The benefits the Great Aberdeen Run will bring to the north-east will not just be economic – the event is expected to inspire people to live healthier, more active lives.
City council leader Jenny Laing said that was a key factor behind the decision to embrace the event.
She said: “As a local council, health and wellbeing is very much at the top of our agenda.
“We want to make sure our local residents are given the opportunities to participate in sport and physical fitness and we’ve done a lot of work providing facilities throughout the city, including investment in the Aberdeen Sports Village.
“But it’s important that we provide events like this as well.
“It was quite clear when we did the consultation on our city centre masterplan that the public of Aberdeen wanted to see a greater number of events held, particularly in the city centre.
“I think they will embrace this Great Aberdeen Run, they will see it as a national event coming to the city.
“And it’s the same weekend as Celebrate Aberdeen, which is obviously us in Aberdeen celebrating our volunteers and our charities, and the work they do within the city.
“I think it’s great to bring these two events together and I think there will be a real buzz here.”
