Are you looking for a spring Marathon with a great atmosphere and guaranteed entry at a sensible price? If so, you are in luck because the ABP Southampton Marathon on Sunday 7 April 2024 is still taking entries at £50 or less – but don't delay as it's only six weeks away!

Yesterday (21 February) we reported on the Winchester 10K and our news writer Alan Newman discovered that Winchester and Southampton are linked via the River Itchen. Curiously, Alan has since heard the Itchen River Walk between the two cities is a half marathon with a couple of small diversions for refreshments – or a full marathon for the recommended out-and-back route!

ABP Southampton Marathon is held on a scenic two-lap course from Southampton's Guildhall Square. The route features the city centre, parkland, St Mary's Football Stadium (home to the Saints), riverside and dockland views, with the highlights being the spectacular crossings of both Itchen Bridge and Northam Bridge.

ABP Southampton Half Marathon enjoys all of the above over one lap and there's also ABP Southampton 10K, ABP Southampton 5K, and ABP Mile Fun Run to consider in a packed programme of events expertly managed by ReesLeisure.

There were more than 5,000 entrants and 4,379 finishers across all events last year and the ABP Southampton Marathon title holders are Nick Curtis (Aldershot, Farnham & District AC, 2:41:10) and Hannah Curtis (Denmead Striders, 3:24:25) – both in PB times.

ABP Southampton Half Marathon winners last year were Ben Holmes (Solihull & Small Heath AC, 1:12:33) and Tina Christmann (Southampton Triathlon Club, 1:23:42). Fastest in the 10K were Joe Wade (Ryde Harriers, 32:01) and Bethan Francis (Team Bath AC, 39:23) while the top times in the 5K were 17:03 by Jonnie Findell (Southampton University) and 19:23 by Grace Baker (Winchester AC).

For full race information visit the ABP Southampton Marathon website here.

Alternatively, jump to the entries portal here.

Previous results and reports at the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy ReesLeisure/ABP Southampton Marathon on Facebook