About

Please note, the 2020 Great South Run has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. See the Great Run website for full details and more info: grtrun.org/eventupdates.

The Great South Run is a flat, fast course along paved routes for the entire duration - which means it's perfect for setting a new personal best. The route will also take runners past some of Portsmouth's best scenery, including the Spinnaker Tower, Southsea Seafront and through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (past Nelson's flagship HMS Victory).

It's not all about the big event, though. There are a number of other races taking part across the weekend, to suit all ages and abilities.

Saturday plays host to the Great South Run 5k, which welcomes those just getting into running or who feel the 10 mile route is now a little too much. It's a great entry into distance running - and there's not a hill in sight! Additionally, there are two children's races - the Junior (2.5k) and Mini (1.5k). Children aged 3-8 are encouraged to try the Mini, whilst the Junior is ideal for anyone aged 9-15. As with the grown-up races, all finishers will be given a commemorative t-shirt and the all-important medal.

This year will also see the return of the Canine Run, a 2.5km run for dog owners to take with their beloved pets!

On top of all this, a number of high-profile guests descend on Southsea for the event. Celebrity participants have, in previous years, included Hugh Dennis and Iwan Thomas. There's also a number of famous faces pulling the starting trigger and welcoming the kids as they pass the final bend of the Junior and Mini events.

Provisional timings for the full run are as follows:

07:00 Car parking on Southsea Common and information point opens
07:30 Baggage room opens
09:00 Start assembly area open
10:15 Great South Run elite women’s race start
10:20 Fast-paced runners and Orange wave warm-up
10:35 Great South Run elite men and Orange wave start
10:38 White wave warm-up
10:48 Start of White wave
10:55 Green wave warm-up
11:05 Start of Green wave