Southampton is preparing for a high-energy weekend as the ABP Southampton Marathon 2026 returns on Sunday, May 3, bringing thousands of runners onto city streets alongside widespread road closures and a refreshed race format. With a new start location, updated route sections and all major races beginning together, this year’s event marks a notable shift in how the marathon unfolds.
The race programme will start from Dock Gate 8 at Southampton’s City Cruise Port, a change that places the heart of the event closer to the waterfront. Organisers have confirmed that the full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K will all begin at 9:00 AM, creating a single mass start designed to improve coordination and deliver a stronger race-day atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon, the Fun Run will begin at 3:30 PM, giving families and casual participants a chance to join in at a more relaxed pace. The combination of distances continues to make the event accessible to runners of all abilities.
Start times, race format and key route features
The biggest talking point this year is the unified start time, which means thousands of runners will set off together from the same location. While this creates a more dynamic opening, it also requires careful planning, particularly for pacing and positioning within start zones.
The route itself has been reshaped to highlight more of Southampton’s landscape. After leaving Dock Gate 8, runners will pass Mayflower Park, the Red Funnel ferry terminals and Queens Park before heading up Terminus Terrace towards the Itchen Bridge.
From there, the course crosses into Woolston, where runners follow the shoreline along Weston Parade before looping back and tackling a second bridge crossing. This section adds both distance challenge and scenic appeal, with views across the River Itchen.
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One of the standout additions for 2026 is the route passing through St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton FC. Runners will move pitch-side, offering a rare experience that blends sport with the marathon route itself. The course then continues across Northam Bridge towards Bitterne Triangle and Riverside Park.
The later stages take runners inland, along Burgess Road and past the University of Southampton, before opening out into Southampton Common. From there, the course slopes back towards the city centre. Half marathon runners finish near Above Bar Street, while full marathon participants continue through East Park, Palmerston Park and Houndwell Park before looping back to complete the distance.
Full road closures and travel disruption explained
With such a large-scale event, road closures will affect much of Southampton throughout the day. Some restrictions begin early, with Above Bar Street closing from 6:00 AM on Saturday until 8:00 PM on Sunday.
On race day, key closures include Itchen Bridge from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, London Road from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Burgess Road westbound from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Northam Road from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and Terminus Terrace from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Additional closures will be in place across central and residential areas, including High Street, Palmerston Road, Bellevue Road, St Mary’s Street and Weston Parade, among many others. Several junctions feeding onto The Avenue will also be restricted between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Because of the scale of disruption, drivers and public transport users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. Access to certain areas may be limited for several hours while the races are in progress.
Runner arrival time and race-day planning
Participants are being urged to arrive at least 90 minutes before the 9:00 AM start, with organisers recommending an additional 30 minutes of travel time due to congestion and road closures.
Queues are expected for parking, bag drop and facilities, especially given the mass start format. Runners who arrive late risk missing their start window, as roads must reopen on time once the final participants leave the starting pens.
Before the race begins, spectators will also be treated to a Spitfire flypast at around 8:30 AM, lasting approximately eight minutes and featuring aerobatic manoeuvres across the Southampton skyline.
With thousands taking part and many more lining the streets, Southampton Marathon 2026 is set to deliver a mix of athletic challenge and community atmosphere. For runners, the updated route offers a combination of waterfront views, bridge crossings and stadium access. For residents, early preparation will be key to navigating a city transformed for race day.
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