Fundraising continues despite Great South Run cancellation
The annual ten mile race was called off with 24 hours notice due to strong winds forecast on Sunday
Fundraising efforts have continued despite the cancellation of the Great South Run.
Organisers called off the annual ten mile race through Portsmouth on Saturday, saying strong winds caused by Storm Ashley meant they could not guarantee the safety of people and infrastructure at the event.
People across the South have set up their own races instead, to ensure charities do not lose out on the donations.
"Only fair" to uphold fundraising promises
Joe Gowers, from Gosport, ran a 10-mile route along the town's coastline on Saturday after raising over £1,200 for the MS Society.
He told Greatest Hits Radio it is a charity close to his heart after his dad was diagnosed with the degenerative illness multiple sclerosis.
Thanking everyone's "kindness and generosity" for donating, Mr Gowers said "it's only fair" he upholds his promise to complete the run.
"Obviously I am gutted about the decision, it's been something I've been working towards for the last year or so."
"Of course, I understand why they've made the decision."
Important training and fundraising "doesn't go to waste"
Megan Woodon has organised a 10-mile run along Lee-on-the-Solent seafront following the cancellation.
She told Greatest Hits Radio she had significant interest from other runners.
"It originally just started about 10 of us, and then I posted on Facebook, and instantly people were reaching out to me."
"There's people that have travelled 200 miles and are staying in hotels, and they still want to run."
Mrs Woodon, who is raising money for baby loss charity SANDS United, said it was important people's hard work "doesn't go to waste", and that their "achievements are recognised."
She added those taking parts are aware of the weather risk.
"It has been made very clear for those running that it's your own decision, it's your choice."
"A lot of our training runs would have been in the wind and the rain, so it's not going to come as a shock... if the weather conditions aren't sunny."
Organisers of the Great South Run say details about rolling over entries to next year's event, or applying for a refund, will be sent to participants in the next week.