This year’s run will celebrate Portsmouth 100

The south coast’s biggest running celebration returns in a month as the city’s centenary takes centre stage at the AJ Bell Great South Run.

The Great South Run weekend, set to take place on 17 and 18 of October, is all about local pride, the region’s rich heritage and the passionate local communities.

The Great South Run returns to Portsmouth on October 19 and 20 with thousands of runners taking part in events along Southsea seafront on both days. Details at https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-south-run/ Picture: Keith Woodland (151021-793)

placeholder image — The Great South Run returns to Portsmouth on October 19 and 20 with thousands of runners taking part in events along Southsea seafront on both days. Details at https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-south-run/ Picture: Keith Woodland (151021-793)

Since the very first event in 1990, a special relationship has developed between the people of Portsmouth and the Great South Run, which is even more prevalent this year as the Great South Run joins the ‘Portsmouth100’ year-long celebration of being granted city status.

Across the weekend, more than 25,000 runners of all ages are expected to take part, with thousands of local supporters lining the course to create the famous Portsmouth atmosphere. Runners will experience one of the UK’s most iconic 10-mile courses, taking in some of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks, enjoying spectacular views across the Solent and Isle of Wight, before finishing close to the historic Southsea Castle.

STORIES OF GREATNESS FROM THE SOUTH COAST

From first time runners to those chasing PBs, whether they are running for a cause close to their heart or a personal sense of achievement, pride for their home town and the community they are part of, runners have their own inspiration for taking on the challenge.

Amongst the 2026 cohort taking on the world’s greatest 10 mile race this October will be Rebecca Rothwell who turned her experience of losing 100lb naturally into a career as an online health and fitness coach, helping hundreds of women, lose weight, build confidence and develop a healthier mindset around food and exercise. She is taking on her first Great South Run to show others that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Mike Gilmour, from Fareham, who is running his 18th consecutive Great South Run. What started as pub talk with friends over festive drinks in 2006 - at a point when none of the group were runners - has now become a running tradition for Mike.

Lee Amey and Kieran Boyd who both work for Pompey in the Community and will be joining the special Pompey blue wave. Both former members of the British Army, they are planning to Tab (fast military style walk and run) the Great South Run with a weighted 20Kg Bergan (rucksack) in military style boots.

Joining Portsmouth’s Centenary Celebrations

The Portsmouth 100/P100 branding will feature on this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run finisher medals and participant T-shirts, giving runners a unique keepsake from a landmark year for the city.

The 2026 medal design also celebrates Portsmouth’s identity and heritage, featuring the city’s iconic star and crescent emblem alongside details inspired by the city, including the Spinnaker Tower, Mary Rose and Portsmouth’s naval heritage.

Adding to the Pompey spirit will be the first ever Pompey Blue Wave, created through a partnership between the Great South Run and Pompey in the Community. Around 500 runners will take part in the dedicated blue wave, raising funds for the community foundation and helping support children and young people across Portsmouth.

Best of British - UK Athletics 10-Mile Championships

While thousands of runners will be chasing their own Great South Run goals, some of the country’s best distance runners will be racing for national honours as the event once again hosts the UK Athletics 10 Mile Championships.

The championships have become a major highlight of the Great South Run, bringing elite racing to the streets of Portsmouth and giving spectators the chance to see leading male and female British athletes go head to head over the famous 10 mile course.

Last year’s winners Marc Scott and Verity Ockenden are among the names to have left their mark on the championships, while the Great South Run has a long history of producing outstanding performances.

Previous winners include Chris Thompson, who won three consecutive editions, Liz McColgan, winner in 1995 and 1997, and Eilish McColgan, whose 50:43 victory in 2021 remains the women’s course record and a European best for 10 miles.

A Whole Weekend of Running

The Great South Run weekend gets underway on Saturday 17 October, with the AJ Bell Great South 5K kicking things off before younger runners take centre stage on Saturday at the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run

Giving children and young runners the chance to experience their own Great South Run moment, minis aged 3-8 will complete a fun 1.4km route, while Juniors aged 9-15 will take on a 2.5km course, with both events finishing with celebrations and a well-earned medal.

The weekend will culminate with the main AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 18 October, when more than 20,000 runners expected to take on the iconic 10 mile route.