The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival is set to launch from a new location this year, as thousands of runners prepare to gather at Dock Gate 8 at the City Cruise Terminal on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
The event, which falls on the first Bank Holiday in May, will feature a historic start to the morning. At 8:30am, a 1942-built Supermarine Spitfire, known as RR232, will perform an eight-minute aerial display above the port. This flypast honours the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire, which made its maiden flight from what is now Southampton Airport in 1936.
Following the display, the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races will begin at 9:00am. Participants can access the new starting area via Herbert Walker Avenue. The route for the 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon will include a run through St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club, before all participants head towards the finish at Guildhall Square.
Organised by Associated British Ports and Rees Leisure, the festival has been rebranded to reflect its five race distances and festive atmosphere. The event continues to support the community, with the Southampton Hospitals Charity serving as a lead partner and hosting a Charity Village in Watts Park at the finish line.
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