There are just two weeks to go before Gosport Half Marathon runners toe the start line in Browndown Road outside Race HQ, conveniently situated at Bay House School Sports Centre, and the good news is that entries are still being taken and a few will be available on the day – Sunday 19 November 2023.

There are already more people signed up than the 1,229 who finished last year, so it looks like there may be more than 1,500 runners setting out on the scenic two-lap course that includes a fabulous stretch along Gosport Promenade with far-reaching coastal views to the Isle of Wight.

Runners will be hydrated at five water stations; encouraged by some of the most supportive marshals around and have their spirits lifted by the Samba Drum Band outside The Shack at four miles and at 10.5 miles.

To underline the PB potential of this flat and fast course the top eight men went under 71 minutes last year, with Matt Sharp (Ryde Harriers, 1:07:56) setting the pace. Six women finished inside 85 minutes and the winner was W40 Emma Jolley (City of Portsmouth, 1:21:34).

Two races take place during the main event to keep the youngsters entertained. There is a 1.07km Fun Run for children aged 11 and under, followed by a 2.14km for those aged 12-16, with a £2 entry fee for both.

Gosport Road Runners, with a club policy preventing members from competing in their home race, provide a team of more than 100 knowledgeable volunteers to cover the many essential tasks on the day. They consider this gesture a way of saying thank you to other clubs for hosting races.

Gosport Half Marathon is again part of the Hampshire Road Race League and Gosport Road Runners would like to thank Alexandra Sports, Solent Sports Injury Clinic, Haslar Radio, Bayside Tri, Bodiworks, The Diving Museum and The Hovercraft Museum for their support in making this event possible.

Race details and previous results available via runABC South race listing here.

Photo of last year's medals courtesy Gosport Road Runners on Twitter / X