Entries open for Great South Run 2021 in Portsmouth - here's how to book a place

The event is making its triumphant return to Portsmouth on October 17 after being cancelled by coronavirus last year.

Bosses behind the spectacle have insisted they are ‘working hard’ to do all they can to make the event ‘safe’ for competitors.

Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company said: ‘2020 was one of the toughest in memory, but the start of 2021 offers us a chance to get back on track. Our team has been working hard to put plans in place to deliver the Great South Run in 2021.

‘To keep runners and the local community safe, we’ll be introducing some new Covid-19 procedures. While the day might feel a little different, we hope that unbeatable feeling of crossing the finish line will be even more special this year.’

The event sees thousands of runners pounding the pavement across a 10-mile course in Portsmouth.

Starting in Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, the route passes major landmarks, with competitors jogging through Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, past the Mary Rose, before twisting and turning through Portsmouth and ending outside Southsea Castle.

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Nigel Gough, operations director at The Great Run Company, said there was a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make sure the event is safe.

‘This year’s event will be staged with the full support of all key local stakeholders, follow the latest government guidance and be compliant to the latest government regulations,’ he added.

‘Our runners safety is always our top priority so we’ll continue to plan right up until the date of the event, and will stay in regular communication with our customers to let them know of any changes in the build up to the event.’

Early bird entry prices of £22 for the Great South 5k which will be staged on Saturday, October 16 and £43 for the Great South Run on Sunday, October 17, are available for this week only, before moving to the standard prices of £25 and £46 from Monday, February 8.

For more information, or to enter visit greatrun.org/South.

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