And they're off! Great South Run gets underway in Portsmouth

Mike Pearse reports from Portsmouth and spoke to the winners and organisers.

A runner from Southampton beat off competition from thousands of others to come first in the mens elite race at the Great South Run  in Portsmouth today.

Tens of thousands have been taking part in events over the weekend helping to raise millions of pounds for good causes.

The race was started by former Royal Marines Commando, Chris Oliver, known for his role in the Channel 4 show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

WATCH:The start of the Great South Run 2023.

He began his service with the Royal Marines at the age of 16, will also participate in the event to champion RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.

Notable elite athletes include, Lilly Partridge, last year’s champion, who will be defending her title in the 10-mile race, alongside Olympian Callum Hawkins, the Scottish Marathon & Half Marathon record holder.

Other celebrities taking part including Billy Monger, who lost both legs in a motor racing accident.

We will have a full report on ITV Meridian Tonight at 6.40pm on Sunday