Great South Run

The Great South Run is a 10-mile road race held in Portsmouth, typically in mid-October. The start and finish lines are located at the north end of Avenue De Caen. Its 10-mile distance falls between a 10K and a half marathon, offering a suitable challenge for runners seeking a longer distance than a 10K but not yet ready for 13.1 miles. The course is known for being relatively flat and fast, appealing to those aiming for personal bests, as well as charity participants and newcomers to racing. Participants must be at least 16 years old on race day, and their race numbers include an integrated timing chip. The route incorporates Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, guiding runners through the historic dockyard area where they can see landmarks like HMS Victory. However, filming and photography are not permitted within the naval base itself. Entertainment zones are situated at each mile marker, and local residents line the course to offer encouragement. The event originated in Southampton before relocating to Portsmouth after its inaugural year, and it is part of Brendan Foster’s Great Run series. Notable past elite participants include Paula Radcliffe, Luke Kibet, Joseph Ebuya, and Eilish McColgan, with the mass participation field sometimes exceeding 20,000 runners.