THE race director of the Bupa Great South Run is hoping new records will be set at this year’s event.

Colin Goater organised the very first Great South Run in Southampton in 1990 and has seen it grow into one of the world’s most popular ten-mile races.

He is hoping Olympic year will see a record field of more than 25,000 at the 23rd Great South Run, which takes place on October 28. “We were thrilled to have 2,000 runners for the first Great South Run in Southampton 22 years ago, when the course ran along the Avenue, down Hill Lane, into Shirley,” said Goater, who comes from Southampton.

“It wasn’t an easy course because it was so up and down, but the following year we took it to Portsmouth and it’s gone from strength to strength.

“We never thought we’d get 10,000 but I’m sure we’ll have more than 25,000 this year. It’s easy to get to and people love being in the same race as the leading runners with the chance to see themselves on TV on a fast, flat course.”

As well as a record field, Goater is also hoping to see a new course record set.

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