The Great South Run, the region's premier running event, launched its Portsmouth 25th anniversary event on the deck of HMS Warrior today.

Last year an incredible 25,000 people turned out for the event that sends competitors running 10 miles from Southsea to the city's Historic Dockyard, where Warrior, the 19th century Royal Navy frigate, is moored.

This year is expected to be no different with world-class athletes set to return to Hampshire, as well as thousands of amateur participants raising money for charity.

The first Great South Run was held in Southampton in 1990 before getting moved down the road to Portsmouth the following year.

Today, novices and experienced runners from the history of the race gathered together to celebrate the launch of the 25th time the event will be held in Portsmouth.

Among the local top athletes competing will be Andy Vernon, the Team GB double European Championship medallist, who was at the launch.

Last year Vernon had to run through the pain barrier to achieve a 12th place finish in the race Kenya's James Rungaru won.

The Fareham born athlete was hoping to be in medal contention but his progress was hampered due to the leg injury, which is still affecting his progress.

After completing the race with gritted teeth, he is hoping for better this year.

“I'm concentrating on getting back to running at the moment,” said the 29-year-old, who has been suffering with a tendon injury in his hamstring.

“I had an injury that started in June which hampered me a little bit through the summer.

“We gave it a quick fix and came back in September. I've been struggling ever since and that's why I didn't have such a great run at the Great South Run in 2014.

“I was carrying the injury and it was a race I really shouldn't have done in hindsight.”

Vernon is hoping to be back before the Great South Run in late October.

“I'd be surprised if this hampers me all the way until then,” he said.

“I'd hope to be there."