If you’re looking for a springtime race and want to run a route that takes in green parks, shoreline and riverside views, look no further than the APB Southampton Half Marathon. Starting in the city centre, the route takes you over the famous Itchen Bridge, inside St Mary’s Football Stadium — the home of Southampton F.C. — and ends under the towering clock of the Southampton Guildhall.
Whether you’ve already signed up, are looking into doing so, or simply want to get ready to spectate on the day, here’s everything you need to know about the race.
When is the 2025 Southampton Half Marathon?
The 2025 Southampton Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 6 April 2025.
What everyone's reading
The full marathon, 10K and 5K races will be taking place on the same day.
Where is the Southampton Half Marathon start line?
All distances start and end at Southampton Guildhall Square.
What time does the race start?
The half-marathon starts at 9:00am, the same time as the full marathon. The 10K and 5K start later, at 9:45am.
Runners should aim to be onsite 90 minutes before the start time.
How do I get my bib number?
If you signed up after 10 March, or are an international participants, you’ll need to collect your race bib on the Saturday or early Sunday morning before the starting time. You can pick them up from the registration tent at Guildhall Square between 10am-2pm on Saturday, and Watts Park between 7-9:30am on Sunday.
Will there be a bag drop and changing facilities at the event?
There will be a baggage hall inside the O2 Guildhall, open from 7am. You will need your race bib to enter and spectators are not allowed inside. They will not store large items, so you should bring an A4-size bag or smaller.
What is the Southampton Half Marathon route?
Beginning in the city centre, the route takes you down past the Southampton docks, with lovely views across the Southampton Waters while running over the Itchen Bridge. After running along the shoreline at Weston Shore, and even venturing inside St Mary’s Football Stadium, you pass over Northam Bridge to enjoy riverside views once again. Next, the route will take you through Riverside Park, before running through Southampton Common and back into the city centre, for a glorious finish at Southampton Guildhall.
Route map link: https://www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk/abp-southampton-marathon
Are there toilets along the route?
Toilets will be located at each water station, as well as:
• Weston Shore – 3 miles and 17 miles
• Riverside Park – 9 miles and 23 miles
Before the race, you will find toilets along Commercial Road and within the Guildhall.
There will be six water stations on the marathon course, located at roughly equal intervals from each other.
There are also over 100 toilets in the Race Village area.
How do I get to the start line?
By car
You will be able to park at West Quay car parks, open 24 hours a day, and at the majority of Council Car Parks which will be open from 6am.
By bus
Check with local operators:
By train
The nearest train station is Southampton Central, about a 10-minute walk from the race village.
Can I wear headphones during Southampton Half Marathon?
Unless you are competing for a podium place, you are allowed to wear headphones. It is important to remember that this is a closed roads race, however, and the organisers strongly recommend having one earbud out at all times to hear the marshal directions and to stay aware of other runners around you.
Will there be on-course entertainment?
APB Southampton Half Marathon has partnered with local community groups and will provide various entertainment for spectators in the race village and live music on the main stage. They are also promising great entertainment around the race route itself.
Is there a race cut-off time?
For the full and the half marathon the cut-off time is six hours. For the 10K and 5K it is two hours. Marathon runners will need to finish the first half of their race before 12pm and the full route by 3pm.
