35 Years of Greatness at the Great South Run: Stuart (PID) Hall and his Tribute to Claire Lomas

Over 35 years of running along the South Coast, the Great South Run has created special memories for many of the runners who take part year after year, no more so than Stuart (Pid) Hall who will be competing for the fourth time on Sunday 19 October.

This year’s AJ Bell Great South Run is the final leg of the Three Spokes Challenge to continue the legacy of the inspiring Claire Lomas MBE.

Stuart, who was affectionately called Pid by Claire said: “Following the tragic death in August last year of the amazing Claire Lomas, who was my inspiration and my best friend, I have vowed to continue with her charity fundraising. Claire raised over £952k for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation before her death, and our target is to reach £1million, which would be a fantastic legacy to a lady who touched so many hearts.”

The Three Spokes Challenge has seen Pid alongside Claire’s husband, Dan, complete the Great Manchester Run, Great North Run, and now the Great South Run in wheelchairs raising fund and awareness for Claire’s legacy. It is the 11th Great Run Series event they will have taken part in.

Pid and Dan will be joined by Claire’s parents and other family and friends in what will undoubtedly be an emotional event for all involved.

“Claire loved the Great Run events, and the Great South Run will be the final event in our Three Spokes Challenge, and one so close to our heart, it will be very emotional but something Claire would have loved. Her family are running with us and Claire’s daughters Maisie, 14, and Chloe, 8, will be taking part in the Junior and Mini Great South Run the day before before, and then waving us off at the startline on Sunday. It will be a truly fitting tribute.”

Claire from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, started raising money for charity after she was paralysed from the chest down in 2007. Claire was the first person in the UK to use the ReWalk suit – completing the 2012 London Marathon in 17 days in the suit, and the Great North Run in 2016 – and becoming known as the ‘bionic woman’ through her achievements.

“The Great South Run holds special memories for us as it was an event she loved, and one that Claire & I completed three times together. The first time was for her 10in24 challenge in 2017 where she walked it in her robotic suit, walking through the night. I then ran alongside Claire when she did it in her wheelchair, and then again with Claire this time in her spare wheelchair together with Dan. “

“Claire was my inspiration for many things but most of all she was my best friend. We did so many things together including all her fundraising events and she made such a huge difference to so many lives. I just feel it is right that I carry on with this fundraising as it’s my way of saying thank you for letting me share her life. Usually, Claire has been by my side, but she will be riding in my heart forever now.” explained Pid.

This year’s AJ Bell Great South Run marks 35 years of the iconic 10-mile race. The 2025 edition is officially sold out, with record-breaking numbers expected to line the streets of Portsmouth for what promises to be the most unforgettable event yet.

For more information on this year’s event click here.