They're the unsung heroes of the Great South Run - spurring on others with their inspiring stories.

As around 23,000 runners gear up for the ten mile run around Portsmouth on Sunday, we meet three of the pacers who have their own heart-warming reasons for taking part. 

Alice and David Baker continue to race together using a special running wheelchair since David's diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last year, while Rob Kelly is running in memory of a dear friend. 

(Image: Simon John Owen) READ MORE: Southampton Christmas lights switch-on details revealed

Nurse Alice, 44, from Lordshill, began participating in the Great South Run in 2016 with her experienced runner husband David. They crossed the finish line holding hands.

They continue to race together with David assisting his pacer wife with timing. 

(Image: Simon John Owen) Alice told the Daily Echo: "David can’t run anymore, so this is a way he can still take part in sports and take part in races and something that we can do together.

"What makes it worthwhile is I remember what it was like doing my first ten mile run, it was so hard at the time and I have now done it a couple more times, really pushed the pace and had a great race.

"I can’t run that fast anymore, so this is my time to give back and help other runners achieve those dreams and their best times."

David says his tip would be to “stick to the pacer, they’ll get you around, and above all have a good time!"

(Image: Simon John Owen) Rob Kelly, 56, from Bassett, has pulled together the team of pacers to support all runners. A dear friend of his, David Hawkins, used to coordinate the pacers, which since 2017 has included Rob and he has taken up the mantle since David's death 18 months ago. 

Rob added: "Midway through, you’ll sometimes get that Forrest Gump moment, when you turn-around and you’ve 20 or 30 people following you and you’re like OK.. this is working!

"These runners are relying on you to get them to the finish line, and that to me is the most important thing."

The Great South Run, much-loved for its flat seafront route, is sponsored by AJ Bell, while the pacers are backed by Solgar.