towards Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park and then returning to the city centre.

The 10K follows a more urban course, skipping the park section but taking in four bridges and a long riverside stretch instead.

Saturday is expected to be fine for the junior events. At the moment, light cloud and a gentle breeze are forecast for then.

Sunday currently looks like it will be more variable.

Drizzle and showers are forecast for the morning, before a steady light rain arrives nearer midday, as the half marathon takes place.

However there are no fears of a repeat of last year, when concern over possible storms saw the junior events all cancelled as a precaution.

Runners and spectators are advised to make use of public transport as road closures will be in place around the city.

The Subway, which will be open from 07:15, is the best option for getting to the start as the Buchanan Street stop is just a short walk from St Vincent Street.

Glasgow Queen Street railway station is another option, although Sunday's service is limited. However an early 07:15 service will depart Edinburgh Waverley for Glasgow to help those heading through from the capital.

Buses will run to their usual timetables but some diversions will be in place due to road closures.

There is no official event parking but pay-and-display car parks can be found on George Street, Cathedral Street, Duke Street and Concert Square.

Organisers have urged participants to allow plenty of time to get to the start due to various road closures.

A large number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect for the event, both on the route itself and surrounding areas around the city.

St Vincent Street, Paisley Road West and part of Argyle Street will be closed until at least the middle of the afternoon.

Full details can be found via a downloadable map on the Great Scottish Run website.

Saturday will have far less disruption, but there is expected to be a limited impact on the roads directly around Glasgow Green, like Greendyke Street.

An information point on George Square will be able to help runners with any last-minute inquiries.

It will be open from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and then from 07:00 to 11:30 on Sunday, although expect lengthy queues on the Sunday.

Safety pins to attach numbers will also be available for those who leave home without them.

Baggage buses for both the 10k and the half marathon can be found on George Street and will close 15 minutes before each start time.

Bags can then be collected near the finish line on Glasgow Green, provided the label corresponds with the runner's race number.

Dozens of portaloos will be available on the course at each water station and medical facilities are also available.

A mass warm up will be staged before each wave of runners sets off and on-course entertainment - including a "country mile" playing songs by the likes of Dolly Parton - will aim to give an extra boost to runners.

A timing chip is attached to each 10k and half marathon runner's number and it will enable them to be tracked on the official app as they pass various markers along the route.

This also means runners can check their result right away upon finishing.

Results, including gender and age group rankings, will be available on the run's official website after the event.

For completing the challenge, runners are rewarded with a medal and a T-shirt that incorporates Glasgow's landmarks and design heritage into it.

These include criss-cross patterns to reflect the steel geometry of the Squinty Bridge, flowing lines to echo the waves of the River Clyde and rose patterns synonymous with the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.