Thousands of spectators lined the streets of south Glasgow for the event, which is part of the city's running calendar, which also boasts the largest mass participation sporting event in the country, the Great Scottish Run, and the Men's Health 10k, which typically attract around 40,000 entrants.

Elspeth Curran from Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club was first across the line in a personal best of 34min 59sec followed by Sarah Benson from Edinburgh Athletics Club in second and Kilbarchan team-mate Gemma Rankin third.

Meggan Dawson-Farrell, who set a Scottish record time at the Virgin London Marathon last month, was the first wheelchair athlete to finish in a time of 37min 21sec, ahead of team-mate Jane Egan.

Elspeth Curran took first place in the Great Women's 10k with a time of 34 minutes and 59 seconds

Among the competitors were Ireland's former 5,000m world champion Sonia O'Sullivan          and four-time Olympian Jo Pavey, who is currently expecting her second child.

"Being five months pregnant, today for me was about fun, not speed and what fun it was." she said.

"I'm hoping to compete in Glasgow 2014 [Commonwealth Games] and then I will go for it."

Britain's London 2012 judo silver medallist Gemma Gibbons hailed the atmosphere surrounding the event as she officially started the race and offered encouragement to competitors.

"I'd heard the atmosphere in Glasgow was fantastic and I wasn't disappointed." she said.

Ireland's former 5,000m world champion Sonia O'Sullivan (number 65) competed in the Great Women's 10k in Glasgow

"It was great to see so many women take part on the day, supporting each other for so many different causes."

Glasgow's 2018 bid director Paul Bush said: "Year on year the Glasgow Women's 10k continues to inspire women of all ages and abilities to pull on their trainers and be more active.

"And it is not just about the elite athletes and fun runners.

"Once again it was the spectators lining the streets who showed just what a special place Glasgow is for events such as this.

"The atmosphere was incredible."

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