Thousands of everyday heroes take part in the Great South Run each year to challenge themselves and to raise money for good causes.
Portsmouth’s supporters will spur you on, keeping your spirits and motivation up the whole way around, with blaring music, cheers, high fives, and fist bumps which are all part of the incredible Great South Run experience. Plus, there’s a medal, an exclusive finisher t-shirt, and bragging rights at the finish line!
Over 25,000 runners take part in the Great South Run weekend each autumn and a huge number of these will be charity runners ie. people who have secured a charity place in the event in return for raising funds for a charity.
These incredible charity runners raise millions of pounds for important causes. You too can get a guaranteed place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time by running for one of these charities.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries have sold out.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the 10-mile challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first or fifth 10-miler, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation to help you get your best time.
When you turn up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear with pride on the big day, and often kit you out with a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high. You won't be alone in Portsmouth!
The Great South Run and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
The Great South Run is suitable for wheelchair users. There is a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).
The Business Challenge is a corporate running challenge in the biggest cities across the UK. It’s open to organisations of all shapes and sizes, is suitable for groups large or small (minimum team of 4) and is great for all ages and abilities. If you’re tired of cringey teambuilding exercises, it’s a great way to invest in workforce wellbeing for a happier and healthier team.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
UK
Click to open in map
The fast and flat 10-mile course is steeped in history, passing naval landmarks, cathedrals and castles. Experience Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, running past the incredible HMS Victory and complete your 10-mile challenge at the seafront finish line.
This event is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of this event will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:
In addition, it is striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.
Finisher tees are now optional. You can choose to forgo your finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this the organiser will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.
The organisers will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit this donation will be around £20,000.
A shiny new, Great South Run medal, an exclusive finishers t-shirt plus a finisher’s bag filled with goodies.
Event day tracking and results ready to view on the app shortly after you cross the finish line.
Access to exclusive runners only discounts and offers via the rewards platform.
Make it personal with an iTAB. Order yours when you sign up.
For environmental reasons the official t-shirt is now optional.
Official event day photos available to view and purchase straight after the event, so smile for the cameras!
Wondering whether to run for charity but unsure how to fundraise? Charities are experts in this topic and will provide the reassurance you need but here are some tips get you started:
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
Amazing run through a historic city, great support from the enthusiastic spectators, great finish line.
An awesome event with such history - amazing to see people who have run every single year still doing the full 10-miles! The course is fantastic.
The course scenery, location and atmosphere are spectacular. If travelling to the event I would recommend having a long weekend.
I love this event. It is one of my annual races now. The route is flat with a nice sea view at the start and end of the course.
I have done the Great South Run three times. I love this race and would recommend it. My children have also done the junior race. Lovely run, lovely views.
It was amazing to be part of an event with so many others raising money for charity. The setting and atmosphere is always great!
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
Following the cancellation of the 2024 event due to adverse weather, there are only a limited number of places available for the 2025 AJ Bell Great South Run.
