SOUTHAMPTON port bosses have pledged to sponsor the city’s marathon for the next three years.

The local economy and charities across the region have received a boost with the news that Associated British Ports (ABP) has agreed to support the sporting spectacle until at least 2020.

ABP has sponsored the city’s highly-successful half marathon since it was first held in 2015.

This year Southampton also played host to its first full marathon for more than 30 years, plus a 10k race and a one-mile family fun run.

Staged by Rees Leisure it was one of the biggest days in the city’s sporting history and is thought to have given the area a £1 million boost after attracting 9,000 runners and 30,000 spectators.

Race director Chris Rees, pictured above, said he was delighted that ABP had decided to continue sponsoring the events - known collectively as the ABP Southampton Marathon.

Mr Rees, the founder of ReesLeisure and a triathlete, said: “With ABP’s continued support this event has now become a must-do for runners of all abilities.

“It has really put Southampton on the map.”

Satvir Kaur, the city council’s cabinet member for leisure, welcomed the sponsorship news.

She said: “Business sponsorship of events in Southampton is incredibly important for their sustainability.

“ABP’s support of our marathon, half marathon and 10k run is vital for events such as these and their commitment means thousands will be thrilled that these events will be firmly cemented into their calendars for coming years.”

The races have already raised more than £500,000 for charity and the figure is likely to top £1 million over the course of the three-year sponsorship.

Councillor Kaur added: “The ABP Marathon also brings in tens of thousands of visitors to Southampton, which is a great boost to the local economy.

“With ABP’s continued backing, we’re looking forward to more and more people getting involved in the events every year.”

Alastair Welch, the company’s Southampton director, said he hoped the event would continue to grow.

Mr Welch said: “It’s great to see how the ABP Southampton Marathon has become such an important part of the sporting calendar in the city.

“The atmosphere on the day itself is so positive, with families cheering on the runners as they pound the streets.”

He added: “We are delighted to continue our support for the ABP Southampton Marathon and we look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.”