With less than three weeks to go until the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival returns, organisers have hailed the ongoing support of Southampton Hospitals Charity (SHC), which will once again serve as Lead Local Charity Partner for 2026.
They are also urging runners across the region to sign up now, as the deadline to take part in one of the city’s flagship sporting events fast approaches.
A valued partner for more than a decade, Southampton Hospitals Charity has become a key part of the marathon’s community impact, inspiring hundreds of participants each year to take on the challenge while raising vital funds for local healthcare services.
The charity works closely with the local community, supporters and partners to fund life-changing projects at University Hospital Southampton, supporting everything from specialist treatment to pioneering research and helping thousands of patients and their families every year.
Chris Rees, Race Director of the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Southampton Hospitals Charity back as our Lead Local Charity Partner. Their support over the past decade has helped encourage runners of all abilities to take part, while raising funds that make a real difference to people across our community. We’re proud to continue building on this partnership and to celebrate the impact they have across Southampton and beyond.”
This year, the charity is encouraging participants to “Run Local”, celebrating the city while raising funds for their local hospital.
Beth Hall, Director of Operations and Resources at Southampton Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to once again be the lead local charity for the ABP Southampton Marathon. This year we are encouraging supporters to ‘Run Local’, taking in the sights and sounds of our city while raising money for your local hospital charity. We are aiming for our highest number of runners to date and are close to reaching our target, with supporters coming together to back Southampton Hospitals Charity.”
Runners can still secure a place with the charity at a discounted rate by committing to a fundraising pledge, and can set up a JustGiving page through the charity’s event listing.
With race day approaching, organisers say this is the final opportunity to be part of what is expected to be a record-breaking year for both participation and fundraising.
This year’s festival will also feature a number of new additions across the weekend. Saturday’s “Shakeout Saturday” will include a pre-race Music Moves stage, alongside activities such as circuit sessions, yoga, dance workshops and a community shakeout run led by England Athletics run leaders from Olaf’s Run Club.
On Sunday, runners will set off from a new start location at Dock Gate 8. The day will also include a Spitfire flypast to mark 90 years since the aircraft’s first flight, followed by the event’s first-ever Marathon After Party celebrating local talent.
Looking ahead, 2026 will also mark the launch of the Penta Medal Series, a new five-year challenge inviting runners to take part annually through to 2030. Participants will collect a medal each year, which will combine to form the Hampshire Rose.
With strong community spirit, inspiring fundraising stories and an exciting race weekend ahead, the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival is set to make 2026 its biggest year yet.
To find out more or to sign up, visit: https://www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk/
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