Britain’s top runners are set to go head-to-head in Portsmouth, with difficult weather conditions expected to add to the challenge.
Some of Britain’s best endurance runners will hit the south coast this Sunday (October 19) when the British Athletics 10 Mile Championships return to Portsmouth for the AJ Bell Great South Run.
Now in its 35th year, the Great South has long been a landmark in the British road racing calendar, offering a rare opportunity to run the 10 mile distance. The flat, coastal course lends itself to fast times and has hosted some standout performances in recent years.
Notably, Eilish McColgan set a European 10 mile best here in 2021 with a time of 50:43, which still stands. Other British legends have won here: Paula Radcliffe, Liz McColgan and Mo Farah.
Former champions Jack Rowe and Mark Scott lead the men’s field on Sunday. Rowe, who won the title in 2021, goes into this weekend’s race in strong form after his Grand Half victory last month. The Aldershot, Farnham and District athlete has made significant progress on the roads this season and is looking to reclaim his crown.
“I feel in a good place to regain my title in 2021,” Rowe said. “My training has been going well since winning the Grand Half last month and I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best Brits in Southsea.”
Standing in his way is Mark Scott, who won the Great Southern Race in 2019. Scott has a European 10,000m bronze medal and a personal best of 28:03 over 10km on the roads, and although injury has interrupted his recent seasons, he is still in strong form.
Adding further depth to the men’s field is Jake Smith, fresh from the Great North Run where he was the second British finisher.
Portsmouth local Lachlan Wellington will also be there to watch. The Southsea native is making his debut at the event and will be motivated to impress in front of his home crowd.
In the women’s race, Verity Ockenden returns to Portsmouth with unfinished business. Having finished second and third in previous years, Swansea Harriers are eyeing the top of the podium this time around.
Ockenden has a PB of 54:07 over 10 miles and brings a strong track and cross country background to Sunday’s race.
Ockenden said: “I’ve always liked competition Excellent South RunI’ve finished both second and third here in the past, so I’m looking forward to completing my podium spots. The added boost of the British 10 Mile Championships also makes me hungry to get that win.”
She will be challenged by Holly Archer and Mary Mulhar, who both have personal bests of under 56 minutes over the distance. Archer, better known for her middle-distance talent on the track, continues her transition to the roads, while British-Irish-born Mulhar brings a power that could be vital in the latter stages.
Elite Race Times:
10:15 – Elite women start
10:19 – Wheelchair and visually impaired launch
10:35 a.m – Elite Men’s Start
