Portsmouth hosts the 10-mile AJ Great South Run this Sunday, welcoming runners of all ages. This major event features Solgar, the gold standard in vitamins, as the proud sponsor of the Pacers—dedicated individuals helping runners reach their goals. Each Pacer has a remarkable story to share.

Portsmouth prepares for the 10-mile AJ Great South Run on Sunday, 20th October, attracting runners of all ages and fitness levels. With a rich history, stunning sea views, and the salty air of the South coast, this event is the biggest running celebration in the area. Solgar, the gold standard in vitamins and supplements, proudly sponsors the Pacers—dedicated individuals helping runners achieve their best and reach the finish line.

Each Pacer has a remarkable story. Here are two notable examples:

Alice Baker, 44, from Southampton first experience of the Great South Run was with her husband David, an experienced runner. It was in 2016 and was the first time she’d ever run 10 miles. David encouraged her all the way and they crossed the finish line holding hands. Since this time, David has been diagnosed with MND. A significant blow to both of them. They have had a special running wheelchair made so that they can continue to run/race together. Alice became a Pacer in memory of all those, like her husband who can no longer run or pace these races anymore, it’s her way of honouring their legacy and to give back to the running community who have supported them so much. Alice and David both worked for the NHS. David was forced to retire due to his diagnosis. Alice is still a Nurse, whilst caring for her husband. They continue to race together whenever they can.

Alice’s Golden Moment:

My most memorable Golden Moment is when David & I ran the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run together this year in May. It was the first proper race we’d done with the wheelchair. We had such a good time, the crowds were brilliant, they really pushed us on and really encouraged us and we managed to finish it in one hour and one minute! We were both so happy, it was the first time we’d run a significant race together with the running wheelchair.

The Great Run organisation is so inclusive, it was no problem, David taking part as an assisted runner in his chair. David can’t run anymore, so this is a way he can still take part in sports and take part in races and something that we can do together.

What makes it worthwhile is I remember what it was like doing my first 10 mile run, it was hard at the time and I have now done it a couple more times, really pushed the pace and had a great race. I can’t run that fast anymore, so this is my time to give back and help other runners achieve those dreams and their best times.

Solgar Pacer Alice and her husband David

Alice’s Tips: "You can do it! I’ll help you over the finish line, and we’ll have a great time. We’ll cheer and smile—it's going to be a fantastic day!"

Rob Kelly, 56, from Southampton: A dear friend of Rob’s, David Hawkins used to coordinate the pacers for GSR and in 2017 asked if he would like to be part of the Pacing team. Looking back Rob believes it was probably the best decision he ever made. David passed away suddenly 18 months ago, in memory of his friend, Rob has picked

up the mantle to pull together the team of Pacers to support all runners, he sees it as his way of giving something back to the running community and the GSR team, and the gratitude he receives is a very humbling experience.

Rob’s Favourite Moment:

I have a couple of Golden Moments. One was meeting Sir Brendan Foster, at Great South Run a few years ago when he started the race and then also people asking for selfies, I just didn’t expect that at all and spectators also asking for pictures, which is fantastic.

The thing that makes it so worthwhile is you may get a group of people who may struggle through the event and haven’t got the confidence that they may need to get to the finish line and you get them there.

Midway through, you’ll sometimes get people running behind you and you’re not quite sure how many people are following you, and you look around and have that Forrest Gump moment, when you turn-around and you’ve 20 or 30 people following you & you’re like OK this is working!

These runners are relying on you to get them to the finish line, that to me is the most important thing, that we get them there safely and they can achieve a PB or their goals, and running with a Pacer, well if that makes them comfortable and happy – then that makes it all worthwhile.

Rob’s Tips: "Stick with the Pacers! We’re experienced and will get you across the finish line safely, helping you achieve your personal best."

For more information or images [email protected].