Portsmouth’s seafront will host one of Britain’s largest mass-participation road races this autumn. The Great South Run 2025 returns to its traditional October date, drawing approximately twenty thousand participants to the Hampshire coast for a ten-mile sprint along the Solent.
Elite athletes and recreational runners alike target this fixture for its famously flat profile and fast times. According to official event organizers, the race has maintained its October scheduling after adjustments in previous years, with entries allocated through a highly competitive public ballot and charity partner programs.
When and Where Is the Great South Run 2025?
The 2025 edition takes place on Sunday, 26 October 2025, with the mass start scheduled for 10:30 AM BST. Runners assemble at Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth PO5, with the course utilizing the coastal promenade from start to finish.
Sunday, 26 October 2025
10 miles (16.09 km)
Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth
Approx. 20,000 runners
- The event sold out completely by April 2025 through combined ballot and charity allocations.
- Junior and Mini Great South Run events occur the previous day, Saturday 25 October.
- Course records stand at 45:13 (men) and 51:49 (women), both established in 2024.
- Road closures along the seafront begin at 6:00 AM on race day.
- Spectator access remains free along the entire route.
- Organizers allocate over 3,000 charity places annually.
- Average finish times hover around 1 hour 45 minutes based on RunBritain rankings data.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Date | Sunday, 26 October 2025 |
| Start Time | 10:30 AM BST |
| Distance | 10 miles / 16.09 km |
| Start Point | Near Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station |
| Finish Point | Castle Field, adjacent to Spinnaker Tower |
| Elevation Gain | ~20 metres (virtually flat) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (mass start) |
| Aid Stations | 5 locations (miles 3, 5, 7, 8.5, finish) |
| Surface | Tarmac roads and promenade |
| Ballot Entry Fee | £32 standard / £42 with technical t-shirt |
| Charity Places | 3,000+ available (minimum £300-£500 fundraising) |
| Parking |
How to Enter the Great South Run 2025
Entry for the 2025 event followed a strict timeline established by organizers. The public ballot, which represents the primary access route for individual runners, opened on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 10:00 AM and closed just two days later on Thursday, 20 February 2025 at 9:00 AM.
Ballot Entry Process
Demand significantly exceeded supply during the 2025 ballot window. Over 100,000 applicants competed for approximately 14,000 available spots, making this one of the most oversubscribed running events in the United Kingdom. Successful entrants received confirmation emails by early March 2025. Full ballot procedures and historical entry statistics are documented on the official entry information pages.
Charity Places
For those missing the ballot, over 3,000 charity places offer an alternative route into the event. Major national charities including Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society participate alongside local causes such as Naomi House & Jacksplace and Rowans Hospice. Applicants contact charity partners directly from March 2025 onwards, bypassing the ballot entirely but committing to minimum fundraising thresholds typically set between £300 and £500. Official charity partner listings provide specific application requirements.
Charity place applications opened immediately following the March 2025 ballot announcements. Runners should contact preferred organizations promptly, as high-demand charities fill their allocated slots rapidly despite the larger overall quota.
Deferrals and Transfers
Organizers permit deferrals exclusively to the 2026 event, provided runners submit requests by Saturday, 31 May 2025. Valid deferral reasons require supporting documentation, specifically medical certificates for injury or appropriate evidence for bereavement circumstances. Standard entries remain non-refundable except in extreme cases. Successful ballot entrants unable to participate may transfer entries through the official EntryShield resale platform, though terms and conditions prohibit unofficial transfers.
The absolute deadline for deferral requests to the 2026 event is 31 May 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be honored under any circumstances, including medical emergencies without prior notification.
Entry Costs
Standard ballot entry costs £32, rising to £42 for packages including the official technical t-shirt. Charity entrants receive free entry but must satisfy their fundraising pledges. Additional participation costs include parking fees of £5 to £10 in local council-operated areas, though spectator access requires no tickets. Organizers announced a £30 early-bird rate for 2026 specifically for unsuccessful 2025 ballot entrants.
Great South Run Route and Course Details
The course layout maximizes speed potential while showcasing Portsmouth’s coastal landmarks. Runners start near Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station, heading eastward along the seafront promenade toward South Parade Pier before turning at Canoe Lake and finishing at Castle Field beneath the Spinnaker Tower.
Course Description
The point-to-point route covers exactly 10 miles (16.09 km) along entirely tarmac surfaces. Key landmarks along the path include Oyster Rocks, Southsea Castle, and the Blue Reef Aquarium. The course features minimal turns and elevation changes, contributing to its reputation as a personal-best venue. Road closures affect the entire route from 6:00 AM on race day to facilitate safe passage. Detailed GPX and PDF route maps are available through the official event website.
Elevation and Aid Stations
Elevation data confirms the course qualifies as virtually flat, with total ascent and descent each measuring approximately 20 metres. The maximum elevation reaches only 10 metres above sea level. Five aid stations positioned at miles 3, 5, 7, 8.5, and the finish line provide water and sports drinks. Visual elevation profiles displayed by Runners World illustrate the negligible gradient as a near-straight line across the distance.
