If there was a Great South Road in England it would surely run straight to the great maritime city of Portsmouth, which is getting ready to welcome thousands of runners and supporters for the 33rd Great South Run on Sunday 15 October.   

The AJ Bell Great South Run – quite possibly the world's favourite 10-miler – returns for another spectacular celebration of distance running with a fast and flat course, inspiring history, salty sea air, and glorious coastal views guaranteed – come and ‘sea’ for yourself!

How fast is the course? Last year's elite men's race was won by Tokyo Olympian Ben Connor (Derby) in 47:19 and GB international Lily Partridge (Birchfield Harriers, 54:29) prevailed in a hotly contested women's race. UK records and countless PB's have been set on this cracker of a course.

The South Coast’s biggest and best running event is on Sunday, with the AJ Bell Great South 5K plus AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great South Run kids events on Saturday, so book your accommodation early if you are staying for the whole weekend.

Starting and finishing on the glorious Southsea seafront at Clarence Esplanade the event provides stunning running at every turn, with breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight, and passes iconic landmarks including the Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory, and Southsea Castle.

But it’s not just the sights and scenery that attract runners from far and wide: the incredible local vocal support, rocking on-course music zones, and post-race celebrations combine to create an unbeatable atmosphere from start to finish. It really is an event experience like no other!

If you’re not quite ready for the full 10 miles the AJ Bell Great South 5K is the perfect way to experience the amazing sea views and race day atmosphere on an equally fast and flat route.

Whether it’s doing something incredible for charity, the pure joy as you cross the finish line, or wearing your medal with pride, you have to be there to experience the Great South Run feeling. So set yourself a challenge and be part of something special on Sunday 15 October.

The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run is a brilliant introduction to running events for kids. The popular Junior (2.5K) and Mini (1.2K) events give the budding running stars of the future a taste of the big event experience and a chance to claim their own finisher’s medal.

Visit the Great South Run website now for full details and to secure your number. 

Previous results and reports at runABC South race listing here. 

Image: Great Run