A large-scale sporting event held in Southampton attracted a mix of local runners, Olympic athletes, and celebrities, creating a unique environment where participants from different backgrounds came together to compete.

In the first Great South Run on October 7, 1990, a gathering of 4,100 runners enthusiastically participated, with multitudes of spectators lining the entire ten-mile course to cheer them all on.

In a remarkable display of athleticism, Marti Ten Kate, the Dutch champion in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races, guided the runners to the finish line in under 48 minutes.

The runners in Hill Lane during the Great South Run.The runners in Hill Lane during the Great South Run. (Image: Echo)

Following closely behind was the renowned boxer Frank Bruno, who completed the race on the Common just 20 minutes after Marti's impressive finish.

Bruno told the Daily Echo afterwards: “Southampton is such a nice place – the people who were both running and watching were very warm – it was brilliant.”

Back then, the race was called the "Diet Coke Great South Run" due to its sponsor.

Proceeds totalling around £250,000 were successfully collected to support various local and national charitable organisations, with expectations of ongoing contributions from future events.

Rod Wallace, Alan Shearer, Francis Benali and Steve Davies at the Great South Run.Rod Wallace, Alan Shearer, Francis Benali and Steve Davies at the Great South Run. (Image: Echo)

Sadly, for Southampton, it was not to be. 

The following year Portsmouth snatched the prestigious race where it became established as Europe’s biggest ten-mile event. 

These pictures were taken that first year when the Great South Run took place in Southampton.