Thousands descend on Portsmouth for record-breaking return of Great South Run

Mike Pearse reports from Portsmouth for ITV Meridian

Thousands of runners have been taking part in a 10-mile dash around Portsmouth as the Great South Run made its triumphant return to the city.

The event was last staged in 2019, with 2020’s event cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year's route begins at South Parade in Southsea, with runners setting off along Clarence Esplanade.

From there, they then head towards the Historic Dockyard and HM Naval Base before moving east past Victoria Park.

In the women's race, Eilish McColgan broke Paula Radcliffe's UK record for 10 miles by almost half a minute with 50:42 (TBC)She also beats Sonia O'Sullivan's course record by 18sec.

Jack Rowe who runs for Aldershot bagged the gold, in a time of 47 minutes 20 seconds.