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03 May 2026 | Southampton

Run the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival for Solent Mind!

Sunday 3 May 2026

Marathon runner wearing a Solent Mind T-shirt

Take on the Southampton Marathon Festival for Solent Mind!

Whether you're a seasoned runner or taking on your first challenge, this iconic event offers a distance for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. Now, going into it's 11th year the marathon is one of the biggest running events on the South Coast. 

By taking part, not only will you experience the thrill of running through Southampton's historic streets and along its stunning waterfront, but you’ll also have the chance to support an incredible cause.

Event details

When: Sunday 3 May 2026

Where: Southampton, starting and finishing in Guildhall Square

Distance: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k

Start times: 9.00am for all distances

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What’s included

When you run for Solent Mind at the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival, we’ll make sure you're fully supported and celebrated every step of the way!

Here’s what you’ll get:

  • A free Solent Mind t-shirt or running vest
    Wear your support proudly on race day! Just let us know your size when you sign up.
  • A finisher’s medal
    Celebrate your achievement with an ABP Southampton Marathon medal waiting for you at the finish line.
  • Fundraising support
    From the moment you join Team Solent Mind, we will provide support and resources to help you reach your fundraising goals.
  • Training tips and resources
    We'll share training advice and helpful guidance to keep you on track and ready for race day.


Registration fee and fundraising commitment

To make the most of all of your work to raise money for Solent Mind, we have introduced a small registration fee for our 2026 event. This means that even more of the funds raised will support Solent Mind's mental health services. 

Our charity places come with varying fundraising targets to make your ticket price a little cheaper, taking into account the distance you've chosen. Full Marathon: £300. Half Marathon: £250. 10k: £200. 5K: £100. Our dedicated fundraising team will support you with your target every step of the way. 

For more information, please see the terms and conditions in our FAQs section.


Event day perks

Stop by and see us in the Charity Village for:

  • A pre-race meet-up to share the excitement!
  • Drinks and light snacks throughout the day
  • Your goody bag, filled with treats from the Solent Mind team
  • Fun photo opportunities to capture your big day

Why run the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival?

The ABP Southampton Marathon isn’t just a race – it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and compassion. Taking part in the event will give you the opportunity to:

  • Challenge yourself both physically and mentally
  • Unite with others in supporting mental health, and
  • Create unforgettable memories in the vibrant city of Southampton.

The special route showcases the best of the city! Starting and finishing in the heart of Southampton, runners will:

  • Pass iconic landmarks like the Bargate and the historic City Walls. The route even takes you through the legendary St Mary’s Stadium, home to Southampton Football Club.
  • Enjoy coastal views along the River Itchen.
  • Conquer the Itchen Bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the city from a new perspective.

Every twist and turn of the course celebrates Southampton’s rich history and vibrant culture, making it a unique and inspiring experience for runners and spectators alike.

Note: The sites you will see on your run will depend on your chosen distance.

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"It was amazing having everyone cheer you on! This means a great deal to me, I've seen the difference that Solent Mind makes and now I feel part of that"

Zander Fonseka, fundraiser

FAQs

Are there any age restrictions?

If you are taking part in either the Full or Half Marathon, runners under the age of 18 will require consent from a parent or guardian.

What if I have a medical issue?

You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire when you formally accept your charity place.

Please ensure that your medical information is fully updated ahead of the race and contact events@reesleisure.co.uk if there is something you need them to be aware of before the day.

On event day there will be a medical team will be on site to help you with any issues.

Is there a cut off time for the Full Marathon?

You will need to complete lap one by 12 noon (start time 9am) and finish the full route by 3pm. There will be motivators at the back of the race so no-one will be on their own.

Why run for Solent Mind?

We are Hampshire’s leading mental health charity, and we are dedicated to improving mental wellbeing for people across the region.

We believe everyone should have access to mental health and wellbeing support, and by running the Southampton Marathon for Solent Mind you will be helping fund vital mental health services in your community.

Help us make sure that more people have access to life-changing support when they need it most and fundraise for Solent Mind!


What is my fundraising target?
  • 5k distance: £100 fundraising target
  • 10k distance: £200 fundraising target
  • Half Marathon distance: £250 fundraising target
  • Full Marathon distance: £300 fundraising target
What if I have more questions?

You will find lots of information on the ABP Marathon event website (ABP Southampton Full Marathon, Half or 10km FAQs)

If you have read through the event FAQs and still have outstanding questions, please get in touch with Solent Mind’s fundraising team. Email us at fundraising@solentmind.org.uk.

Full Terms and Conditions

I understand that in accepting a place to run at the ABP Southampton Marathon 2025 (whether 10k, Half-Marathon or Full Marathon) in support of Solent Mind, charity number 1081116, I agree to adhere to all of the below terms and conditions.

Distance specific terms

  • 5k distance: I agree to raise a minimum of £100 for Solent Mind. I agree to pay £56 admin fee to Solent Mind should I withdraw from the race at any point during the 8 week period leading up to the event and cannot find a replacement runner who can commit to the full fundraising target.
  • 10k distance: I agree to raise a minimum of £200 for Solent Mind. I agree to pay £56 admin fee to Solent Mind should I withdraw from the race at any point during the 8 week period leading up to the event and cannot find a replacement runner who can commit to the full fundraising target.
  • Half Marathon distance: I agree to raise a minimum of £250 for Solent Mind. I agree to pay £56 admin fee to Solent Mind should I withdraw from the race at any point during the 8 week period leading up to the event and cannot find a replacement runner who can commit to the full fundraising target.
  • Full Marathon distance: I agree to raise a minimum of £300 for Solent Mind. I agree to pay £56 admin fee to Solent Mind should I withdraw from the race at any point during the 8 week period leading up to the event and cannot find a replacement runner who can commit to the full fundraising target.

Terms and conditions for all runners

I understand the funds I raise for Solent Mind will be received by Solent Mind head office in full and used for centrally funded projects and services.

I understand the importance of achieving my fundraising target to ensure Solent Mind raises funds beyond covering the cost of my place. I agree to raise and submit to Solent Mind at least 50% of my fundraising target two weeks prior to the event. The remaining funds to be paid to Solent Mind within three weeks following the event date.

I commit to proudly wear my Solent Mind running vest/t-shirt on the race day to raise awareness for the charity. I promise to notify Solent Mind immediately in writing if I learn I will be unable to take part in the event. I understand that should I withdraw from the event that my place cannot be rolled over. Should I need to withdraw from the event and a replacement cannot be found by myself then I will cover the entry fee and administration charge of £56 (applicable to all distances).

I agree that any photographs taken on the day by Solent Mind photographers may be used online and in print to promote future Solent Mind events. 

I understand that Solent Mind maintains the right to withdraw my place at any time should I not adhere to the above conditions or if I bring the charity’s name into disrepute.




"The sense of achievement when you cross the finish line is incredible and is even better when you have supported a charity like Solent Mind..."

Sam Clissold, fundraiser

Read Sam's blog here


Sign up today!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event. Register now for the 2026 ABP Southampton Marathon Festival.

Together, we can make every mile matter for mental health.

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Contact details

If you have any questions about the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival event, or if you would like more information about Solent Mind, please get in touch with our fundraising team.

Email us at fundraising@solentmind.org.uk and we will get back to you.