2027 ABP Southampton Marathon Festival

Terrain: Road Elevation: Undulating Route Type: Loop

All races (excluding the Mile Fun Run) will start from Dock Gate 8, Southampton City Cruise Port and finish on Above Bar Street, adjacent to our race village in the Guildhall Square.

All distances start from Southampton’s City Cruise Port, offering a unique setting alongside the city’s historic docks and waterfront.

This inspiring route heads out along the waterfront, passing Mayflower Park, the Red Funnel terminals and Queens Park, before climbing the famous Itchen Bridge with its sweeping views across the River Itchen, Southampton Water and, on a clear day, the New Forest.

Following a scenic section through Woolston and along Weston Shore, the course returns across the bridge and heads towards the city’s sporting highlight—running past the legendary St Mary's Stadium, home of Southampton FC (aka. the Saints).

Crossing Northam Bridge, runners follow riverside paths through Riverside Park before heading into Portswood and onto the wide open green space of Southampton Common.

Half Marathon runners complete one lap of this route, crossing the Itchen Bridge twice, before heading to the finish.

Marathon runners begin their second lap, building on the energy of the first as they take on the course again. Early into this lap, runners will pass another iconic landmark, Southampton Bargate - a familiar favourite from past events. They then take on their third climb of the Itchen Bridge, before heading through Woolston and along the shoreline. The route then brings them back over the bridge for the fourth—and final—crossing, returning into the city.

From here, runners pass the familiar highlights of the first lap before heading into the heart of the city to finish on Above Bar Street.

Starting at Southampton’s City Cruise Port, the 10K heads straight out onto the scenic waterfront, passing Mayflower Park, the Red Funnel terminals and Queens Park with views across Southampton Harbour.

Take on the iconic Itchen Bridge—not once, but twice. In its 50th anniversary year, this landmark provides a memorable challenge, with an eastbound climb offering views across the River Itchen toward Woolston and Weston Shore, before looping through Woolston and returning for a second ascent back toward the city, with sweeping views of the docks and skyline.

Back for its second year, 10K runners will once again experience the unforgettable route past St Mary's Stadium—home of Southampton FC—sharing one of the event’s most iconic moments with half and full marathon runners.

The route then heads back into the city via Palmerston Park and East Park, before a fast, downhill finish along London Road—the first of all races to enjoy this stretch—ending on Above Bar Street.

With live music, on-route entertainment and incredible crowd support throughout, this is a 10K packed with atmosphere from start to finish.

At 9am, runners set off from Southampton’s City Cruise Port, kicking off the day’s racing in style as the city comes alive for the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival.

The route heads straight out along the waterfront, passing Mayflower Park, the Red Funnel terminals and Queens Park, with views of the iconic Itchen Bridge—celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027 and standing proudly as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Just before the bridge, the 5K turns toward St Mary's Stadium, home of Southampton FC. Runners pass through the stadium’s south car park, offering a taste of the electric atmosphere experienced across the longer distances—and perhaps inspiration for your next challenge.

The route then winds through Southampton’s green city parks, providing flat, scenic running before a strong finish on Above Bar Street. From there, runners head into Guildhall Square to collect their well-earned medal and enjoy post-race celebrations.

Fast, friendly and full of local character, the 5K is the perfect way to be part of race day in this special anniversary year.