This year’s 36th AJ Bell Great South Run returns on 17-18 October for another amazing weekend of running, just as Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of city status in 2026!

Last year's 35th-anniversary AJ Bell Great South Run was run in wet, windy, and generally foul conditions that failed to dampen the spirits of 20,000 competitors, thanks to the uplifting vibe of this much-loved seaside classic.

The 2025 winners were 2019 champion Marc Scott (Richmond & Zetland Harriers, 47:21) and Verity Ockenden (Swansea Harriers, 56:37), who was the runner-up in 2019. Great South Run legend Chris Thompson provided the on-course commentary in his inimitable style – as we reported in runABC.

For a visual overview of the 2025 event, here is a short video of the famous race often hailed as the world’s greatest 10-mile event......

Great Run is currently offering Great South Run entries at a discounted price, so get in early to secure your place on the start line, and be your greatest in 2026! Unlike other Great Run half-marathon events, the Great South Run is held over a 10-mile course that starts and finishes on Eastney Esplanade, then runs past Portsmouth Harbour, the Historic Dockyard and HM Naval Base at Portsea, before returning to Southsea for the spectacular finish near Southsea Castle.

Portsmouth’s supporters will keep your spirits and motivation up the whole way round, with blaring music, loud cheers, high fives, and fist bumps all part of the incredible Great South Run experience. Whether you’re chasing a new PB, raising money for a cause close to your heart, or simply soaking up that unbeatable South Coast energy, this is a run for everyone.

If the flagship 10-miler is a step too far for you, consider entering the Great South 5K on Saturday, 17 October 2026. This supporting event is a mini classic itself, with beautiful views across the Solent, an incredible atmosphere, fresh sea breezes, and a fast and flat route.

The Great South 5K champions last year were Oakley Knipe (City of Portsmouth AC, 15:31) and Imogen Edwards (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC, 17:08), as over 800 runners finished in less than an hour.

AJ Bell Great South Run has forged its place in UK road race history and you can be part of the action, meet star athletes, raise funds for your favourite charity, or simply soak up the South Coast scenery as you run in one of the three waves – Orange at 10:35; Green at 10:50; Pink at 11:20.

For more details and entries, go to the Great South Run 2026 website here. 

Previous results and reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo and video courtesy of the Great Run Company