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This weekend marks the return of the ABP Southampton Marathon. With 10,000 people preparing to hit the streets, we’re proud to once again be the official education partner of the key city event.

19th April 2018

This weekend marks the return of the ABP Southampton Marathon. With 10,000 people preparing to hit the streets, we’re proud to once again be the official education partner of the key city event.

Many of our staff and students will be taking part in the run, with many benefiting from discount or free entry thanks to our partnership with Rees Leisure. But it’s not only those running that will be getting involved, with Solent providing a variety of support throughout race day.

Solent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin, says: “The ABP Southampton Marathon is one of Southampton’s major sporting events with thousands taking part each year, including staff and students from the University. It is great to be supporting as the official education partner for the third year.”

The University’s Sir James Matthews building on Guildhall Square will be transformed into Race HQ, hosting the event organisers, a media and VIP area. Plus for the very first time students from the University will be solely providing all of the free massages for those taking part in the run.

abp-marathon-story

Over at Woolston, Solent Redhawks, the University’s American football team will also be cheering runners on as mile makers. Out on the Guildhall Square student band, BASH, from our BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production course, will entertain runners and spectators on the main stage, which will also be broadcast live on the big screen by the University’s Outside Broadcasting team. Our giant deckchairs and stand will be located nearby so make sure you drop by and get your photo taken and pick up some of the freebies we will have on offer.

Nikki Rees, event director from Rees Leisure, commented: “We’re delighted to have Solent University on board as the official education partner. This is the third year that we’ve worked with the University and it’s great to see the support grow year on year. Being able to access and utilise the skills and expertise of staff and students makes a big difference to race day, both for us as organisers and for those taking part.”

The ABP Southampton Marathon takes place on Sunday 22 April, 7am – 5pm. Staff, students and local residents are advised to check the ABP Southampton website for local road closures during this time.