Entries are now open for the 2027 ABP Southampton Marathon Festival, returning to the city on Sunday 11th April 2027.
Taking place in one of the biggest months in the UK running calendar, Southampton will sit alongside a packed spring marathon season, with Brighton, Manchester, Newport and London all taking place across April.
But Southampton is not trying to be the biggest, the flattest or the fastest.
It offers something different.
A South Coast city race with real character. A route shaped by the docks, the waterfront, the city streets and, of course, the Itchen Bridge.
A proper city challenge
Southampton’s route is known for making runners work for the finish line. Its most recognisable section, the Itchen Bridge, gives runners a tough climb, big views and a clear sense of achievement.
In 2027, the Itchen Bridge will mark 50 years since it opened, making it a fitting centrepiece for race day.
“Southampton is not a flat PB course, and we have never tried to pretend that it is,” said Chris Rees, Event Director and founder of ReesLeisure.
“It is a proper challenge. The Itchen Bridge is tough, especially later in the race, but that is part of what people remember. When runners finish in Southampton, they know they have earned it.
“With demand for marathon places so high for 2027, we want runners to know that Southampton is here as a strong South Coast option. It is a city race with real character, and there are distances for all levels.”
Be part of the month of marathons
April is the month of marathons.
Brighton. Manchester. Newport. London. Southampton.
With London Marathon ballot results landing and demand for places higher than ever, many runners will be looking for their next challenge, a spring race to train for, or a new city to take on.
The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival gives runners the chance to be part of that spring marathon atmosphere, without relying on a ballot.
Distances for all levels
Sponsored by Associated British Ports and organised by ReesLeisure, the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival includes:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
Whether you’re taking on your first race, chasing a new challenge, running for charity, joining a club team or returning for another year, there is a distance for every runner.
The event will also expand into a two-day race weekend in 2027, with the Family Mile and Schools Challenge taking place on Saturday 10th April alongside activity in Southampton city centre.
A race with heart, history and atmosphere
Since launching in 2015, the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival has welcomed thousands of runners to the city and supported charity fundraising across Southampton and beyond.
From the docks to the Itchen Bridge, through St Mary’s Stadium and back to the finish line, Southampton is a race with grit, atmosphere and a finish that feels properly earned.
Entries for the 2027 ABP Southampton Marathon Festival are now open.
Enter now: www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk
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