Favourably flat and fast and situated just a stone’s throw from the Solent, the annual Great South Run is one of the world’s most prized 10-mile races – and this year, it will celebrate its 35th edition.
Weaving around Portsmouth and Southsea and offering fine views of the Isle of the Wight, not to mention a refreshing dose of salty sea air, the Great South Run is a stand-out feature in the UK racing calendar. This popular autumn event was first held in 1990 and has since attracted some of the greatest names in running, with previous winners including Endure Relays: The four-hour running event for all, Paula Radcliffe, incredible benefits of running Chris Thompson, who scored a historic hat-trick of wins at the race between 2016 and 2018.
Here’s everything that you need to know about this year’s seaside event.
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When is the 2025 Great South Run?
The 2025 Great South Run will take place on Sunday 19 October and over 23,000 runners are expected to take part.
The day before, on Saturday 18 October, the Great South 5K, as well as the Junior and Mini Great South Run (for children aged 3-8 and 9-15, respectively), will also take place and collectively host another 2,000 runners. As a result, a full, family-friendly weekend of running festivities is on the cards.
Can I still enter the 2025 Great South Run?
Although general entries in the 2025 Great South Run have already sold out, you can still bag a charity place in this year’s 10-mile event – visit the race website to find out more.
those who are making the transition from the here.
How far is the Great South Run?
The Great South Run is 10 miles long, which equates to 16km.
Where are the start and finish lines?
The race starts on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, just by the Blue Reef Aquarium. The what3words location is crib.golf.plots. Clear signs will direct you to your assembly and start points on the day.
The finish line is situated just east of the start line, close to the Pyramids Centre. The what3words location is socket.apples.cities. From here, you’ll be able to move into and enjoy the Après Run Zone, where you can celebrate your achievement with loved ones, tuck into some food and drink, keep moving to some club anthems from the Heart Radio DJ truck and more.
What time does the race start?
The 2025 Great South Run sets off in waves and the colour of your bib number will indicate which wave you are in.
The elite women will start first at 10:15am, followed by wheelchair and visually impaired participants at 10:19am. The elite men and those in the Fast Paced Runner and Orange waves will then set of at 10:35am, before the Green wave runners get going at 11:01am and the Pink wave runners at 11:27am. Please note that these timings are subject to change closer to the event.
On Saturday 18 October, the Great South 5K will start at 10am, while the Junior and Mini Great South Run will start at midday.
How do I get my race bib?
Your bib number, which details your wave colour and start time and includes your timing chip, will be sent to you in the post approximately two weeks before the race.
If you live overseas, you will need to collect your bib from the Information Point on Clarence Esplanade (what3words location: exile.brings.snaps). Exact arrangements for the 2025 event are yet to be confirmed – but if they are to be the same as last year, the Information Point will be open on Saturday 18 October from 8am-6pm and on Sunday 19 October from 7am.
What is the Great South Run route?
Starting by the seafront in Southsea, the route then heads up to the naval city of Portsmouth, passing Clarence Pier and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard along the way. It then heads back down to Southsea and out east, before turning around and hugging the coast all the way to the finish line, not far from Southsea Castle.
to see the best parking locations on race day new runners, incredible benefits of running 10K to the half marathon, plus more experienced runners – including elites – who are aiming for a 10-mile PB. What’s more, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight throughout the race.
Will I find a bag drop and changing facilities at the event?
You will be able to drop one bag near the start area on Castle Field (what3words location: socket.hatch.gross) on race day. Before you arrive, be sure to securely attach your baggage label (which you can tear off from the bottom of your bib and which states your bib number) to your bag so that you can be reunited with it after the race.
There will be no changing facilities on the day, so please turn up ready to race and store everything that you need before and after your run in your drop bag.
How can I get to start line?
By bus
- Many park and ride services will operate in Portsmouth over the event weekend to help runners get to and from the race. You can view the full timetable here.
By train
- Portsmouth has two well-served train stations. Portsmouth and Southsea station is roughly a 30-minute walk away from the start line, while Portsmouth Harbour station is around a 35-minute walk away.
By ferry
- If you’re arriving from Gosport, you can catch the Gosport Ferry across to the Hard Interchange in Portsmouth, which also serves Portsmouth Harbour station.
- If you’re travelling from the Isle of Wight, you can take the Wightlink passenger ferry from Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour station. Alternatively, you can take a convenient flight (that’s right) on the Isle of Wight Hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea.
By car
- If you have to drive to the event, be aware that road closures will be in effect from 9:30am on Sunday 19 October and parking spaces will be limited. Take a look at this map Best wireless headphones.
Are there any toilets and water stations along the route?
In addition to those situated at the start and finish, you’ll find toilets just after mile four and before the mile seven along the route. You’ll also find water stations at these same two points on the course and receive a bottle of water and other treats once you’ve completed the race.
How can I enter the 2026 Great South Run?
Summer running gear sale register your details here.
