Three decades ago, Aberdeen was preparing to host its inaugural Baker Hughes 10K.
And the event has subsequently grown from strength to strength, and will mark its 30th birthday on Sunday.
It is a major milestone for the area’s sporting community, but none more so than for the maiden winner Fraser Clyne.
Mr Clyne, who had competed for Scotland at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, finished the race in 30minutes and 24 seconds.
Reflecting on the event, which he has won on more than one occasion, Mr Clyne said the race had evolved with the passing of time.
He added: “There were roughly 1,500 people that took part [in 1987].
“Although it was a big number, both the standard and depth of finishing time was better at that time, but you probably had a lot more serious runners taking part.
“I think the numbers are a lot bigger now, but it was always a big event from the start.
“There are definitely more women taking part now, I think it’s probably about 50-50 – there has been a huge upsurge in women’s running in the past 10 years.”
The 10K was born out of the city’s annual marathon, but eventually superseded that event when it was discontinued a few years later.
The route started and finished at the beach as it does now, but it also incorporated Union Street, Holburn Street and Riverside Drive.
Mr Clyne, who reports on athletics in the Press and Journal’s sports section, explained that the increased popularity of the race among ordinary people has been mirrored nationally.
He said: “The event started alongside the marathon, but almost immediately there were greater numbers doing the 10K.
“It’s been a good way to get everyone involved in running, it’s the basis for a lot of sports.
“It’s easy to do, it doesn’t require facilities or spending much money and you can do it anywhere.
“It’s fantastic that this has been able to go on for so long now and it has become a fixture of the calendar for Aberdeen.”
There are 3,989 runners taking part in Sunday’s race, with three wheelchair competitors also participating.