RunBritain confirms the course holds UKA Grade A certification for accuracy. The flat profile has produced the current records of 45:13 for men and 51:49 for women, both set during the 2024 edition.
What Is the Great South Run?
Established as an annual fixture, the Great South Run stands among the United Kingdom’s largest organized road races. The event attracts approximately 20,000 participants annually, ranging from international elites to first-time distance runners. Its coastal location and autumn timing position it as a strategic target for runners seeking fast end-of-season performances before winter training cycles begin.
The race functions as a significant charity fundraising mechanism, channeling millions of pounds annually through its partner network. While distinct from league football fixtures such as Middlesbrough vs Ipswich Town – Preview Stats and Prediction, the event generates comparable regional economic impact through tourism and hospitality during the October race weekend.
Entry and Race Timeline
- Ballot Opens: Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 10:00 AM GMT. (Source: greatsouthrun.org)
- Ballot Closes: Thursday, 20 February 2025 at 9:00 AM GMT. (Source: event organizers)
- Ballot Results Emailed: Early March 2025. (Source: entry information services)
- Charity Place Applications Open: March 2025 (post-ballot). (Source: charity partners)
- Deferral Request Deadline: Saturday, 31 May 2025. (Source: terms and conditions)
- Junior & Mini Great South Run: Saturday, 25 October 2025. (Source: event schedule)
- Great South Run 2025: Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 10:30 AM. (Source: official event information)
Confirmed Details and Outstanding Questions
| Established Information | Remaining Uncertainties |
|---|---|
| Race date: 26 October 2025 | Specific 2026 ballot opening date (confirmed only as February 2026) |
| Ballot completed (Feb-Mar 2025) | Exact weather conditions (historical averages suggest 10-15°C with possible wind) |
| Route and elevation finalized | Final confirmed participant numbers for 2025 (based on April sell-out estimates) |
| Deferral policy (deadline 31 May 2025) | Potential late-entry charity release slots |
| Pricing structure (£32-£42) | Elite field announcements for 2025 |
The Event’s Place in UK Athletics
The Great South Run occupies a unique position within British road racing as one of the few major 10-mile distance events. This specificity attracts runners seeking a middle-ground challenge between standard 10-kilometre races and half-marathons. The flat coastal topography distinguishes it from hillier inland alternatives, creating a destination race for time-focused athletes.
Its October scheduling places it late in the domestic road racing calendar, functioning as a final opportunity for achieving annual personal bests before cross-country and winter marathon training commence. The event’s scale rivals major city marathons in terms of participant volume, despite the shorter distance, demonstrating sustained demand for accessible mass-participation athletics.
What Organizers and Running Publications Say
Over 100,000 applicants sought entry through the 2025 public ballot, reflecting unprecedented demand for this iconic seafront event.
— Great South Run Organizers, February 2025
The unmissable seafront spectacle offers a flat, fast course ideal for PBs, combining elite racing with mass participation accessibility.
— Runners World, Race Preview
Key Takeaways for Prospective Runners
The 2025 Great South Run represents a fully subscribed event with no remaining general entry availability. Future participants should monitor charity partner releases or prepare for the February 2026 ballot. Those holding entries must observe the 31 May 2025 deferral deadline if unable to compete. Whether targeting personal records or supporting charitable causes, runners can find additional UK sporting context through resources like EFL League One Games – 2024/25 Results and Standings for comparative athletic scheduling insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Great South Run entry cost?
Standard ballot entry costs £32, or £42 including an official technical t-shirt. Charity entries are free but require minimum fundraising pledges typically between £300 and £500.
Are there charity places for Great South Run 2025?
Yes. Over 3,000 charity places exist through partners including Cancer Research UK and local Portsmouth hospices. Applications opened in March 2025 after the ballot results.
What is the elevation of the Great South Run course?
The course features approximately 20 metres of total elevation gain and descent across the 10-mile distance, with a maximum height of 10 metres above sea level.
Can I defer my Great South Run entry to 2026?
Deferrals to 2026 are permitted only if requested by 31 May 2025. Valid reasons require medical certification or bereavement documentation. Standard entries are otherwise non-refundable.
What time does the Great South Run start?
The mass start occurs at 10:30 AM BST on Sunday, 26 October 2025. Elite waves may commence earlier based on specific start corral allocations.
How many runners participate in the Great South Run?
Approximately 20,000 runners participate annually. The 2024 edition saw roughly 18,000 finishers according to official rankings.
Is the Great South Run course flat?
Yes. The seafront route is virtually flat with minimal elevation change, making it suitable for personal best attempts and beginner runners alike.
Are spectators allowed at the Great South Run?
Spectator access is free and unrestricted along the entire seafront route. No tickets are required for viewing areas near the start, finish, or course landmarks.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at WordPatch.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the submissions workflow.