Southampton is top London Marathon alternative
If you are one of the 400,000 disappointed runners let down this week by the London Marathon ballot then organisers of the 2020 ABP Southampton Marathon want to tell you that 'every cloud has a silver lining' and the silver lining they have in mind is their brilliant 26.2 mile classic which will be run on the same day as the big London race in 2020 - Sunday 26 April.
Southampton has a growing reputation as a well-organised event which – with its full, half, 10k and fun run options – has something for every runner and their family and friends. There's a great buzz in the city on the day with the residents and mile makers providing great support throughout.
Marathon runners will enjoy a fantastic tour of the famous South Coast port city. Highlights are the city centre start/finish, the dramatic Itchen Bridge crossing; a visit to St. Mary's Stadium, riverside vistas and parkland stretches through Southampton Common. The event has a great course profile with a few challenging hill sections but still offering PB potential with the event marshals, the much-loved mile makers, whose quality of support gives the boost that runners need to get around the course in record time.
Last year's marathon winners gave the race a huge thumbs up. Two time winner and local runner Richard Waldron (2:39:43) said: "It's a great feeling to win any race. But winning a marathon definitely takes it that one step further! Everything about today felt incredible, and to win again has been amazing."
Ladies champion Kirsty Aked spoke in similar vein: "I'm absolutely ecstatic about finishing first! When I'd reached halfway, I was fifth but I kept at it, and I can't believe it. I'm so so happy, and it's such an amazing feeling." Kirsty underlined the course's potential with a huge 26 minute PB!
Organisers expect a bumper entry across their four-race card in 2020 at the event where runners, like Richard Waldron return year on year. ABP Southampton Marathon's Dan Rourke told runABC South: "People love the Southampton marathon for lots of reasons including the brilliant support, an ideal April date, the knowledge that your place is secure so you can plan a winter/spring training campaign and, if you want, the opportunity to run for a favourite charity without a prohibitive target making the event the perfect alternative to the London Marathon for all those who miss out through the ballot."
TO ENTER OR TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ABP SOUTHAMPTON MARATHON VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE
