Race Day 42K

The Full Marathon begins at Dock Gate 8, at Southampton’s City Cruise Port, alongside the day’s other races, heading out of the docks onto Southampton’s scenic waterfront. Runners pass Mayflower Park, the Red Funnel ferry terminals, Queens Park, and enjoy views across Southampton Harbour before approaching one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Itchen Bridge.

Full Marathon runners cross the Itchen Bridge four times—twice on the first loop, and twice on the second. On the first ascent, they face east with clear views across the River Itchen toward Woolston and Weston Shore. The route continues through Woolston—the historic manufacturing home of the first Supermarine Spitfire—before running along the shoreline. New for 2026, the course includes an extended section along Weston Parade, adding extra distance beside the water, before looping back through Woolston and returning to the bridge for the second crossing. From the bridge’s peak, runners can take in views of the docks, the city skyline, and, on a clear day, the New Forest.

Onto the iconic sports section of the route, runners are navigated pitch-side of St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton FC Saints—a fantastic moment for local sport enthusiasts. From there, runners cross Northam Bridge toward Bitterne Triangle, a popular race-day highlight. Entertainment will feature here and along the entire marathon route, as well as across all other distances. The route then rejoins the scenic waterfront through Riverside Park, following the River Itchen further inland. Runners gain elevation on Burgess Road toward the University of Southampton and University Road, before easing into a downhill stretch through the wide open green space of Southampton Common (Second largest parkrun in the UK) and back towards the city centre to begin the second lap of the marathon. 

‍Additional Full Marathon Features (Second Lap):

- On their 13th mile, marathon runners peel left before the Half Marathon finish to begin the second lap of the route.

- Through East Park, Palmerston Park, and Houndwell Park toward The Run Company, where Water Station 6 offers water, iPro hydration drinks, and SIS energy bars.

- Bringing runners down the High Street and past Bargate, Southampton—a nod to previous years when the event start and finish were in the City Centre

- Through Queens Park, reconnecting with a similar route format to the first lap.

- On the second lap, runners race the length of the Itchen Bridge for their 3rd and 4th time.

- Reduced out-and-back section along Weston Parade compared with the first lap.

- Runners from 10:45am—mainly Full Marathon participants—are redirected left of St Mary’s Stadium, running along the west side of the grounds on the cycleway to the underpass, rather than through the stadium pitch a second time.

- From there, the route replicates the rest of the Half Marathon course all the way to the finish on Above Bar Street.