35 Years of Greatness at Great South Run: Darcie-Ellen
Celebrating 35 Years of Greatness: Inspiring Stories from the AJ Bell Mini & Junior Great South Run
As we celebrate 35 years of greatness at the AJ Bell Great South Run in 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible young people taking part in this year’s Junior and Mini events. These races aren’t just about medals – they’re about moments, memories, and making a difference.
Meet six-year-old Darcie-Ellen from Southampton, who is one of those standout stories running in her first-ever charity race in honour of someone very close to her heart.
Darcie-Ellen is taking on the 1.4km Mini distance at the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run on Saturday 18 October, the day before the main 10-mile race. For this determined six-year-old, it’s not just about running – it’s about raising money, showing strength, and honouring her amazing Nana, who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in June 2024.
After watching her family raise thousands for Cancer Research UK since her Nana was diagnosed – from her mum’s 1000km run last July to a 17-mile charity walk by her dad, grandad (“Grumpy”), and uncles – Darcie-Ellen decided it was time to step in and wanted to do her bit. She set a goal of £100, but has already raised £420 and counting, training hard every Saturday at athletics and going on long runs with her mum.
“I said ‘Now it’s my turn’, I want to raise money like the rest of my family. I want to help get rid of cancer. I want my family to be proud of my achievement,” says Darcie-Ellen.
Darcie-Ellen describes the race as a way to “Look after other people I don’t know and my family.” And with her Nana now cancer-free, the run is not just a celebration of recovery – but a step toward a future without cancer.
“I love my family. Family is everything,” she says with pride.
Darcie-Ellen will join the other ‘Mini’ runners aged 3 – 8 years for a fun and energetic 1.4km, while those aged 9 – 15 years take on the ‘Junior’ race 2.5km route, all before being rewarded with a very special and well-earned medal at the finish line.
The event is packed with fun, colour, and community spirit – just like the main 10-mile Great South Run, taking place on Sunday 19th October.
Limited spaces are still available for the Junior and Mini Great South Run. Find out more here.
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