The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival is one of the South Coast’s premier running events, transforming the port city of Southampton into a vibrant, high-energy race experience each spring. Blending a major-city course with a strong community atmosphere, the festival attracts over 10,000 runners annually, offering distances from 5K through to the full marathon. It is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accessible and inclusive marathon festivals, welcoming first-time runners, charity participants, and seasoned competitors alike.
Organized by Rees Leisure, the event is held in Southampton, a historic maritime city on England’s southern coast. The race routes are designed to showcase the very best of the city, taking runners past the waterfront docks, through green spaces like The Common, across the iconic Itchen Bridge, and even pitch-side at St Mary’s Stadium. The result is a course that combines scenic views, urban landmarks, and a lively festival atmosphere supported by music, spectators, and local communities.
What sets the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival apart is its “festival” identity. This is not just a race, but a full-day experience. Alongside the main events, runners can expect live entertainment, charity engagement, and a strong sense of collective participation that extends beyond the finish line. Whether chasing a personal best or running for a cause, the event emphasizes both performance and purpose, with many participants raising funds for local and national charities.
