A SYMPHONY of drums and rousing applause will create a spectacular carnival atmosphere when thousands of runners take to the streets for the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

Almost 20,000 people are expected to line the pavements to watch 6,000 runners compete in one of the city’s biggest sporting events.

Now community groups and charities are being urged to throw their support behind the runners to prepare a lively and electric atmosphere to back them every step of the way.

Organisers Marafun UK are urging clubs and organisations to sign up as ‘ABP milemakers’, cheering on runners at each mile of the 13.1-mile race and keeping them motivated with everything from inspiring placards to sweets and water.

As previously reported, fewer than 1,000 of the 6,000 places remain for the race, which takes place on Sunday, April 26, the same day as the London Marathon.

The starting gun will be fired in Hoglands Park, with the route winding its way past urban, coastal and green landmarks before a grandstand finish at the Guildhall Square in front of cheering crowds.

Southampton charity the Waterfall Trust, which helps women tackle addictions, is the first to sign up as milemakers.

The team will create a striking orchestra of homemade drums and shakers beating in symphony to keep weary runners’ spirits up along the route.

They will also hand out jelly babies and water to keep them fuelled with an extra sugar rush.

Charity fundraising events co-ordinator Polly Allen said: “When we saw Southampton was going to have a new half marathon we were so excited and instantly wanted to get involved. It will be a great opportunity for us to get our name out there in the city.

“We have staff and supporters running too and it’s warming to think they will be treading the streets that the women we help live on.”

ABP Southampton port director Nick Ridehalgh, who is also running on the day, urged groups to sign up and said: “Whether you’re a Scout group, cheerleading team or school, we’d love you to play a very important role in this historic event for the city.

“Running just over 13 miles is no mean feat so the motivation and cheer that the ABP Milemakers provide will make a huge difference to people taking part, myself included.”

Milemakers will receive a £200 donation from ABP after the event, while the group runners vote as the most motivational will receive a £500 prize.

Contact 023 8025 4751 or email run@marafunuk.com to volunteer.

Daily Echo:

Hospital signs up as health partner

ONE of Hampshire’s top hospitals is urging people to embrace a healthier lifestyle by signing up for the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

The Wessex Health Nuffield Hospital has been unveiled as official health partner for the city’s newest running event.

More than 6,000 runners will tackle the 13.1-mile race and its shorter 10km course launching on Sunday, April 26, from the city’s Hoglands Park.

The Chandler’s Ford-based private hospital will provide a team of physiotherapists from its Excel Centre who will treat runners after the event.

Staff are also running in both events and will set up a health screening unit for spectators in Hoglands Park offering guidance and advice.

Hospital director Peter Howgrave-Graham said: “We are part of the UK’s leading healthcare and social enterprise charity and committed to helping people get healthy and stay healthy.”

Race director Chris Rees, of Marafun UK, said: “Nuffield Health is a major name in health and wellbeing in the region and is the perfect health partner for the event.’’