AJ Bell Great South Run – Osborne Family Run for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Alice and Andrew Osborne and their children Alfie, Teddy and Bea from Fareham, Hampshire are taking part in this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run – the family are running together to raise funds and awareness for the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Portsmouth DSA).
2025 marks 35 incredible years of the world-famous Great South Run, and this October’s 10-mile event is officially sold out and will be the biggest staging of the Great South Run weekend yet.
The milestone event, taking place on Sunday 19 October will welcome a record-breaking number of participants, coming together to mark 35 years of unforgettable running moments on the South Coast, and this year is set to be even sweeter as the majority of 2024 participants rolled their entry over into 2025 after the 2024 event couldn’t go ahead due to adverse weather conditions.
Entries are also selling fast for the Junior, Mini, and South 5k events across the weekend.
Left to right: Teddy, Alice, Bea, Alfie and Andrew Osborne.
Alice Osborne said: “Since 2017, we have been regulars, and the AJ Bell Great South Run weekend is one of our favourite events of the year – the atmosphere, the experience, it’s motivating, emotive and humbling all at the same time.
“We were inspired to start participating in the Great South Run weekend because as a family we rely on the vital support from Portsmouth DSA. Taking part helps us be active as a family, and we want to raise valuable funds to help Portsmouth DSA continue to support families in our situation.
“Not only does the medal inspire our children but being part of the team, paying it forward, and the Portsmouth crowd support always blows us away.”
Alice and Andrew, and some of their wider family, will run the 10 mile on Sunday, 19 October, and Alife – aged 10, will run in the Junior Great South Run, a 2.5km run for ages 9 to 15, while Teddy – 8, and sister Bea – 6, will be running in the Mini AJ Bell Great South Run on Saturday 18 October. The mini is a 1.2km run for ages 3 to 8, giving young runners a chance to take part and experience the big event buzz and kickstart a lifelong love of being active.
Caption: Ted and Dad, Andrew, taking part in the 2024 AJ Bell Mini Great South Run
Ted has participated in the Great South Run since 2021 alongside his little sister, Bea and older brother, Alfie. In one form or another, his family have taken part in the 10mile, Mini and Junior since he was born in 2017, and all three are booked to take part this October.
Alfie and Bea said: “We love running in the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run, especially raising money for Portsmouth DSA, they do so much to help our brother Teddy, and we are really happy to help.”
Caption: Alfie and Bea Osborne at the 2024 AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run.
Photo caption: Ted and Dad with medal.
Since its inaugural run in 1990, the Great South Run has grown to become one of the UK’s premier road races, attracting thousands of runners each year and has raised millions for charities. 2025 promises to be the most memorable yet, as tens of thousands take part in a truly special anniversary celebration.
Limited spaces are still available for the AJ Bell Great South 5k, and the Junior and Mini South Run. This year’s 10-mile is now sold out, sign up for priority access for 2026.
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