Thousands of runners will take part in the Great South Run today
More than 26,000 runners are expected to take part
Thousands of runners will be lacing their boots to take part in the Great South Run today.
The main 10 mile event will travel through Portsmouth past landmarks such as the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory.
Verity Ockenden won the race last year and is telling us she hopes to beat her time as she takes the run on today.
She said: "I'm super excited.
"It's amazing to be able to defend my title from last year.
"It's quite a bit of pressure, but it's a good sort of pressure.
"It just brings back a lot of good memories and reminds me of what I was capable of last year.
"It really motivates me to work hard and really push myself."
The race is expected to welcome around 26,000 runners to the city.
Among them are Anjali Hoyle's family who are calling themselves 'Dexter Dude Dynamic Dashing Dashes' who are raising money for the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.
Anjali's son, Dexter, has down syndrome and will be running the mini event with the family.
She said: "The first year he did it in 2022, when he was four, he had a walking frame and the crowd really got behind him, chanting his name, encouraging him across the finish line.
"It was really emotional.
"I was tearful."
Anjali's 81-year-old mother, Birbala Chandra's also running the race.
Ms Chandra said: "I feel good because this event brings all 11 of us together.
"We all enjoy it together.
"My son will come with his family from Essex.
"I'm missing my husband because he used to be part of it, so I'm running in his memory."
Celebrities will be making appearances during the day, with Olympian, Iwan Thomas, starting the race.
Temporary road closures, parking suspensions and changes to some transport services will be in place across the weekend, and Portsmouth City Council's encouraging people to check latest information before travelling.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "The Great South Run is a fantastic event for Portsmouth, bringing people together and showcasing the city at its best.
"With thousands expected over the weekend, we're encouraging everyone to check the latest travel information before setting out.
"It's also a chance to celebrate the individuals and organisations taking part for a cause.
"We're delighted that Foster Portsmouth will be involved again, helping raise awareness of the vital role foster carers play in supporting local children and young people."
The council's also encouraging those travelling from outside Portsmouth to leave their cars outside the city and use Portsmouth Park and Ride, which will operate a dedicated PR4 service to Clarence Pier from Junction 1 on the M275 throughout the weekend.
The A27 westbound will also be closed from Emsworth (Warblington) to Langstone from Saturday night until Monday morning, so drivers should check their route and allow extra time.
For travel information, road closures and other resident information, visit https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/events/great-south-run-17-18-october-2026
For race information, visit the Great South Run website.