Our AJ Bell Great Scottish Run countdown starts now.

Over the next five weeks, runABC will be building towards one of the biggest dates on Scotland's running calendar, as thousands prepare to take over the streets of Glasgow on Sunday 4 October.

And there could hardly be a better place to begin than with Glasgow's remarkable summer of sport.

The Commonwealth Games brought athletes, spectators and volunteers together across the city. Now the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run offers runners the opportunity to move from the stands to the start line and create a sporting memory of their own.

There are two challenges to choose from. The 10K provides an achievable target for newer runners or those chasing speed, while the Half Marathon offers a bigger autumn goal. Both start on St Vincent Street and finish on Glasgow Green.

Between those two points comes the experience that has made the Great Scottish Run a fixture of the Scottish running calendar: a city-centre course, famous Glasgow landmarks, entertainment and enthusiastic support along the route.

There is still time to prepare too, with free Great Run training plans available for both distances.

Over the coming weeks, we'll look more closely at the race, the course and the experience awaiting runners on 4 October.

Glasgow has already enjoyed a memorable sporting summer. Now our five-week countdown to its next great start line is under way.

Entries are available via the runABC race hub here.

Image courtesy Great Run Company.