THE pulsating sound of African drums will fill the air during the ABP Southampton Half Marathon and 10K.

Women’s charity the Waterfall Trust will be making plenty of noise to spur on runners during the event.

They are teaming up with women’s drumming group the Djembabes to serve among the many community groups returning to support the flagship event for its second year.

More than 20,000 people are expected to take to the streets to cheer on more than 8,000 runners pounding the pavements along the 13.1-mile route.

This year’s event promises to be bigger than before with nearly twice as many runners. Events are taking place over two days from Saturday, April 23.

The main event is on Sunday, April 24 – the same day as the London Marathon – when runners will tackle a newly-designed route.

It starts at Guildhall Square and takes in some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Bargate, the QE2 Anchor and St Mary’s Stadium, before finishing back at the Square.

It is being organised by Marafun UK. Associated British Ports (ABP) has returned for the second time as prime sponsors while Southampton City Council is also supporting it.

The Waterfall Trust, which supports women battling with addiction, is one of the many community groups serving as ABP Milemakers to keep runners spirits up during the race.

Backed by the Djembabes, charity staff will be clapping, cheering, whooping and handing out jelly babies to power participants to the finish line.

Trust chief executive Tricia Kenyon said the group was delighted to be drumming up support.

She added: “Last year was great fun. We were almost hoarse from shouting and our hands hurt from clapping, but I loved encouraging the stream of runners as they came past our spot in the city parks, punctuated by extra screams when our own Waterfall runners approached, and the rhythm of the Djembabes drumming.”

ABP is handing Milemaker groups £250 while the group voted the most motivational on the day by runners will receive a further £500 prize.

Director of ABP Southampton, Nick Ridehalgh, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the ABP Milemakers lining the route and giving all-important moral support to all the runners taking part in this historic event for the city.

“Running a half marathon or 10k is no mean feat, so the motivation and cheer that the ABP Milemakers provide will make a huge difference to people taking part.”

Organisers hope to top the £125,000 raised for good causes during the inaugural event, including £4,000 for the Trust.

Before the main race there will be 1,200 people running in the 10K.

There will also be a Schools Challenge and Family Fun Run taking place on the Saturday.

l Find out more about the event and how to get involved at abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk.