A half marathon for Aberdeen? That’ll do nicely thank you.

After all, I have so far run halfs in Edinburgh, Newcastle and about to do Glasgow.

Having the Great Aberdeen Run on the doorstep, with its partner 10k event, would be fabulous – and not just for runners.

The atmosphere in and around each of these cities on race day is fantastic, with all sorts of fringe events and activities. In fact, the Great North Run in Newcastle is like a festival, packing out hotels, restaurants and pubs with runners – although there’s more boozing after the event, mind.

The run itself sees people lining the route, applauding, cheering, handing out sweeties to keep runners’ energy levels up.

My favourite pick-you-up on the Great North Run was the man yelling “never mind your gels and sports drinks … this will keep you going” as he handed out small cups of beer.

He was right.

Similarly, the Edinburgh run was just one big party from start to finish with runners and spectators creating a fantastic atmosphere. I’m sure the Great Scottish Run, in Glasgow four weeks from now, will be the same and then some.

Having a Great Aberdeen Run would bring all that and more to the Granite City. It’s just the boost we need right now.

We also have the advantage over the legendary Great North Run of being prettier. Apart from the scamper over the iconic Tyne Bridge, the route was mostly on motorways and a bit, well, dull.

Mrs B and I staged our own Great Aberdeen Run on Saturday, a training 10 miles from the Bridge of Dee to the Bridge of Don and back. From riverside to the beach to passing iconic Aberdeen buildings, it was just lovely.

Mind you, it was also knackering. Just as well those post-run beers can work wonders (yeah, that’s right, I only run so I can quaff fine ales and stuff my face with crisps).So, well done to those trying to make the Great Aberdeen Run a reality.

Sign me up.

Only cuteness has kept panda going

So we can take pandas off the endangered species list, then.

Apparently they are now just “vulnerable”. Well whoopee.

Does that mean we can stop spending all that money on a species that nature seems to be wanting rid off anyway. I mean, why have a creature with such a complex, nigh-on impossible ability to reproduce. The fact it is still here is due to a survival trait Darwin didn’t predict – cuteness. If it wasn’t so cuddly, the panda would have gone the way of the dodo – and rightly so.

Use sense over cycling

I’m all for the Wee Jaunt cycle event getting folk on to two wheels and promoting cycling safety at the same time.

As a former cyclist, I’m painfully aware of the stupidity of some drivers when it comes to treating bikes with respect. And as a driver, I’m painfully aware of the stupidity of some cyclists who think the rules don’t apply to them – little things like red lights. A bit of common sense on all sides, please.