Great South Run organisers reveal 2026 medal design

There will be a Portsmouth100 flavour to this year’s Great South Run.

It’s less than two months until thousands of runners will line up on the Southsea start line for the Sunday main 10-mile race, as well as participate in the 5k and junior events on the Saturday.

As part of the city’s centenary celebrations, Portsmouth100 branding will feature on AJ Bell Great South Run 2026 medals and participant T-shirts, giving an extra special keepsake linked to the milestone year.

The Great South Run was first held in Southampton in 1990, but moved to Portsmouth the following year and has called the city its home ever since. The route starts on Southsea Common, heads west through Old Portsmouth and Portsea and into the Historic Dockyard, and then loops around the city centre before passing through Eastney and returning to the seafront for the final stretch.

This year’s medal design features the star and crescent emblem which is widely used by organisations across Portsmouth including the city council and Portsmouth FC. Also featuring on the Portsmouth 100 emblem, the iconic gold star and crescent on a blue background dates back over 700 years. It is widely believed to originate from the personal seal of King Richard I (the Lionheart) who granted Portsmouth its first official royal charter on May 2, 1194.

Radiating from the star are 10 sections, one for every mile of the Great South Run, with patterns relating to and inspired by the city including the Spinnaker Tower, Mary Rose and Portsmouth’s Naval heritage. Whilst the reverse holds the Portsmouth 100 emblem surrounded by a sea of blue waves representing the sea and the city’s costal location.

This year spectators can expect to see a wave of blue running along the course as Pompey in the Community and the Great South Run join up to create a Pompey Blue Wave.

For the first time, Pompey in the Community has about 500 places in the 10-mile event which together will form a dedicated wave of runners in Pompey blue fundraising for the community foundation.

The Blue Wave fundraising money will go specifically towards supporting children and young people across Portsmouth. Workshops, positive activities, mentoring and creation of safe spaces will create opportunities, build confidence and provide positive pathways for local young people.

The AJ Bell Great South 5k starts the Great South Run weekend on Saturday, October 17. The fast and flat route is perfect for runners aiming for a PB or those training for their first 5k . Last places available at https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-south-5k/

Younger athletes can also take part at the junior and mini events. The mini is for those aged three to eight and is over 1.2km, while the juniors, aged from nine to 15, complete a 2.5km route. The Junior & Mini event is expected to sell-out shortly – enter at https://www.greatrun.org/events/junior-mini-great-south-run/

The 2026 event will be the 36th edition of the Great South Run. For more information visit https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-south-run/