On Sunday 24 April the ABP Southampton Marathon and Half Marathon will run through the heart of our Highfield Campus.
We will be welcoming runners and visitors with our Celebration Campus event, where there will be live music, refreshments and a fantastic location for cheering on the runners.
This is part of our anniversary celebrations, marking 70 years since our University received its Royal Charter from HM Queen Elizabeth II, during the first year of her reign.
Join in the fun
We hope you will come and join the fantastic atmosphere on campus as you support friends, family and colleagues running the marathon or half marathon.
Our Highfield Campus will be an ideal vantage point to cheer on the runners as they come up Burgess Road – one of the toughest hills of the race, where the runners will need every bit of extra support!
There will be plenty to see and do for all the family on campus, too.
Please note that a photographer will be on campus taking photographs of the event for use by the University.
Save the date
Date: Sunday 24 April
Time: 10:00 to 14:00
Location: Highfield Campus, along University Road
We expect the fastest runners to arrive on campus at around 10:00, and for most runners to come along University Road from 10:30 to 14:00.
The marathon runners coming through campus on their second lap, from 12:00 onwards, will need plenty of support for their final push to the finish!
Entertainment
We have an exciting line-up of local live music for visitors to enjoy during our Celebration Campus event. Catch them on stage throughout the day.
10:30 - Cordelectra
Cordelectra is an electric string trio based in Southampton. They have performed internationally as well as across the UK, offering a fusion of contemporary and classical music.
11:15 - ROZE
ROZE is a soul singer whose genre ranges from jazz to current popular music, with something for everyone.
12:00 - Black Roof Country
Black Roof Country is a five-piece classic rock band. Their inspirations include Cream, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones.
12:45 - Syrens
Syrens is a female-fronted, four-piece grunge band. Their musical inspirations include Wolf Alice, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pearl Jam.
Please note: performance times may be subject to change.
Food and drink
Tuk Inn
Tuk Inn, a local family-run business, will be providing authentic international flavours with their exciting Asian street food menu, including their popular bao buns.
SUSU shop
The SUSU shop on campus will be open and offering its usual snacks and refreshments to visitors during the event.
Costa Coffee
The on-campus Costa Coffee will be open its usual Sunday hours: 09:00-16:00.
Travel information
Remember that there will be several road closures in place during the event, so plan your journey to and from campus carefully.
Please do not park on campus.
Public transport diversions will be in place during the day, including on the U1 and U2 Unilink bus services, and Highfield Interchange will not be served until after 15:00. Please see this useful interactive map for further details.
Students returning to Southampton following the Easter break should check the Student Communications Facebook page and SUSU channels for updates.
While roads are closed, Wessex Lane halls can be accessed via Wide Lane from the M27; Highfield Hall can be accessed via Nile Road or Highfield Road and Omdurman Road.
For more details, including helpful maps and residents' letters, please visit the ABP marathon website.
COVID-19 guidance and safety information
In line with the recent removal of restrictions, face coverings and testing are no longer required to attend this event. However, we advise you to stay away from the event if you test positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms.
Please see the ABP Southampton Marathon website for further COVID-19 guidance.
Find the latest University coronavirus advice.
Please note:
- children should not attend the event unaccompanied
- marshalls are provided by Rees Leisure and should be contacted in event of emergency, or injury
- please do not try to enter University buildings during the event
Marshalling
Volunteer marshals help the event run smoothly around the course – from cheering on the runners and handing out water, to welcoming runners across the finish line.
Find out more about marshalling and sign up to help. You can sign up individually, or as part of a University team or society.
Groups of 20 or more volunteers will receive a £250 donation from ABP.