Thousands set to take part in Portsmouth’s Great South Run
This weekend, the Great South Run comes to Portsmouth yet again, where thousands of people have signed up to compete and raise money for charity.
There are many different runs throughout the weekend, starting on Saturday with the 5k run, the children’s events, and even the canine run, where runners can bring along their companion.
Over 1,000 people from all over the country are participating in these events, including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, with the aim to encourage healthy living within the city.
The main event begins on Sunday, where more than 20,000 people are making their way to the seafront to compete in the 10-mile run, which is one of the biggest in all of Europe.
Jennifer Tomlin, an organiser of the event, said: ‘There are over 70 different charities involved in the event, all with a great cause.’
Beginning at Clarence Esplanade, in Southsea at 10am, the course takes a scenic route across Portsmouth, passing the Spinnaker tower, getting special access through the historic dockyard, before finishing the run along the seafront.
Several celebrities and athletes are participating in the main event, including former Commonwealth Games champion, Iwan Thomas and Casualty star, George Rainsford.
For every person involved in the upcoming event, there is a story behind them.
One person who is participating is Alison Edwards, pictured below, who has decided to run and raise money for the Red Lipstick Foundation, in memory of her husband, who passed away earlier in the year.
She said: ‘It seemed the right time to participate in the Great South Run, raise awareness for suicide and raise funds for the charity that is close to my heart’.
Athlete Chris Thompson is another competing in the event. Chris has regularly attended the Great South Run for years and has won the previous two events.
The European, 10,000m silver medallist is attending again on Sunday, hoping to be the first person in the events 29 year history to win it in three consecutive years .
