Great South Run runners share inspiring insight into charities chosen and personal goals
26,000 participants across the weekend of all ages and abilities took to Portsmouth’s streets this October, for the return of the AJ Bell Great South Run. The 10-mile run is one of the city’s biggest fundraising events of the year.
The annual event took place over the weekend of October the 16th and 17th, with a 5k, Junior and Mini Great South Run on the Saturday. “I’ve heard the announcers say that there was a person running for a charity who’s 14 year olds” said Jamie Louise White, resident of the Isle of Wight, who ran the 5k on Saturday.
Commenting on the 10-mile that took place on Sunday, Jamie said “I think in the country, if not in the world?” its the biggest. The Portsmouth Great South Run is the largest 10-Mile run in the UK, with 23,500 runners attracted just on the Sunday.
Many participants took part for chosen local and national charities. Jamie, Who three years ago, ran the 10-Mile for the Solent Mind mental health charity, told “since then I kind of picked up the bug and I’ve just been doing it for myself”.
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Solent Mind were present with their tent this year, providing purple shirts for fundraising runners. “fundraising goes towards providing vital services across the county” said Nikki, resident of Portsmouth, who with co-workers Becky and Sarah shared the importance of the event for mental health charities.
“Stigma is being broken down, people are talking about it and seeing that, you know, mental health services are there and they’re available” added Sarah.
Another charity runner, Jim Garrett, travelled from Durham to participate for a personal reason. “It’s the 3rd time I’ve done it, but I’m doing it for Alzheimer’s today. My dad has Alzheimer’s and to raise some money for that call is fantastic”.
Jim added that “making sure your mind is in the right in the right space and thinking about why you’re doing it” is important to getting “to the end”.
Those involved are already preparing for 2027’s race. This year showed the determined community built around funding for causes and chasing personal goals.
