Vernon set to take on Great rivals in Portsmouth

Team GB Olympians Andy Vernon and Ross Millington will take on the rejuvenated Chris Thompson in the world’s leading 10-mile race on Sunday, October 23 in Southsea.

Both Vernon, who started his career with Stubbington Green Runners, and Millington represented their nation in the 10,000m in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Meanwhile, Thompson returned to form in the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run, finishing fourth in the half marathon in 1.01.48.

The 35-year-old veteran, who like Vernon is a member of Aldershot, Farnham and District, will be taking on his fifth Great South Run.

He said: ‘I’ve ran far quicker in a 10-mile split in a half marathon than I have ran on that course, and it’s not because I’m not in good shape, it’s because I haven’t got it right.

‘I haven’t had a race where the last two miles hasn’t been a tripping over myself experience.

‘Not because of the wind, I’ve ran that without wind in the last two miles, and just misjudged it.

‘There’s a bit of a demon there for me to overcome.

‘That 10 miles for me is a tough event and I am primarily looking at how to conquer that.’

Thompson, Vernon and Millington face domestic opposition in the shape of Jonny Mellor, Scott Overall and Adam Clarke, with USA’s Jeffery Eggleston and Ireland’s Paul Pollock providing the main overseas interest.