A RECORD number of charity runners are taking part in tomorrow's ABP Southampton Marathon.
Thousands of people will descend on the city to either watch or compete in a fun-packed day comprising a full marathon and a half marathon, plus 5k and 10k fun runs.
This year more than 1,000 runners will pound the streets in aid of good causes that are close to their heart.
Chris Rees, managing director of Rees Leisure and the event's organiser, said it highlighted how important the annual spectacle was for the community and people’s well-being.
He added: "This incredible event has become part of the fabric of Southampton as it brings communities together for a sporting event like no other.
"It’s proven that exercise and running is so important to people’s well-being and mental health, and to see so many people sign up on behalf of a charity, shows just how important it is for the city."
READ MORE: ABP Southampton Marathon 2023 - Routes and timings
All the races will start and finish in Guildhall Square, with the full and half marathons kicking off the proceedings at 9am.
People taking part in the full marathon will complete two laps of the city.
Their route will include key Southampton landmarks such as the Cultural Quarter, the docks, the Itchen Bridge, Weston Shore and St Mary’s Stadium, plus the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus.
The 5k and 10k runs will start at 10am.
Chris said: "I’m looking forward to welcoming all runners and spectators for this year’s event, and I’ll be cheering all the competitors on from the sidelines."
More than 68,000 people have run a total of 1,050,000 miles since the marathon was first held in 2015.
They have raised more than £2m raised for local charities as well as generating an excess of £1.5m for the city’s economy each year.
READ MORE: What will the weather be like for this year's ABP Southampton Marathon
This year's event was originally due to take place on April 23, but the date was changed to April 2 to prevent it clashing with a busy day in the docks.
Covid caused the cancellation of the 2020 marathon and in 2021 it was postponed until September.
Last year it returned to its regular April slot, with winner Chris McGurk, of Kent AC, finishing in 2hrs, 30mins and 17secs.
Victoria Walls was the first woman home, completing the course in 3hrs, 4mins and 34secs.
Gill Pearson, of Running for Time, came in second at 3hrs, 7mins and 26secs, closely followed by Sharon Walker.
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