Great South Run the "best ever"

Portsmouth played host to the 22nd annual Great South Run, with organisers calling the event their "best ever".

Runners from around the country made the journey to Portsmouth for the race billed as "the World's Premier 10 mile race". They were also joined by amateurs from 20 other countries, including Japan, Australia and Bermuda, BBC News reports.

With around 24,000 runners descending on the city, as well as partners, family and supporters, the roads in and out were extremely busy, with some running clubs urged to look into some of the minibus hire Portsmouth could offer to get them from the island with little fuss and even less congestion.

The event itself, however, ran much more smoothly, with runners clearly showing why the event is billed as one of the fastest road races in the entire world.

Amongst those taking to the streets were comedian and actor Hugh Dennis, Daybreak's Dr Hilary Jones and ex-Olympic athlete Iwan Thomas.

Speaking to portsmouth.co.uk, David Hart, director of communications for event organisers Nova, enthused: "I am delighted with how everything has gone.

"The weather was on our side and as always the enthusiasm of the runners was just amazing. The Great South Run has truly arrived on the world's stage as one of the world's premier international running races. It's the most popular 10-mile road race in the world for a reason; Portsmouth should be proud of hosting such a consistently successful event."