Take part in the 2026 AJ Bell Great South Run for Solent Mind

Run through historic Portsmouth and make every mile matter for mental health.

Join Team Solent Mind on Sunday 18 October 2026 and sign up for your charity place today!

The Great South Run (GSR) is the UK’s biggest 10-mile run and a favourite for beginners and regular runners alike, offering a fast and flat course, inspiring history, and glorious sea views. Portsmouth supporters will keep your spirits high the whole way round, with blaring music, cheers, high fives and fist bumps the whole way round to help make your experience truly unforgettable.

Event details

When: Sunday 18 October 2026

Where: Portsmouth, Hampshire, starting and finishing at the seafront

Distance: 10 miles

Start times: From 10:35am to 11:30am depending on entry wave

Important links

What’s included

When you run for Solent Mind at the AJ Bell Great South Run, we’ll make sure you're fully supported and celebrated every step of the way!

Here’s what you’ll get:

A free Solent Mind t-shirt or running vest
Show your support with pride! Let us know your size when you sign up.
A Great South Run finisher’s medal and exclusive t-shirt
Celebrate your achievement with a bespoke medal and t-shirt to commemorate the day.
Fundraising support
From the moment you join Team Solent Mind, we will provide support and resources to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Training tips and resources
We'll share training guidance to keep you on track to achieve your running goals.

Registration fee and fundraising commitment

For 2026 we have reduced our fundraising target to £225, kindly asking that runners cover the registration fee of the remaining £25. By introducing the registration fee, our dedicated fundraising team are able to start providing resources to runners straight away, delivering an even better fundraising and team experience.

For more information, please see Terms and Conditions in the FAQs section at the bottom of the page.

Event day perks

Stop by and see us in the Charity Village for:

Pre-race meet-up to share the excitement and celebrate as as team!
Drinks and light snacks, at any time
Solent Mind goodies to take home
Fun photo opportunities to capture your big day

Why run the AJ Bell Great South Run?

The AJ Bell Great South Run isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of endurance, community and compassion. Taking part in the event will give you the opportunity to:

Challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
Unite with others in supporting mental health and make a real difference to people in your communities.
Create unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime.

This unforgettable event is filled with inspiring history, stunning views, and vibrant support from Portsmouth's enthusiastic crowd. You will:

Pass iconic landmarks such as the Spinnaker Tower, Southsea Seafront, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you'll run past Nelson’s HMS Victory.
Enjoy the fresh sea air and take in breathtaking views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

And if you’re looking to set a new personal best or ease into long-distance running, this fast and flat course is perfect!

“It’s important that people experiencing mental health issues have somewhere and someone to turn to for support, and Solent Mind has a range of services available to those who need it. We want to do all we can to help.”

- Taylor Ward, Toob. Great South Run 2025.

FAQs

Are there any age restrictions?

If you are taking part you need to be aged 16 or over.

What do I do if I have a medical issue?

You will be asked to complete all the required medical information fields on the back of your race number prior to participating in the event. Medical information will only be used to allow medical assistance to be given on the event date.

On event day there will be a medical team on site to deal with any issues.

Is there a cut-off time to finish the race?

The event finishes at 3pm, so you will need to finish your run by then.

Why support Solent Mind and run for mental health?

We are Hampshire’s leading mental health charity, and we are dedicated to improving mental wellbeing for people across the region.

We believe mental health matters, and running the Great South Run for Solent Mind gives you the chance to make a difference to people in your community.

By fundraising for Solent Mind, you will help ensure that more people have access to life-changing resources and support when they need it most.

What is my fundraising target?

There is a £225 fundraising target for all our runners.

What happens if I have more questions?

You will find lots of information on the AJ Bell Great South Run event website

Having read through the event FAQs, if you still have outstanding questions please get in touch with Solent Mind’s fundraising team. Email us on fundraising@solentmind.org.uk

Full Terms and Conditions

I understand that in accepting a place to run at the AJ Bell Great South Run in support of Solent Mind, charity number 1081116, I agree to adhere to all of the below terms and conditions.

I agree to raise a minimum of £250 for Solent Mind. I agree to pay £100 to Solent Mind should I withdraw from the race at any point during the 8 week period leading up to the event and cannot find a replacement runner who can commit to the full fundraising target.

I understand the funds I raise for Solent Mind will be received by Solent Mind head office in full and used for centrally funded projects and services.

I understand the importance of achieving my fundraising target to ensure Solent Mind raises funds beyond covering the cost of my place. I agree to raise and submit to Solent Mind at least £100 of my fundraising target before 20 September 2026. The remaining funds to be paid to Solent Mind within three weeks following the event date.

I commit to proudly wear my Solent Mind running vest/t-shirt on the race day to raise awareness for the charity. I promise to notify Solent Mind immediately in writing if I learn I will be unable to take part in the event. I understand that should I withdraw from the event that my place cannot be rolled over. Should I need to withdraw from the event and a replacement cannot be found by myself then I will cover the entry fee and administration charge of £100 (applicable to all distances).

I agree that any photographs taken on the day by Solent Mind photographers may be used online and in print to promote future Solent Mind events. I understand that Solent Mind maintains the right to withdraw my place at any time should I not adhere to the above conditions or if I bring the charity’s name into disrepute.

Sign up today!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event. Register now for the 2026 AJ Bell Great South Run.

Together, we can make every mile matter for mental health.

Contact details

If you have any questions about the AJ Bell Great South Run event, or if you would like more information about Solent Mind, please get in touch with our fundraising team. Email us on fundraising@solentmind.org.uk and we will get back to you.