The 2024 edition of the event in Portsmouth and Southsea will not take place
This year’s Great South Run (October 20) has been cancelled due to forecast high winds and rain.
Tomorrow’s 10-mile race, which would have seen a record 23,000 runners take part, was meant to start at 10:15 BST.
However, winds of over 50mph were forecast in Portsmouth and Southsea, with organisers cancelling the event due to the fact that conditions weren’t scheduled to improve at all.
Those runners who had been set to take part can roll their entry over into next year’s event or claim a refund.
“We’re really sorry to confirm that this year’s Great South Run (10 miles), scheduled to take place on Sunday 20 October, has been cancelled due to the forecasted high winds and rain,” organisers said.
“We’ve been closely monitoring the weather conditions and unfortunately they haven’t improved to a point where we can safely stage Sunday’s event.
“The forecasted winds and gusts compromise our event infrastructure including our medical facilities at the finish and around the course. This combined with high tide levels, potential debris, and the exposure along the seafront mean that we can’t guarantee the safe delivery of the event. Safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.
Men’s start (Pete Langdown/Great Run)
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and have been liaising closely with the Met Office, medical & safety teams, local authorities and key stakeholders throughout the week to make the best informed decision.
“We have communicated the event cancellation to all participants, and we will be in touch with all participants again next week with more details about how they can roll their entry over into next year’s event, or claim a refund in line with terms and conditions. We know how disappointing this is and we hope everyone can understand why this decision has been made.”
Chris Thompson – a three-time winner of the Great South Run – had planned to retire from elite running in the 10-mile race on Sunday.
He instead ended his long and illustrious career in Saturday’s 5km, winning the race in 14:48.
Next year’s Great South Run is scheduled to take place on October 18-19, 2025.
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