ABP Southampton Marathon Festival

Terrain: Road Elevation: Undulating Route Type: Loop

Runners will kick off under the iconic, listed port entrance at Dock Gate 8, before joining the established route at Town Quay. As always, the finish line will be at the lively Guildhall Square, complete with medal ceremonies and the popular charity village.

This inspiring route begins in the historic port of Southampton before running over the famous Itchen Bridge with its glorious views across the Southampton Waters, The Solent and, even, the New Forest.

Following a section by the shoreline at Weston Shore, the route takes you inside the legendary St Mary’s Football Stadium, home to Premiership football team, Southampton (aka The Saints!).

Passing over Northam Bridge with riverside views once again, you will run through the beautiful Riverside Park before crossing into Portswood and running through Southampton Common (home to the UK’s second largest parkrun!).

Then, for the marathon runners, it’s time for the second lap. In sight of reaching that halfway mark you will notice the Finish Line, but it's too early in the day for you. Onto that second lap you will notice it begins similar to previous years, through Southampton's City Parks and via the iconic Bargate before finding your rhythm to yet again master the Itchen bridge for the 3rd and 4th time. The route will continue back to Bitterne, Riverside, University Rd and the Common before making its way back to the City Centre and you guessed it, the Finish Line.

The Half Marathon also has the option for wheelchair racers to take part in this event.

This exciting route begins by taking runners out of the Docks, past Southampton's Queens Park, and over the famous Itchen Bridge with glorious views across the Southampton Waters, The Solent and, even the New Forest.

This will then lead to a loop of Woolston, where you are likely to find many supporters cheering you all the way round. You’ll then head back towards the city centre, through the legendary St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton’s Premier League football team, which is NEW for 2026.

Runners will head South of St Mary's down the cycle path after running through the stadium, towards the City Centre, continuing through the underpass and through the City Parks, around the buzz of the City,

With one final loop to complete, you will sprint towards the wonderful atmosphere that will await at the City centre finish line.

The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival 5K starts at Dock Gate 8, heading out towards Central Bridge alongside the other festival routes. Shortly after, 5K runners will peel left onto Marine Parade and pass through the south car park at St Mary's Stadium, where music and entertainment create a lively, high-energy atmosphere.

Rather than entering the stadium, the route follows the 10K course down Melbourne Street, along Chapel Road, and through an underpass into the city. From there, runners head into the city centre and along East Park Terrace, completing a short out-and-back section to make up the full distance.

The final stretch takes you through East Park, looping around the Peace Fountain before heading to the finish line in Southampton, where spectators and event officials will be waiting to cheer you home.