Southampton Marathon Festival Half Marathon Entry, Date & Race Guide

The ABP Southampton Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile road race in Southampton, Hampshire, held each spring as part of the Southampton Marathon Festival. It is one of the South Coast’s most popular half marathons, offering a well-supported route through waterfront, city streets, and green spaces.

Starting near the city’s docks, the course takes runners along the waterfront before crossing the Itchen Bridge, the race’s most notable climb. The route then weaves through key areas of the city including St Mary’s Stadium, Riverside Park, and Southampton Common, providing a varied and engaging race experience.

The course is mostly flat with a few testing inclines, making it suitable for beginners while still offering a solid challenge for more experienced runners. Strong crowd support and entertainment zones throughout the route create a lively race-day atmosphere, with a city-centre finish in Guildhall Square.

The ABP Southampton Half Marathon is a popular choice for first-time half marathon runners and those building towards a spring marathon, combining accessibility, scale, and a well-organised event experience.