Pacer Times Available:
Half Marathon Pacers:
1:30 / 1:35 / 1:40 / 1:45 / 1:50 / 1:55 / 2:00 / 2:10 / 2:20 / 2:30 + Motivators
10K Pacers:
45 mins | 50 mins | 55 mins | 60 mins | 1:05 + Motivators
Meet Your Official ABP Southampton Marathon Festival Pacers
Hit your goal.
Run with a pacer.
Whether you're aiming for a PB, running your first race, or just want support along the way, our official pacer team is here to help you stay motivated and on track across the Half Marathon and 10K events.
Led by the experienced Dave Hawkins Pacer Team, our pacers are friendly, knowledgeable runners who will guide you at a consistent pace and help you achieve your personal best. In 2023, the pacer team was named in honour of Dave Hawkins, known as "Big Dave." Dave was instrumental in shaping the local running community and played a crucial role in establishing the ABP pacer team since its inception in 2015. Sadly, Dave passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on through the ABP Hawkins Pacers. The team is now proudly led by Rob Kelly, continuing Dave’s mission to inspire and support runners of all abilities.
Why Run With a Pacer?
Stay on pace without watching your watch
Enjoy the camaraderie of running in a group
Get support and encouragement from experienced runners
Boost your confidence on race day
Ideal for first-timers and experienced runners alike
The Pacers will all be wearing special bright orange PACER vests with their target time on their backs.
In the holding areas waiting for the start of the race there will also be flags to show you which part of the queuing area you should wait in for your target finish time.
Join a Pacer Group
On race day, find your pacer in the start pen holding a clearly marked flag and PACER vest with your target time. Just slot in nearby and let them lead the way.
You can also meet some of the pacers at our Sunday Runday training runs in the lead-up to the event, perfect for testing out your target pace and getting to know the team.
Sunday Runday: Meet the Pacers 2026
Join the Dave Hawkins Pacer Team for FREE Training Runs!
In the lead-up to the ABP Southampton Marathon on 3rd May, our expert Dave Hawkins Pacer Team is here to help you hit your target time with three guided paced runs.
Location: Cemetery Road, Southampton Common
Sunday 4th Jan, 8:30am 60 - 80mins - Up to 5 Miles
Sunday 8th Feb , 8:30am – 6 Miles
Sunday 8th March, 8:30am – 8 Miles
Sunday 12th April – 8:30am 10 Miles
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors
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