Britain’s biggest 10 mile running event, the Bupa Great South Run, has closed it doors for general entries more than 5 months ahead of the race which takes place on Sunday October 26th.

Located in Portsmouth and famous for its flat fast course and superb atmosphere, the Bupa Great South Run attracts some of the world’s best runners. Recent winners have included Irish running legend Sonia O’Sullivan, Jo Pavey and World Marathon champion Luke Kibet.

This year’s event will see a record 19,000 lining up on the start line and will include a contingent from FA Cup winners Portsmouth FC, who in 2007 turned up in force, led by owner Sasha Gaydamak and Chief Executive Peter Storrie, with keeper David James and manager Harry Redknapp performing the starting duties.

The organisers are hoping to secure one extra special guest at the event; the FA Cup trophy itself. David Hart, Communications Director of Nova International said: “We’re really hoping that the famous trophy can be brought to the event so that runners can get a glimpse of it as they set off, but we do realise that supporters of at least one local team might prefer to avert their eyes!”

Whilst general entries are closed there are a number of charities who still have places available and these can be found at www.greatrun.org. The weekends curtain raiser is a Mini and Junior event for ages 3 to 15 on the Saturday.

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