The 2024 event in Portsmouth and Southsea will no longer take place
This year’s Great South Run (October 20) has been canceled due to high winds and rain.
Tomorrow’s 10-mile race, which will feature a record 23,000 runners, was due to start at 10:15am.
However, winds of more than 50mph were forecast in Portsmouth and Southsea, with organizers canceling the event after conditions failed to improve at all.
Runners who planned to participate can enter their participation in next year’s event or request a refund.
“We are very sorry to confirm that this year’s Great South Run (10 miles), which was scheduled to take place on Sunday October 20, has been canceled due to the forecast high winds and rain,” organizers said.
“We have been keeping a close eye on the weather conditions and unfortunately they have not improved to the point where we can safely organize Sunday’s event.
“The predicted winds and gusts put our event infrastructure at risk, including our medical facilities at the finish line and around the course. This, combined with high tide levels, potential debris and the spread along the beach means that we cannot guarantee the safe delivery of the event. The safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.
Men’s Start (Pete Langdown/Great Run)
“We have not taken this decision lightly and have liaised closely with the Met Office, medical and safety teams, local authorities and key stakeholders throughout the week to make the best informed decision.
“We have informed all participants of the cancellation of the event and we will be contacting all participants again next week with further details on how they can reclaim their entry to next year’s event or claim a refund in accordance with the terms. We know how disappointing this is and we hope everyone can understand why this decision has been made.”
Chris Thompson, three-time winner of the Great Southern Race, planned to end his professional career at this weekend’s event.
Although the 43-year-old won’t compete in the 10 mile race, he still won the 5km in Portsmouth and Southsea in 14:48.
Next year’s Great South Run is scheduled for October 18-19, 2025.
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