EVENT CANCELLED

Please note that due to the high winds and rain forecast. the Great South Run 2024 has been cancelled. Visit the Great South Run website for further details and next steps if you had entered this year's event.

Taking part in the Great South Run? Don't just head home after the race. Why not stay longer and discover more of what Portsmouth has to offer?

Whilst taking part in the run you will pass many of the cities amazing attractions so why not retrace your steps and take the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of the city up close and personal?

In this post, we'll explore just what you're going to be whizzing past in the UK's premier 10 mile race on a mile by mile break-down.

Race Start to Mile 1

The Great South Run starts outside The D-Day Story, the UK's only museum dedicated to the story of the D-Day landings in Normandy on the 6th June 1944. The museum also houses the awe-inspiring Overlord Embroidery, the largest embroidery of its kind in the world.

From here you'll pass the Blue Reef Aquarium, where you'll be able to immerse yourself in an underwater adventure safari. Join the numerous species of beautiful sea creatures whilst passing through the aquariums 180 degree tunnel, and on the other side be entertained by a family of playful otters.

Mile 1 to Mile 2

You will have just passed Portsmouth Cathedral, one of the city's two cathedrals. Parts of the Anglican Cathedral date back to the 12th century, so this is definitely a must-visit for any architecture enthusiasts.

Next you'll race along St George's Street towards Gunwharf Quays. In this area you will find Old Portsmouth, one of the most beautiful areas of the city filled with history, heritage, traditional waterfront public houses and the home base of INEOS Team UK. Old Portsmouth is the perfect place to relax after the 10 miles are up.

Gunwharf Quays will be your next stop in the race. The South Coast's premium retail outlet destination is home to over 90 stores including Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Karen Millen, and over 30 bars and restaurants. Gunwharf Quays also houses the Spinnaker Tower. Head to the top of the tower and take in the wonderful view of the route that you will have just raced along.

Mile 2 to Mile 3

When you reach the Mile 2 marker, you will be in the heart of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Home to some of the most famous ships in the world, this is a must-visit attraction for all entrants in the Great South Run.

Explore the decks of the oldest commissioned warship in the Royal Navy's fleet, HMS Victory. Then, discover the story of Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, and Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship HMS Warrior 1860.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard also houses HMS M.33, the only surviving warship from the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.

Other attractions in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard include Action Stations, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Harbour Tours.

Mile 3 to Mile 4

Mile 3 will take you close to Portsmouth City Centre and St. John's R.C. Cathedral, the city's second cathedral. Portsmouth City Centre boasts a fantastic array of high street shops and well-known brands in the shopping precinct and in the indoor shopping centre, Cascades.

Halfway through Mile 3 you'll run along Winston Churchill Avenue, passing alongside Guildhall Walk; a popular area lined with cafes, and bars serving local craft beers and delicious food.

Mile 4 to Mile 5

Mile 4 has you doubling back along Winston Churchill Avenue and Landport Terrace, which is also home to the majority of the University of Portsmouth's campus buildings.

Mile 5 to Mile 6

The Mile 5 marker is located alongside the magnificent Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Free admission, open 10am - 5pm.

You'll soon find yourself heading back towards Southsea, and the wide green open spaces of Southsea Common. The roads running off of Southsea Common are some of the best areas to grab a post-race, celebratory meal. Osborne Road, Palmerston Road and Castle Road are lined with independent, delicious eateries like Pie & Vinyl, Meat & Barrel, Circolo Pizza and much more.

Take a look at our Eating Out section, filled with listings of Portsmouth restaurants, bars and cafés.

Mile 6 to Mile 7

You're over halfway there! Mile 6 passes some of Portsmouth's best family-orientated attractions, including Cumberland House Natural History Museum; a free museum detailing the rich and diverse natural history of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Cumberland House is also home to a living, indoor beehive, and a butterfly house where visitors can walk amongst the butterflies during the summer months.

Canoe Lake is a peaceful seawater lake, ideal for children with a range of family activities taking place throughout the year. Take a swan pedalo to the centre of the lake, bring the kids to the adventure playground, or explore Southsea Model Village.

Mile 7 to Mile 8

During Mile 7 you'll pass by Eastney Beam Engine House, a magnificent Victorian pumping station which houses a pair of steam engines by Boulton and Watt (who you might recognise from the £50 note). Eastney Beam Engine House is open on selected weekends throughout the year, 1pm - 5pm. Entry is free.

Mile 8 to Mile 9

You're on the home stretch from the Mile 8 marker. As you round the corner to Southsea Esplanade, you'll be on the longest stretch of beautiful seafront in the city. Look out across the Solent and you will see the Isle of Wight, accompanied by ships from the Royal Navy, yachts, international ferries and cruise ships.

The Esplanade is also home to the magnificent building that houses the Royal Marines Museum. As you pass, look out for the statue of The Yomper facing out towards the race course.

You'll find a selection of delicious cafes and restaurants along the esplanade, including Coffee Cup and Southsea Beach Café, with fantastic views across the Solent.

Mile 9 to Mile 10

The final mile! The crowds will be cheering and there's not far to go. Soon you'll be passing the Pyramids Centre; a leisure centre, spa and entertainment venue with a programme of international and national live music acts.

As you approach the finish line, you will see Southsea Castle in the distance. Henry VIII's castle is a prime location to look out over the race village and take in the sights and sounds of the Great South Run from atop the ramparts. Southsea Castle is open during its summer season and selected winter weekends, 10am - 4pm. Free admission.

Mile 10 Marker - FINISH

You've done it! You've completed the world's premier 10 mile race, and we hope that you've enjoyed exploring Portsmouth, the great waterfront city.

The finish line is located within short walk of The D-Day Story, which houses the award-winning Portsmouth Visitor Information Centre, where there are plenty of friendly staff who will be able to help you with the rest of your day in the city.

Portsmouth Visitor Information Centre can give you a hand with accommodation, restaurant suggestions and much more. Open 10am - 5pm.

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