Here’s the latest on the Southampton Marathon for 2026.
- Event date: Sunday 3 May 2026. The race is held in Southampton with options for Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and a Mile Fun Run. [source: multiple event pages and local guides indicating the 2026 date as May 3][2][3][4]
- Start/finish changes: For 2026, the main races start from Dock Gate 8 at the City Cruise Terminal (access via Herbert Walker Avenue) to improve space, flow, and safety on race day. Runners should allow extra time for arrival due to the new start location.[3][2]
- Distances and route notes: Distances include Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, with a typical route that can feature city centre sections, docks, and parkland areas; timing and results are handled by official timing partners.[7][3]
- Registration and planning: Entry deadlines and pricing are set by the organizers; early booking is recommended. Several charities and community groups run teams or individual entries (e.g., SSJ and other partners).[5][2]
- 2026 festival and updates: The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival is promoted as a multi-distance event with a festival vibe, updated start/finish layout, and ongoing coverage of route and traffic impacts. Expect road closures and spectator zones on race weekend.[4][2]
If you’d like, I can assemble a concise checklist for spectators or runners (registration steps, travel tips to Guildhall Square, best spectator spots along the new Dock Gate 8 route, and post-race celebration ideas). Just tell me which perspective you prefer (runner, spectator, or charity participant).
Illustrative note: the event has grown to multiple distances and attracts thousands of participants, making it one of the South Coast’s flagship running events.[4][7]
Sources
Choose Your Event - Southampton ABP Full Marathon ABP Half Marathon ABP 10k or ABP 5K.
www.southamptonmarathon.co.ukRun along this spectacular route, including green parks, shoreline, and riverside views, beginning, and ending at the iconic Southampton Guildhall
rmhc.org.ukThe ABP Southampton Marathon Festival returns in 2026, bringing one of the South Coast’s most popular running events back to the city for a day packed with atmosphere, achievement and celebration. Whether you’re chasing a PB or taking on a brand-new distance, this is a race day that delivers unforgettable moments from start to finish. […]
harrys-hat.orgJoin the excitement at the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival 2026, where over 10,000 runners come together for one of the South Coast’s biggest running events. Choose from the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K and experience an unforgettable day of fitness, community, and achievement. Whether you're chasing a personal best, running for a charity, or entering your first race, this iconic festival is your moment to shine on the streets of Southampton. Sign up now and be part of the action!
www.southamptonmarathon.co.ukABP Southampton Marathon Festival 2026 Solent Mind
www.solentmind.org.ukSouthampton Marathon 2026 official results and classification. 26.2 miles through Southampton, Hampshire, South Coast England. Timing by DB Max.
www.ski-nordique.netAssociated British Ports (ABP) and Rees Leisure have entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement, making ABP the main sponsor of the Southampton Marathon Festival for a further five years. ABP has supported this event for the past decade, watching it grow and expand from three races to five.
www.abports.co.ukMake A Difference at the ABP Marathon with SSJ Join a team of passionate advocates, running to support people who are experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness. We all need extra support sometimes and by running for #TeamSSJ you will be helping us to walk beside people experiencing homelessness. The…
ssj.org.ukPlan your visit to the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival 2026. Explore race options, weekend events, road closures and where to celebrate after the finish line.
www.visitsouthampton.co.ukDiscover the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival 2026 guide, including start details, best spectator spots, and race-day secrets to help you finish stronger.
hellosouthampton.co.uk