A flat and fast 10 mile race (Great North Run (BUPA))

Member Name: adeleclark747

Product:	Great North Run (BUPA)
Date:	09/11/08 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Flat, fast course. Good for beginners. Lots of support along the way

Disadvantages: Traffic getting to and from the event. Limited parking

The Great South Run is a 10 mile/16km course which takes you around the sites of Portsmouth. Along the way you run past the historic dockyard and the beautiful beach.

The course is generally flat, with only a couple of small inclines. This makes it a good course to get a personal best or to start your running career.

The race is held at the end of October and therefore the weather can sometimes put a dampener on the event. I have run it the last three years and each time race day has been wet and windy. For those running the race for the first time the final two miles along the seafront can be quite draining if you haven't left enough fuel in the tank to deal with the strong headwinds that you will often find there.

Although the weather is often very dismal it does not stop friends, family and the residents of Portsmouth lining the streets to cheer the runners on. This, combined with the live bands that play along the route, help to keep the runners going.

One downside to the event is the parking. Using public transport is by far the best option because otherwise you will find you are in for a very long wait to exit the car park. However the organisation of the event does appear to improve each year. The goodie bags at the end are a little bare but you do get a nice t-shirt and medal for your effort.

Overall the race has grown from strength to strength in recent years and is now covered live for Channel five. Top athletes are being attracted to the race, including Paula Radcliffe this year. If you are looking for a fun and friendly race (and don't mind getting a little wet) then this is the event for you.

Summary: A great race for all but expect to get a little wet and windswept.