Sports Editor Ian Henderson reports on a great day at Portsmouth

SONIA O'Sullivan retained her women's title in the annual BUPA Great South Run at Portsmouth last Sunday.

The former Olympic distance runner covered the ten-mile course around the city in 53 mins 26 seconds, but strong winds denied her the chance to regain the women's world record for the distance.

O'Sullivan's record of 51 mins, set in last year's race, was beaten by six seconds just days later by Kenya's Lornah Kiplagat.

Men's winner

John Yuda, from Tanzania, won the men's event by crossing the line in 46mins 35secs, ahead of Kenya's Julius Kibet. The time was almost 40 seconds outside the fastest for the course.

But the real winners this year were the nominated charity Leukaemia Research and others, which may benefit by as much as £2 million from the efforts of the 9,000 runners taking part.

I was delighted to complete the course in exactly two hours, just months after recovering from a serious back problem. I needed to do spells of walking to avoid aggravating the old injury, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The sheer enthusiasm and determination of so many people to get round and the vocal support and encouragement from the thousands of onlookers around the route certainly made it a day to remember.

The very blustery conditions along Southsea seafront at the opening and closing stages of the event didn't deter anyone, it seemed. Not even the 1,500 youngsters, some as young as five or six, who took part in the various junior races.

Many senior competitors added to the occasion by sporting extrovert costumes and dressing as ducks or monkeys to add to the entertainment for all concerned.

My efforts should raise more than £300 for Leukaemia Research and my sincere thanks go to everyone who kindly sponsored me.

You can send money pledged to me c/o the Hampshire Chronicle, 57 High Street, Winchester SO23 9BY.

Please make any cheques payable to Leukaemia Research.