Thousands Take On 10 Miles In Sunny Southsea
Thousands of people took to the streets of sunny Southsea today for the Morrisons Great South Run.
Elite athletes, charity fundraisers and fun runners completed the 10 mile course, officially set on their way by double Olympic champion sailor Iain Percy, who joined the runners after firing the starter's klaxon.
He ran for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, charity set up in memory of Andrew “Bart” Simpson.
Lifelong friends and sailing partners, Percy and Simpson won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver at London 2012, before Andrew tragically lost his life in an America's Cup training accident in May 2013.
He said: “Running the Great South Run was an amazing experience and I loved every minute. It felt like Bart was spurring me onto the finish (and the pub!)”
World 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot won the women's elite race in 51:17, followed by Jo Pavey in 52:44 and Doris Changeiywo in 52:51.
The men's race saw Uganda's Moses Kipsiro win in 46:00. He was closely followed by the two Kenyan runners Emmanuel Kipsang in 46:08 and Emmanuel Bett in 46:11.
Famous faces included Iwan Thomas and voice coach Yvie Burnett.
Runners and spectators also experienced a surprise proposal on the finish line as Paul Buckland, from the Isle of Wight, asked Christie Richards, his girlfriend of three years to marry him.
After waiting for her to finish the 10 miles, he got down on one knee and popped the question on the finish line. Christie said yes and was carried through the finish by her new fiancé!
Entries are open for the 2016 event, which will take place on Sunday 23 October, with a special 25% early bird discount for the first 1,000 entries.
Related Articles
1/11
Reigning team champions return to Birmingham
As winners of last year’s Business Challenge, Solihull School returns to the start line for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.
Groundbreaking Joint Venture for Future of Athletics in the UK
UK Athletics (UKA), The Great Run Company (GRC) and London Marathon Events (LME) today announced the creation of a new joint venture, Athletic Ventures.
Doting Brothers Set to Race in Memory of Baby Sister
Two loving brothers from Newcastle-Under-Lyme are limbering up to take on the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run in memory of their little sister.
Great Birmingham Run scores a hat-trick!
With a month to go before the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, the three football clubs are encouraging fans to run for their community foundations.
Arup are up for the challenge on Sunday 5 May
39 runners from engineering giant Arup are taking on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge.
Taking it in Their Stride in Memory of a Friend
One team of Great Birmingham Run runners is gearing up for a challenge that goes beyond the miles they'll pound on the pavement.
10 Reasons you should run the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run
As we countdown to event day on 5 May, we spell out 10 reasons why you should get involved and (if you haven’t already!) sign up.
Emon’s expert tips for training during Ramadan
A reality TV star who ran back to back marathons while fasting during Ramadan is now aiming to inspire his fellow Muslim runners.
Power of Running: Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter, 47, has ran every Great Manchester Run 10k since it started in 2003. Read Andrew's story.
Power of Running: Halee Robinson
After falling out of love with running Halee signed up for the Great Birmingham Run and hasn't looked back. Read Halee's story.
Power of Running: Helen Ryvar
Helen Ryvar is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021. Read Helen's story.
