Olympian Iwan Thomas to start Great South Run in October
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 04:13 · Archive
Olympian Iwan Thomas MBE will be the official race starter for the Great South Run on 18 October.
Olympian Iwan Thomas MBE will be the official race starter for the AJ Bell Great South Run on 18 October. The Southampton resident is a former European, Commonwealth Games and World 4 × 400 metres relay champion who represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games and Wales at the Commonwealth Games. He is one of Britain's fastest-ever 400-metre runners and has taken part in the 10-mile event himself in recent years.
Mr Thomas said the event's appeal lies in its atmosphere. 'The crowds that line the streets of Portsmouth make this event, they create such an amazing atmosphere that it makes the effort feel less like a boring workout and more like a celebration,' he said. He also praised running in fresh sea air rather than navigating city streets.
Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said: 'We're delighted to have Iwan join us this year at the Great South Run as our official race starter.' He noted that Iwan's repeated participation in the 10-mile course was testament to the event's appeal. The Great South Run has previously featured elite athletes including Liz McColgan, Eilish McColgan, Sonia O'Sullivan, Paula Radcliffe, and Sir Mo Farah.
How it is being reported
- Southampton resident named official starter of this year's Great South RunOlympian Iwan Thomas MBE will take on a new role at this year’s AJ Bell Great South RunSouthern Daily Echo · 9 Oct, 03:30
- Great South Run to be started by Olympian Iwan Thomas MBE with race schedule confirmedOlympic GB runner to sound the horn to start Great South RunThe News, Portsmouth · 7 Oct, 12:43
In this story: Iwan Thomas · Great South Run · Southampton · Portsmouth · Paul Foster · Great Run Company
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