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Simplyhealth Great South Run
The world's leading 10 mile running event returns to Portsmouth on Sunday 21 October 2018 and entries are now open.
Running Events
History | Getting Started | Top Events
Running events are some of the most popular types of fitness events out there – and are one of the easiest to get in to, whilst being very tricky to master. Because of this, it is a great place to start when you want to get in to a fitness regime – but there is a lot more to it than simply placing one foot in front of the other!
Brief History of Running
Competitive races are thought to have at first started (as with many sports) with the Ancient Greeks, though many other traces link it to the Egyptians, parts of Asia and many other parts of Africa. One of the earliest recorded event is from 1829 BCE at an Irish festival honouring the goddess Tailtiu in a series of sporting events known as the Tailteann Games. A thousand years later in 776 BCE, we have the first record of the Olympics in Greece, and this is likely where many forms of runs and marathons have their origins.
Since then many different type of events have come about – through the Olympic Games are still probably the most famous. Throughout the world events are held all the time from simple small 5k runs to enormous 26 mile sprints like the London Marathon.
How to get started in running events
Luckily it is one of the easiest sports to get in to – you just need to start moving! Starting off with small jogs and sprints is the best way to get started and then you can slowly start to increase distance to build yourself up to bigger and better runs. I’d suggest started off with something like a 5K as this is not too challenging but long enough for you to get a real sense for what is involved in the sport. You can read our article here all about how to prepare for your first 5K which will give you some more insight on how to get your training started.
Once you get started you will quickly see there is a lot more to taking on a run than simply getting out there and jogging. If you are looking to get serious then you may want to start investing in some good gear – a good pair of running trainers is the best place to start. You can also invest in a lot of other running specific clothing too though be warned things can start to get expensive.
Running Races Near Me
There are quite a lot of different runs to choose from depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, we list some of the best running events in Canada, if you know what type of event you want you can click one of the links below to find out more;
Fun Runs | 5K Runs | 10K Runs | Half Marathons | Marathons
Top Running Events in 2020
We have picked out the best events taking place in 2020. We have lots more listings available, just click on the 'Running Events' tab at the top of this page to find them.
Bournemouth Marathon
Although we have picked this particular event, there are actually 4 different events taking place at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival so you really do have the widest choice available to suit your ability. Not only does it have great options but also stunning scenery, it takes place along the coastline and also the iconic Bournemouth pier. We have been to the Half Marathon event before so check out our review here.
Find out more about the 2020 Bournemouth Marathon
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The Simplyhealth Great South Run Course
This fast and flat course starts and finishes on Southsea sea front, with beautiful views of the Solent. Participants are given special permission to run through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum.
Join 20,000 runners for an event that is steeped in history and sign up today!
Course Map
Starting and finishing on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, the fast and flat course takes you through Old Portsmouth, home of the Portsmouth Cathedral, before entering the Historic Dockyard. Here you’re granted permission to run past the Royal Navy’s current naval ships, and some of the most famous in the world – including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose museum.
After exiting the Dockyard you reach the halfway point on Winston Churchill Avenue, before making your way back towards Southsea Common, where you’ll complete the final two miles on the scenic seafront.
The course is steeped in history dating as far back as 1212 and features charity cheering points, boost zones, bands on the run and unrivalled support from local residents and spectators.