Glasgow, Scotland — Police have closed sections of central Glasgow following a road crash, creating additional disruption in the city on a day when tens of thousands of people are gathering for the annual Great Scottish Run.

Glassford Street, between The Trongate and Ingram Street, was closed to traffic following the incident. Access to Royal Exchange Square was also restricted from several surrounding entrances, with police directing motorists and pedestrians away from the affected area.

The incident occurred as Glasgow was preparing for one of its busiest sporting days of the year. Around 35,000 people are expected to participate in events connected with the Great Scottish Run, while spectators are also gathering along the routes.

Police advised motorists to avoid the affected central streets while emergency and traffic teams managed the situation. Details about the circumstances of the crash and any injuries were not immediately available in the initial reports.

The timing of the incident has created an additional challenge for transport authorities because extensive road restrictions were already planned for the running event.

The 2026 Great Scottish Run includes a 10-kilometre race and a half marathon. The 10K is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., while the half marathon is due to start at 10:10 a.m. Both events begin in central Glasgow and finish at Glasgow Green.

Traffic Scotland warned that roads around Glasgow could experience heavier-than-normal traffic during the event. Restrictions are scheduled across numerous city-centre routes, while motorists have been advised to consider alternative transport arrangements.

Bus services have also been affected. First Bus announced diversions for several services because of the temporary road closures, with some routes being redirected through alternative streets.

The road restrictions are primarily linked to the safety requirements of the running event. Glasgow City Council has specified that many affected routes will be closed to ordinary vehicles, with exceptions for emergency services and vehicles given permission by the council’s events team.

The combination of the crash and the sporting event means commuters, residents and visitors are facing an unusually complicated travel situation in central Glasgow.

Authorities are encouraging people travelling into the city to check routes before setting out and to allow additional time for journeys. Event-related restrictions are expected to remain in place during the main running activities and will be lifted progressively as runners pass through the affected areas and event infrastructure is removed.

The Great Scottish Run is one of Glasgow’s largest annual public sporting events, attracting participants from across Scotland and beyond. This year’s event is expected to be particularly large, with organizers anticipating about 35,000 participants across the weekend.

For local residents and businesses, the combination of the emergency road closure and planned event restrictions has made access to parts of the city centre more difficult than usual.

Police and transport officials are expected to continue managing traffic around the affected areas while the event takes place. Further information about the crash may be released as the investigation develops.