THE chief executive of the company which stages the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow has revealed its ambition to add a marathon to its portfolio of events.

Mark Hollinshead, who joined Brendan Foster’s Great Company from a senior role at Trinity Mirror, believes there is scope for the UK to host a further two world class marathons.

And the executive, whose company is staging the Great North Run in Newcastle this weekend, said the autumn would be the most likely time of the year to stage a 26-mile race.

Mr Hollinshead said: “If you look across the world, there is not a wold class autumn marathon in the UK. If you want to appeal to the elite athlete you have obviously got New York and Chicago, and you have got Berlin.

“I think there is room in the market for a world class marathon in the UK, perhaps two.”

On potential locations, Mr Hollinshead said the backdrop to a marathon is hugely important.

He noted: “If you are going to put together a marathon it’s got to be as good as the Great North [Run] in terms of the experience of running over the Tyne Bridge and down to South Shields beach.

“You have got to include all the famous landmarks of a city because if you can get it televised it’s the best promotional ad.”

However, Mr Hollinshead ruled out making a bid the London Marathon. He said: “That’s a very iconic event. We want to see that prosper but we want a marathon in our portfolio and I am actively looking at that.”