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With the Great South Run just around the corner, it’s time to decide where you’re going to cheer on your family and friends in the race. As one of the world’s most famous 10-mile events, it’s an unmissable experience for runners and spectators alike. There are two stations on the route through Portsmouth, so it’s easy to get to some of the best viewing spots with South Western Railway.
When is the Great South Run?
The Great South Run 2024 is on Sunday, 20 October. The Great South 5k and Junior Mini Great South Run are held on Saturday, 19 October.
What is the Great South Run route?
The route starts on Clarence Esplanade – Portsmouth’s vibrant seafront. After Clarence Pier, you’ll see Horatio Nelson’s Statue, Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Harbour station and the Historic Dockyard, where runners pass HMS Victory. The rest of the 10-mile route passes cathedrals, castles, Eastney Beach and Portsmouth & Southsea station before arriving at the famous seafront finish line.
Where does the Great South Run start?
The Great South Run starts on Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, at 10:35.
Where does the Great South Run finish?
The Great South Run route is a loop, starting and finishing on Clarence Esplanade.
How to get to the Great South Run
It’s easy to get to the Great South Run with South Western Railway.
You have two options:
- From Portsmouth & Southsea Station, find Stop C and ride the number 23 bus for 14 minutes to Southsea Shops. It’s a 9-minute walk from there.
- From Portsmouth Harbour, find Stop M and ride the number 3 bus to Southsea Shops, walking 9 minutes from there.
Music zones
With ten music zones on the route and two charity cheer squads, there’s set to be an amazing atmosphere wherever you go. Keep an eye out for:
- Bands on the Run: the very best bands and local musicians will provide the soundtrack for runners. Drummers, DJs and guitarists will have the crowd bopping, clapping and singing along!
- Beats Boost & Pump it Up: DJ trucks provide beats and bubbles to raise the roof (and the running) to the next level!
- Charity Cheering Zones: join the Great South Run’s charity partners, giving runners a motivational boost as they pass.
- Karaoke Kicks Zone: Miss Jam Tart and Tess Drive provide karaoke classics to give runners an extra skip in their step.
Best places to watch the Great South Run
Discover our top spots for spectators along the Great South Run route, ensuring you get the best views.
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Commemorating almost 25,000 sailors who served in the First and Second World Wars, this impressive column sits on Southsea Common overlooking the start line. Once the runners get underway, you’ll find the event and charity village nearby, as well as the finish line for when the runners return.
Gunwharf Quays
Aside from being just a quick walk from Portsmouth Harbour station, Gunwharf Quays is a great spot to watch the runners while they’re still fresh! It’s also the ideal place to grab a bite to eat before or after the race, whether you’re running or spectating. Don't forget you can get 10% off some outlets with SWR Rewards.
Victoria Park
Portsmouth’s first public park sits at the 3-mile mark and provides a beautiful open space to watch the run. First opened in 1878, you’ll find an aviary complete with peacocks and parrots, as well as a petting area with rabbits and guinea pigs – so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
South Parade Pier
The final mile takes runners past the spectacular South Parade Pier, which reopened in 2017. With events, entertainment, food and drink, it’s a perfect spot to cheer on the runners in the final stretch.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Team up your day at the run with a visit to the Museum of the Royal Navy. Watch the runners pass in the shadow of the HMS Warrior or even from the deck of the world’s most famous ship, the HMS Victory. Once it’s all over, head to the Mary Rose Museum to discover the remains of King Henry VIII’s favourite ship or explore WWII history on board the M.33.
After the run
After the race, there are plenty of spots to go and show off your shiny new medal. Portsmouth has plenty to do – from afternoon tea at the top of the Spinnaker Tower to exploring the ship lifted from the bottom of the Solent at the Mary Rose Museum. Make a weekend of it with our 48 hour guide to the UK’s only island city, or check out our destination guide for more things to do. Don't forget to check out how you can save on activities with SWR Rewards.
To discover everything you need to know about the Great South Run or to register to run, visit greatrun.org/south.
Discover cheap train tickets to the Great South Run by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, and if you’re travelling with a group, consider GroupSaveor a Family and Friends Railcard. Get extra flexibility with our Semi-Flex Return tickets, or travel at any time with a Sunday Out ticket.
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