spear evaluated the economic and social flows experienced in Portsmouth, Southsea and wider Hampshire, as a result of hosting the Bupa Great South Run.

As well as collating data via online and face-to-face surveys, the evaluation used cutting-edge GIS mapping technology to determine the geographical reach of the event’s appeal in both social and economic terms. This unique feature provided the event organiser and host the information required to target future marketing and service planning – and evaluate the effectiveness of their current activity.

Key Findings

• The total net economic flow into Portsmouth and Southsea as a result of hosting the Bupa Great South Run was £678, 675
• There were numerous reasons given for participating in the event but the two most important include personal achievement (91%) and health and fitness (85%)
• Runners travelled from a wide catchment area especially those served by good motorway connections

Date: 2009

Client: Nova International and Portsmouth City Council