The 2026 AJ Bell Great South Run returns to the streets of Portsmouth on Sunday 18 October 2026 and once again the world’s favourite 10-mile race will host the UK Athletics 10-Mile Championships.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive, The Great Run Company, said: “The UKA 10-Mile Championships has become one of the highlights of the AJ Bell Great South Run each year. Last year’s performances by winners Marc Scott and Verity Ockenden delighted the crowds lining the course and we expect a thrilling race again for the finish this year. We look forward to welcoming the best of British athletic talent to the start line once again.”
Since the Great South Run started in 1990 hundreds of thousands of participants have crossed the Great South Run finish line, including incredible athletes such as Chris Thompson who won Great South Run over three consecutive years, Liz McColgan who won in 1995 and 1997, and Eilish McColgan whose third time winning Great South Run in 2021, set her 10-mile PB of 50:43, and marked the women’s course record, and European best for 10-miles.
Speaking of the long term partnership with The Great Run Company, Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of UK Athletics), said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with The Great Run Company to host the UK Athletics 10-Mile Championships at the 2026 AJ Bell Great South Run.
This event offers top distance runners the chance to experience a fantastic course and plays an important role in developing British athletic talent. It helps them prepare for success, not only participating in what is always a hugely competitive field but also in front of thousands of spectators who come out in support. It always makes for a memorable event.”
Call for UKA 10-Mile Championship Entries
While the 2026 AJ Bell Great South Run is sold out, there are a limited number of Championship entries available to registered club runners from a UK Athletics affiliated club who meet the following entry criteria:
Male – a 10-mile race performance of 55 minutes or faster, since 1st January 2025
Female – a 10-mile race performance of 65 minutes or faster, since 1st January 2025
Athletes wishing to be considered for an entry should contact: matt.turnbull@thegreatruncompany.com
Athletes who do not have a 10-mile race result but feel they have an equivalent performance over 10K or Half Marathon should also get in touch.
More information is available at greatrun.org/elite-entries/
