ABP Southampton Marathon 2023: 114 pictures from record-breaking year

More than 6,000 runners of all ages joined the hugely-anticipated event which included a full and a half marathon, a 10k and 5k run.

Since the marathon's launch in 2015, more than 68,000 people have run a total of one million miles, raising more than £3 million for charity.

Southampton Hospitals Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, Abby's Heroes and Alfie's Wish are among this year's beneficiaries.

READ MORE: Live updates from Southampton marathon 2023

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Taking part in the 5k run was 75-year-old George Spottiswood from Southampton who has run in over 50 marathons over the years.

George Spottiswood, 75, took part in the 5k (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The course is brilliant, and the support is great, it’s amazing. I have done a few marathons when I was younger and it’s always a pleasure.

“Having finished now I’m going to grab a coffee somewhere and watch the rest come in and support them because it’s a long journey.”

Fraser Dart, 28, from Havant, ran his first half marathon with a group of colleagues.

He said: “It was tough going, it was windy, there are a lot more hills than I realised in Southampton, but it was really good and I’m really looking forward to trying another one.”

Fraser Dart ran his first ever half marathon today (Image: Newsquest)

Thirty-one-year-old Alice Wakefield from Essex ran her first ever 5k while in Southampton for the first time.

She said: “I have never been to Southampton before so it was nice to have a distraction of just seeing new things.

“I normally don’t run, I’m more of a cyclist. It was different but I really enjoyed it.”

READ MORE: Record number of charity runners to take part in Southampton Marathon

Event Organiser and Managing Director of Rees Leisure, Chris Rees, said: “The event has been a huge success with perfect running conditions and a fantastic atmosphere.

“It highlights just how important the annual racing event is for the community and people’s well-being.”

All distances started and finished in Guildhall Square, with the full and half marathons starting at 9am, followed by the 5k and 10k races at 10am.

The marathon route covered two laps around the city (just one lap for the half), taking in key Southampton landmarks such as the Cultural Quarter, the docks, the Itchen Bridge, Weston Shore and St Mary’s Stadium.