Nearly 4,500 participants will take part in Race for Life events on Southsea Common this month, with Pretty Muddy obstacle courses on Saturday 28th June and traditional running distances on Sunday, all raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Thousands of fundraisers will descend upon Southsea Common this month, creating a vibrant pink spectacle across two days of Cancer Research UK events. Saturday 28th June will host approximately 2,500 participants in Pretty Muddy challenges, whilst Sunday will welcome nearly 2,000 runners across multiple distance categories. Here’s your comprehensive guide to both events:
Saturday’s Pretty Muddy Programme
Saturday focuses entirely on Pretty Muddy obstacle courses, featuring mud-splattered challenges for all ages. Pretty Muddy Kids (ages 6-12, minimum height 1.2m) launches at 10am, with subsequent groups following in waves.
Adult Pretty Muddy 5k events commence at 11am, with groups departing every quarter-hour. Participants receive specific start times to maintain safety standards and prevent overcrowding at obstacle points.
Sunday’s Running Events
Sunday welcomes almost 2,000 runners across three distance options. The 10k race begins at 10am, whilst both 3k and 5k events start at 11am.
Participation Costs
Pretty Muddy registration costs £22.49 for adults and £12 for children, with free entry for supervising adults in children’s events. Running event prices vary: 10k costs £17.49 for adults (£11 children), 5k costs £15.99 for adults (£11 children), and 3k costs £14.99 for adults (£10 children).
Registration Process
Whilst many participants have pre-registered, on-the-day registration remains available. The registration tent provides race numbers and essential event information. Pre-registered participants need not re-register. Arrival 45 minutes before race start ensures adequate time for course briefings and warm-up activities.
The starting point is located on Southsea Common’s field adjacent to Clarence Esplanade. Additional details:Â https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event
Eligibility Requirements
Events welcome men, women, and children. Pretty Muddy Kids requires participants aged 6-12 with minimum 1.2m height, whilst children over 12 join adult events. Participants may run, jog, or walk at their preferred pace. Race merchandise including t-shirts, caps, tutus, water bottles, and commemorative items will be available.
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Entertainment and Refreshments
On-site entertainment accompanies catering vans and ice cream vendors throughout both days. Toilet facilities are provided, though shower facilities and bag storage are unavailable.
Hydration Arrangements
Supporting sustainability initiatives, organisers won’t distribute plastic bottles. Participants should bring personal water bottles for refilling at designated stations near start/finish areas, with an additional 5k refill point for 10k runners.
Toilet Facilities
On-site toilets supplement facilities at Clarence Pier and D-Day Museum car park.
Parking and Transport
Limited parking accompanies road closures on Avenue de Caen and Clarence Esplanade. Clarence Pier and Esplanade car parks offer nearest major parking. Public transport is recommended, with Tipner to Southsea park-and-ride (PR3 service) operating both days. Pretty Muddy participants should protect vehicles with bin bags or similar. Road closures continue until 3pm daily.
Secure Storage
No secure baggage facilities are available.
Routes and Spectator Positions
Sea defence construction along Southsea Esplanade necessitates route modifications, though all events maintain Southsea Common start/finish points. The start line remains on Clarence Esplanade’s adjacent field, with specific routes confirmed on event days.
Clearly marked courses traverse Southsea Common’s grassy areas, Castle Field, and Ladies Mile, providing excellent spectator vantage points. The predominantly grass course includes some road sections.
Further Information
Visit Cancer Research UK’s website at raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event and search ‘Portsmouth’ for comprehensive details.
