SOUTHAMPTON was bathed in beautiful sunshine as thousands of runners took to the streets for this year’s ABP Marathon.

Temperatures hit highs of 18C as runners powered past city landmarks such as the Bargate, through St Mary’s Stadium and over the Itchen Bridge.

 Bursledon’s Richard Waldron won the full marathon, finishing in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The 31-year-old, from Bursledon, who is an admin officer for Southampton City Council, said: "It was a great feeling crossing the finishing line.

"Obviously 26 miles is a lot, I was tired.

"I did a marathon last week as well, so my legs were tired, and it was hot."

Mr Waldron said his wife and family were his biggest motivator while he was running the race.

He said: "I hope they're proud of me"

As well as the full distance, the event also included a half-marathon, a 10k and a fun-run.

Organisers of the event warned runners ahead of the event to avoid wearing heavy and bulky costumes, due to the warm weather.

But organisers, who bought in 50,000 water bottles ahead of the event, say only one person was taken to hospital – and only as a precaution.

Blair Lard from Safe Race said it has been a good year for safety, he said: “Despite the weather I've not had to deal with anything so far which is really positive.”

More to follow…

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