Over 300 runners fly the flag for Portsmouth at marathon

Over 300 Portsmouth runners put their best foot forward at this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon Festival, making the journey to Southampton to complete the gritty 5k, 10k, half and full marathon routes.

The marathon is known for its notoriously challenging route with its steep inclines, making it the go-to choice for determined runners keen to go the extra mile and push themselves beyond distance alone.

2026 marked a new chapter for the ABP Southampton Marathon with over 9,000 runners setting off from the new starting line at the historic dockyard, taking runners on a gruelling new route. This year's event also marks an exciting milestone for the 10K route, which for the first time will pass through St Mary's Stadium - a route previously reserved for half and full marathon runners.

Ex-Southampton FC defender Francis Benali hosted this year’s Marathon, warming up the runners and greeting them at the finish line alongside Mahamed Mahamed, who recently claimed victory at the London Marathon this year by being the first British runner to cross the line, coming tenth overall. 

This year also saw the marathon transform the city into a weekend long festival with a day festival on the Saturday, an after party on the Sunday evening, and over 300 performers across 15 stages along the route.

Chris Rees, Founder of Rees Leisure and founder of the ABP Southampton Marathon, said: “This record-breaking year has seen the marathon evolve into a national event, and I’m thrilled that runners from far and wide have travelled to the city to take part. Everyone should be immensely proud of their achievement.

“The route through Southampton is by no means an easy one, so it’s great for those who want to really challenge themselves. The next marathon will come round quickly, so we’re already working on making 2027 even bigger and better than ever.”

Early bird places are now available for 2027 and are being snapped up fast with over 1,000 signups in just a week. Visit the website for more information or to book: https://www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk/