Running Greatness at it’s Best at Biggest Ever Great South Run

Following the cancellation of the 2024 edition due to a storm, the AJ Bell Great South Run 2025 returned bigger and better than ever, with over 25,000 runners of all ages take part in an amazing weekend of running, cheered on by the unbeatable 75,000 Pompey supporters who lined the course despite the weather.

£1Million raised as legacy to Claire Lomas MBE

Since its inaugural event in 1990, the Great South Run has built an incredible legacy with countless incredible moments and achievements, added to those will be today’s moving tribute to the inspiring Claire Lomas MBE.

Claire raised over £952k for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation before her death. Claire’s husband Dan alongside her best friend Stuart ‘Pid’ Hall started their Three Spokes Challenge to take that fundraising to £1 million.

It was on the start line of the Great South Run 2025 that Pid announced to Dan that they had smashed that magical £1 million as a fantastic legacy to a lady who touched so many hearts.

The Great South Run was the final leg of their challenge which has seen the pair complete the Great Manchester Run, Great North Run, and now the Great South Run in wheelchairs raising funds and awareness for Claire’s legacy.

Pid and Dan were joined by Claire’s parents and other family and friends, with the starters horn sounded by Claire and Dan’s daughters Maisie and Chloe on what was a truly emotional day for everyone involved.

President of the Great Run Company Sir Brendan Foster said, “Claire was part of so many special memories at our Great Run events and we know how much she especially loved the Great South Run. She first completed the course in 2017 in her robotic suit walking through the night, returning twice again to take on the course in her wheelchair. We’re honoured her family chose The Great South Run as their final leg and for us to be part of their fantastic achievement. Claire I’m sure would be very proud.”

Outstanding elite performances
The AJ Bell Great South Run saw close fought battles for first place in both the elite men’s and women’s races.

It was third time lucky for Verity Ockenden (Swansea Harriers AC) who finished was ahead of the pack to take the crown 00:56:37, with Kate Estlea-morris (Aldershot Farnham & District A. C.) in second in 00:56:46 and Beth Kidger (Brighton Phoenix) finishing third in 00:56:48

Marc Scott (Richmond & Zetland Harriers) was the winner of the Elite Men’s race in 00:47:21, adding to his 2019 win at the Great South Run. Baldvin Magnusson from Iceland claimed second place in a time of 00:47:39, with Jake Smith (Pontypridd Roadents RC) in third place in 00:47:53.

Sir Brendan Foster said, “The Great South Run has a rich history of incredible performances by British elite athletes and today was no exception. Marc and Verity join a veritable roll call of British previous winners including Liz and Eilish McColgan, Chris Paula Radcliffe and Sir Mo Farah. It was great to be back after last year’s cancellation due to the storm, this is an event firmly cemented in the calendar of runners of all abilities and we can’t wait to do it all in 2026.”

Sporting icon race starters
Sporting legends new and old came together on the starters platform. Running royalty Dame Kelly Holmes started the elite female athlete race to kick off the morning before joining the masses to take on the 10 mile route herself.

Hot off the success of the Red Roses in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Chichester born Jess Breach was joined by Portsmouth FC Legend Alan Knight, to ring the bell to start the elite male athlete race before sending over 23,000 runners on their way to running greatness.

35 years of the Great South Run
With 2025 being 35 years of the Great South Run this milestone was celebrated on the startline as race organisers The Great Run Company said thank you to the Great South Run stalwarts who have been involved in the event since the very first race. These included Dave Olsen who is one of 3 runners this year to have completed every single Great South Run since the very first staging of the event in 1990 and Pam Rogers – who has been involved from the start either as a runner for the first 14 years, or as official since.

Enter Great South Run 2026 NOW!
The Great South Run 2026 RETURNS on Sunday 18 October. Entries are now open – enter now to secure Super Earlybird prices (first 1000 places only). Enter here.