SCOTLAND'S largest mass-participation sports event is about to become a worldwide celebration. The IRN-Bru XS Great Scottish Run was launched yesterday by Glasgow's Lord Provost, Pat Lally, with the biggest promotional package in its history.

Backed by both The Herald and our sister paper, The Evening Times, and with extensive coverage by our TV partner, Scottish, the half marathon on August 23 will go round the globe.

In addition to 90 minutes of live TV - the first since the 1985 marathon - there will also be input from the junior 3000 metres fun run to be staged the same day round Glasgow Green, plus delayed transmission on Eurosport.

BBC abandoned the event after 1985, reportedly because it could not be networked in addition to London's race, but a one-hour Scottish package has already been sold to more than 100 countries. TV consultant Barry Hearn, who plans to compete in the race with snooker's Steve Davis, confirms this includes screening in the USA. ''The race will have a big international dimension,'' he said. Other countries the package will go to include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and China.

''In five years I believe that if Glasgow has the will, this could overtake the Great North Run as Britain's biggest race,'' said Hearn.

From a peak of 20,062 entries in 1985, the Glasgow's event suffered after it was shortened. Only 5524 entered in 1991, but more than 9000 lined up last year, and the target this year is 12,000. Though the European Championships (which finish on race day) and the Commonwealth Games, starting three weeks later, will dilute UK and Commonwealth elite entries, ''many of those left out will wish to prove a point,'' said race director Bob Stephen. Most entrants are used to this weekend, and the city declined to let them down.

Governing bodies of athletics in Kenya, Australia, Romania, South Africa, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, USA, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and China have already been approached. The field will be among the most cosmopolitan ever.

Glasgow City Council's acting director of Parks and Recreation, Brian Porteous, confirmed that for 2000, a marathon would be added to the programme. Research shows 60% of entrants would prefer a marathon.

Dismissing the triple heart bypass which he had last August as ''just a publicity stunt,'' 71-year-old Sir James Savile, a long-time participant, insisted he would be there again.

A race entry form appears left. Further details from the race hotline: 0141 287 5576.

q THE Herald shortly will launch an instruction series for beginners.