Gosport, being on the seafront, provides great views across to the Isle of Wight and is a great race for potential PB's. This is a small race compared to its close neighbour in Portsmouth but it is a great event that gives the charity runner the perfect opportunity to raise money later on in the year.

About the race

Getting ready for the off this race very much has the small town feel to it. Lining up with about 2000 other runners at a local school you can't help but get excited, a little bit like your first cross country race when you were 10. There will be a few runners clearly running for charity but the word on the street in regards to this race is PB! Once away, you get to enjoy a really fast flat course, all trail running, there is very little road running at all. You have to take on two laps of Daedalus airfield which is not the most attractive place in the world; it is made up of derelict MOD buildings and almost has a ghostly feel to it. On the second lap, you are reminded that you are a part time runner as the super fast club runners start weaving in and out of you already on their second lap! Once you have finished there, you join the best part of the race, the section along the seafront. Views across to the Isle of Wight with yachts going back and forth to Southampton are the highlights, so don't miss them at miles 10 and 11. At the end of the race a nice crowd has gathered and you are rewarded with one of the best goody bags you will find at a race.

Fundraising

You are taking on a half marathon distance so aim for at least £700 as your fundraising target. It's not the most well known half marathon but it's a half marathon all the same. Check out the run for charity fundraising A to Z for some great ideas to help you reach your target.

Support on race day

Being a small town the support will never be too big and the race being off road also does not allow for huge crowds. Having said that, with such a small field size, the local residents do come out in great numbers to support the race. The finish is especially well supported.

Training

This is a fast half marathon so a simple half marathon training plan will do. If you are keen on achieving a PB, this has huge potential so you may want to look into slightly more advanced training techniques.

Quality of race organisers

The running club that put on the Gosport marathon do an amazing job from the information provided prior to the race right up to the fantastic goody bags at the end.

Run for charity event rating

2½ out of 5 stars

To choose a charity to support in this event click here or if you already have a charity in mind click here