Great South Run 2018: 10 reasons why you should sign up for this year's run

There's not too long left to sign up for this year's Great South Run in Portsmouth.
Picture: Duncan ShepherdPicture: Duncan Shepherd
Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Thousands of runners will tackle the 10-mile course across the city to raise money for charity, get fit, and achieve a personal best time.

And if you're still unsure whether you want to sign up, here are 10 reasons why you should join in this year's run.

1. Chance of a PB

Picture: Duncan ShepherdPicture: Duncan Shepherd
Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Ok, we're calling it '“ the Simplyhealth Great South Run might just be the flattest 10 mile event in the UK, if not Europe.  So it's perfect it you don't like hills or you're looking for a new personal best.

Read More
Great South Run 2018: Start times for the 10-mile event in Portsmouth today

2. Maggie and her family on Henderson Road

The support is second to none across the 10 miles, and every year Maggie Baker transforms her home on Henderson Road in Southsea into a live boost zone, complete with a DJ! She's joined by son Tom, daughter Dawn and around forty of her family and friends, to keep you going as you head towards the final stretch.

Picture: Duncan ShepherdPicture: Duncan Shepherd
Picture: Duncan Shepherd

3. It's entertaining

The 10 miles is packed with more than 10 bands on the run, charity cheering points, support zones and power songs to keep you motivated every step of the way. Not to mention thousands of cheering spectators!

4. Jelly babies

When you need that all-impo rtant sugar rush at mile 9!

5. Charity village 

Over £3.5 million is raised for charity every year at the Simplyhealth Great South Run and once you cross the finish line you can meet up with your chosen charity on Castlefield for a cuppa and a chat.

6. Experience a piece of history

The Simplyhealth Great South Run is the only opportunity you'll get to run through an active naval base and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, taking you past Nelson's flagship HMS Victory and Henry VIII's beloved Mary Rose, so you can experience a piece of history while you run.

7. The perfect training distance

If you've signed up to a spring marathon, then 10 miles in the autumn is an ideal distance to test your legs and experience once of the UK's best running events at the same time. Or if you're stepping up from a 10k to a half marathon, then a 10 mile event can help you bridge the gap on a runner friendly course.

8. The bling

Once you cross the finish line you'll be rewarded with a technical t-shirt and a medal, which you can show off at work the next day.

9. Make a weekend of it

The whole weekend is packed with events for the whole family, with the Simplyhealth Great South 5k, Simplyhealth Junior & Mini Great South Run and for the first time in Great Run history, you can even get your four legged friends involved, with the brand new Simplyhealth Canine Run.

10. It's probably older than you

Next year the Simplyhealth Great South Run turns 30! Over the last three decades the event has seen over half a million people cross the finish line in Portsmouth'¦ and no doubt witnessed some fashion faux pas along the way!

Convinced? Sign up at the Great South Run website!

Related topics: