Children who want to get fit are being encouraged to sign up for the new, shorter distance Junior Great Scottish Fun Run which takes place in Glasgow on September 5.

Supported by Lloyds TSB and Bank of Scotland, and organised for Glasgow City Council by Culture and Sport, the 1.5km run will take place alongside the established 3km course and is aimed at children aged nine to 12.

The new, shorter run was officially launched at Caledonia Primary in Glasgow before the summer break, when Olympic Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards visited the school to urge pupils to sign up.

Stuart Grieve, sports development officer for Culture and Sport Glasgow, says: “The holiday period is a great time for youngsters to train for the run. And they can improve their fitness by adding in other physical activities, such as football, cycling and swimming. Parents or other carers can help by walking a mile with their children several times a week. Then they can cover that distance by alternating jogging with walking, using visual measures such as benches, if they’re in a park, or lamp posts.

“Drinking water is important when you’re training,” he adds, “but it should be taken in small sips, not big gulps.”

He points out that children taking part in the run should cover it at their own pace and not feel they have to complete it in the fastest time possible.

All junior runners will receive a souvenir T-shirt, posted in advance of the race, and everyone who crosses the finish line will also receive a commemorative medal, goodie bag and race certificate.

To sign up for the event which sets off from Glasgow Green, September 5, 10am: www.runglasgow.org; T 0845 270 0166.