After a pulsating Great North Run on Sunday (12 September) the spotlight switches to the Great South Run – on 16/17 October – at the picturesque Hampshire resort of Southsea and nearby naval base of Portsmouth. 

Following the stunning success of British athletes in Newcastle, hopes are high for more of the same next month. Great North Run runner-up Eilish McColgan will be hoping to end her 2021 season on a high with a third Great South Run victory to add to her titles in 2018 and 2019. 

Great North Run men's winner Marc Scott is unlikely to be defending his Great South Run title from 2019, thus literally leaving the coast clear for a new men's champion.

Obviously, the elite will hog the race headlines but what can the masses expect from the 31st running of one of the world's biggest and best 10-mile races after a Covid-enforced absence? Here is our participants' guide, courtesy of Great Run...  

The Route
Around 16,000 runners will assemble on the spacious Clarence Parade, Southsea for a scenic tour of the seafront with views of Clarence Pier, Horatio Nelson’s Statue, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Harbour and Historic Dockyard, where runners will pass HMS Victory.  

The Music
Non-stop entertainment is one of the hallmarks of Great South Run. This year there will be 10 entertainment zones throughout the 10 mile course supplemented by charity cheering squads, the Beats Boost Zone and Wave 105 crew to keep you motivated every step of the way.   

The Pacers
The fast and flat course never fails to deliver PBs and there will be 17 pacers provided for times from 1:10:00 to 2:05:00 to help you achieve the goal your hard training deserves.

Fun for Everyone
Junior and Mini events for runners aged 3-15 will keep the stars of tomorrow engaged, with music on the course and a medal to cherish. Older athletes can enter Great South Run 5K on the Saturday for a relaxed run on a fast, attractive course, with a bespoke medal reward. 

The Rewards
The greatest prize will always be the sense of achievement as you cross the finish line, but a fabulous medal, snazzy t-shirt, and well-stuffed goody bag will also reward you at the end of your run. 

Whether you do it for the challenge, to fundraise for charity, or simply for fun, take your place on the Great South Run start line and be part of something really special. Just visit the Great South Run website here to sign up.

You can also check out event details, previous results, and stories at runABC South here 

Image courtesy Great Run