Finally, back on its favoured spring date, the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kid's Fun Run will go ahead on Sunday, 24th April. After several postponements and false starts, the ReesLeisure promoted event was held with 3,660 finishers on 5th September 2021 – one of the first mass participation races to be sanctioned to proceed last year.

Last year's ABP Southampton Marathon champions, from a decent field of 722, were Sean Hogan (Poole Runners, 2:35:03) and Melissah Gibson (Ealing Eagles, 2:54:16) who was eighth overall and one of just 19 athletes to go below three hours on a sweltering morning.

Nearly 2,000 ran the ABP Southampton Half Marathon and the winners were William Cork (Brighton, 1:12:22) and Southampton's Claire McErlean (1:25:56). ABP Southampton 10K saw another 1,118 competitors, with victories for Isaac Farnworth (Reading, 32:39) and Alice Burch (Totton, 41:10). 

There are a few changes this year as ABP Southampton Marathon programme continues to evolve. ABP Southampton 5K has been added, targeting first-timers who would like to give this running lark a go – no previous experience necessary! The course takes you from Guildhall Square, through Queen's Park and Solent University, before the final sprint finish.   

Entry benefits for all races include FREE race photos; FREE Training Plans; FREE moisture-wicking t-shirt and a specially designed medal. The legendary Race Village caters to all your needs, including first aid support.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of receiving its Royal Charter this year, the University of Southampton will act as a new course landmark with their 'Celebration Campus' hydration station situated two miles from the finish of the main races. 

Professor Mark Spearing, Vice-President of Research and Enterprise at the University of Southampton, says: “To celebrate our 70th anniversary we wanted to say a big thank you to the people of Southampton who have been great supporters of the University over many years. What better way is there to support the runners for the final few miles than to provide a watering station on campus, together with some great entertainment?” 

Chris Rees, Managing Director of Rees Leisure and event organiser, says: “After taking a break during Covid, and making a tentative return in 2021, we hope this year’s event will be bigger than ever and a cause for our own celebration. We’d like to thank University of Southampton for their support, and we’re thrilled to add them to our route – we’re looking forward to seeing 'Celebration Campus' come to life!” 

Full information and entries at ABP Southampton Marathon website here 

Previous results and reports at runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy ABP Southampton Marathon on Facebook