The ABP Southampton Marathon is the city’s largest running event, sponsored by Associated British Ports, the UK’s second largest container terminal and largest deep sea gateway. Running enthusiasts can select one of four distances to run, a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. Our 2 lap racecourse, supported by the half and full route features Southampton’s unmissable landmarks, historical sites, waterfront and park views all within eyesight of the participants' event experience.
This year we are partnering with national mapping agency Ordnance Survey to deliver a streamlined representation of the route, combined with inclusive offers to make the ABP Southampton Marathon experience and other challenges accessible to you on an extended three month trial.
Whether you've raced with us before or this is your first time, here’s what to expect on the official marathon route.
Pre-Race
Regardless of the race you choose, all four distances start and finish at the race gantry on Above Bar Street. This road passes by some of the city’s most historical structures and social hotspots including the infamous Guildhall Square where our participants collect their finisher medal, celebrate and wrap up their day whilst enjoying our post-race performances. Several popular dining brands and entertainment venues share the same stretch of road, some of which runners may wish to visit on race-day in order to redeem an exclusive medal discount.
To the right of our start line, we have Watts Park which is known as our ‘Charity Village’ on event day. This is a space where runners and spectators can learn more about the incredible people and processes behind local and national charities. Last year over 20 local charities reserved a space in the village to maximise impact and fundraising opportunities for well-deserving causes. In our ten years of the ABP Southampton Marathon, Runners have raised over £4 Million toward charity initiatives, with intention for this number to continue growing.
0-4 Miles
The Full Marathon starts at 09:00
Fortunately, the half marathon runners are taking the same route as our full marathon participants again this year, attempting to complete just one of the two laps on the circuit to claim that finisher title. All 13.1 miles are covered in this marathon route run through, should our half contenders wish to read.
Once runners take their position at the gantry, our live commentator will countdown to starting time, introducing the rules of the race and how to identify our pacers to keep you in those PB zones. A warm up will begin 10 minutes before the event, including dynamic stretches to prepare runners muscles and joints for the ultimate test of endurance. As soon as everyone is ready to go the starting horn will sound and runners will make their way down Above Bar Street.
On mile one runners will first pass The University of Southampton’s Sir James Matthews Building, one of the institution’s teaching blocks located in the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. Beneath this block we have the events medical tent. Should participants require immediate attention, our medical team is on standby all day. Runners are then to pass the Guildhall square, city park of Southampton and hub of live music venues, museums and galleries. Participants will reconvene here again post-race to collect their 10th anniversary, special edition medals and celebrate their hard earned achievements with family and friends.
As the course unfolds you’re taken by the John Hansard Gallery, a proud sponsor of the Southampton Marathon and leading contemporary art exhibit for global projects. A cherry picker, provided by Williams Shipping, is stationed just outside JHG enabling our event photographer to capture the ultimate high-angle start-line shot to be featured in the Daily Echo As runners exit off Above Bar Street, they take Vincent's Walk past Houndwell Park, one of Southampton’s Central Parks.
On the next corner of the route we have Bargate, a medieval gatehouse built as part of the original city walls. Constructed in Norman times, Bargate has remained the gem of Southampton, occasionally undergoing construction to preserve its heritage and artistic value.Once runners have reached the mile mark they will approach The Watergate ruin, another main entrance to the town from the west and an integral part of Southampton’s fortified walls. As runners meet Southampton’s waterfront, and further on they travel, snippets of the city’s cruise terminals and docks will be revealed. Following on past Queens Park, another green space with various monuments of historic interest.As participants make their way back through the city, they’ll follow the A33 onto Central Bridge, leading them to the much-anticipated Itchen Bridge—a high-level toll bridge crossed by thousands daily. The Itchen Bridge is a vital link for the city and a symbol of its progress to combat heavy congestion. The bridge offers amazing views of the River Itchen and Marina which you’ll be able to take more notice of later on.
The marathon route continues through Woolston, passing the suburb’s library and some of Southampton’s most luxurious real-estate with incredible waterfront views. Continuing down Victoria Road and through to the Weston Shore promenade runners can see directly over the Solent. The viewpoint includes a pebble beach, pitch ‘n’ putt, children’s play area and several art deco seating shelters. This location is particularly vibrant when the weather improves. These first 4 miles wrap up as the route takes us back through Jurds Lake Way.
4-8 Miles
Jurds Lake carries our runners back onto Victoria Road which circles by Portsmouth Road and back onto the Itchen Bridge before we travel back into the city on a straight course all the way to St Mary’s Stadium. Did you know our Full and Half marathon runners get the unforgettable experience of running pitch-side through the stadium? If you’re a Saints FC fan, this is something you won't want to miss.
From the exit off the stadium grounds marathon runners will follow the A3024 onto Northam Bridge. Northam Bridge built in 1799 was the first bridge in Southampton to span the River Itchen. Its original build was wooden with a small central arch, allowing only small sailing vessels to pass through. Completing the seventh mile having made our way across the bridge, the route continues to take us through to Bitterne and past the railway station onto Whitworth Crescent. On route we have several water stations available for our athletes to hydrate and take a breather, to ensure everyone’s ready for the oncoming miles ahead.
Our eighth mile begins along the esplanade of the Riverside Park where there are gorgeous views of the river bed and west side of the city.
8-10 Miles
Halfway through mile eight and into nine runners will get to see the extensive features of Riverside, such as its picnic area, sports fields, cricket pitch, skate park and basketball court, all fantastic areas to explore in spring and summer for some outdoor family activities.
Mile nine follows through to the Woodmill lane crossing. There has been a mill here since medieval times, presumably of original wooden construction as many past structures are evidenced to have been, and will on event day be the junction where runners make their way back over to the west side of the city.
The remainder of mile nine will bring the route to Burgess Road just off the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, a landscaped green setting for the university’s main facilities, including sport centre and student union.
10-13 Miles
Conclusion
Completing a marathon is a remarkable achievement that showcases dedication, extensive training and unparalleled self-belief.. We hope by having read this run through and studying the route on OS Maps that you now feel comfortable with the course and what sights to expect along the way. Now you can enjoy the race knowing where to look and what’s to come. From the ReesLeisure team and OS Maps we look forward to your participation in April 2025.
Mile 10 then takes us past the Highfield Campus and Hartley Library, one of the largest university libraries in southern England. The library has many special collections, including The Hampshire Field Club Library, publications about the university and its predecessors as well as the personal library of Henry Robinson Hartley (1777-1850) eccentric and philanthropist.
As runners pass the leisure centre and Highfield Church, they follow three turns until they reach the footpath of Southampton Common on Mile eleven. Southampton Common is the largest of Southampton’s open spaces, the 365 acres of ‘The Common’ features woodland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, lakes and parkland.
We exit the common midway into mile twelve down The Avenue beside Asylum Green, as this follows onto London Road, we are met again at the race Gantry having now reached the end of lap one for the marathon and end of the half at mile thirteen.
For our half runners, the race is complete and celebrations begin. However, for our marathoners it’s time to set off again!
