AJ Bell Great South Run – What to Expect this Weekend

With just days left before the world’s greatest 10 mile event, the AJ Bell Great South Run, returns to Portsmouth, here’s what to expect at the festival of running across the weekend.

Celebrating 35 Years of Running Greatness

Since its inaugural event in 1990, the Great South Run has built an incredible legacy with countless incredible moments and achievements, tens of millions of pounds raised for charity, and British and European records broken along the route.

Following the cancellation of the 2024 edition due to a storm, the Great South Run returns bigger and better than ever for an amazing weekend celebration of running which will see over 25,000 runners of all ages take part, cheered on as always by the unbeatable Pompey supporters who line the course in their thousands.

UK Athletics 10 Mile Championships

The very best of British runners are set to compete in the UKA 10 Mile Championships in the elite men’s and women’s races on Sunday, starting from 10:15.

Expect to see some blistering performance with the elite men’s race set to be a battle of returning Great South Run champions, with the starting line-up featuring 2021 winner Jack Rowe and 2019 Champion Marc Scott. Verity Ockenden leads the British women’s charge, returning to the Great South Run with her sights set on securing a win after finishing both 2nd and 3rd in previous years.

Breathtaking Views and Iconic Landmarks

The event is world-famous for a reason. Stunning running takes on new meaning with a course packed with panoramic coastal views, miles of glorious seafront and iconic landmarks including Southsea Castle, HMS Victory, Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, The Spinnaker Tower and more.

A Super Saturday Build-Up Featuring the Gladiators

The AJ Bell Great South 5k is the perfect kick off to the Great South Run weekend. From 9am, runners will enjoy beautiful views across the Solent, an incredible atmosphere, lovely fresh sea air and a fast & flat route – we expect runners of all abilities to score a new PB.

It’s not just grown-up runners who love to be by the seaside, mini and junior runners love it, too! Minis aged 3-8 will run a fun and energetic 1.2km, whilst Juniors aged 9-15yrs complete a 2.5km route before receiving a very special and well-earned AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run medal at the finish line.

Stars of the hit BBC Show Gladiators Quang Luong (Viper) and Jade Packer (Electro) will be official race starters on Saturday before welcoming runners back with high fives and photos.

An Atmosphere Like No Other

Nothing gets the legs pumping like the incredible Pompey support that lines the course with sweets and cheers. And that’s not all: we’ve also got music and charity cheer squads lined up along the route to keep a smile on your face – and to keep those feet pounding the pavement.

Sustainable Initiatives

We’re working to make the Great South Run greener each year. As well as organising event day clothing collections, we’re asking all runners to Drink, Drain, Aim, and use the Aqua Pura recycling stations on the route. You can also bring your unwanted shoes with you on race day and drop them at the shoe recycling collection point to keep them out of landfill.

Shiny Medal and Snazzy T-shirt

The best thing about taking part in an event is the “I did it!” sense of achievement – but the bragging rights are a close second. Every runner also receives a shiny, specially-designed medal and (optional) finisher t-shirt. Savour the moment when you get yours – you’ve earnt it!

Charities and Fundraising

Each year, everyday heroes (that’s our runners) make a difference and raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes. Expect a sea of colourful charity running tops, cheer stations aplenty and a whole lot of emotions. Join them and show your support where you can.

A Finish Line Party

You’ve done it! 10 miles is an incredible achievement – but the fun doesn’t end at the finish line. Cross the line and soak up the beats from the live DJ, before heading on to the Après Run zone for the complete after-party experience. Expect delicious food, refreshing drinks and even more music.

Follow the Action – Download the App

Whether you’re a runner or spectator, don’t miss a second of the Great South Run action – download the Great Run Event Day app for free on the App Store or Google Play here.

If you’re running on Sunday then the app will give you all the key info at your fingertips, plus speedy access to your finish time result. If you’re watching from the sidelines, then all you need is a participant’s name or run number and you can track multiple runners at the same time. Thanks to timing mats at intervals along the course you’ll be able to track your runner’s pace and expected finish time, plus donate to chosen charities.

Find more information on this year’s event here.