IT was the spectacular sporting extravaganza that drew 25,000 people to the streets of Southampton.
Now the team behind the landmark ABP Southampton Half Marathon promise next year’s event will be even bigger, better and noisier.
Organisers Marafun UK revealed more than 250 people had already signed up for their 2016 race – less than 24 hours after the final runners crossed the finishing line in the breathtaking event.
Their announcement came following huge crowds took to the streets to watch 6,000 people pound the pavements in Sunday’s inaugural race.
The mass run was the biggest of its kind in the city since the Great South Run launched in 1990.
That event eventually moved to Portsmouth – but now Marafun UK have vowed that they are here to stay.
They will increase entries to 10,000 for next year’s run taking place on Sunday, April 24, which again falls on the same day as the London Marathon.
Capacity will be increased to accommodate 6,000 people in the main 13.1mile route, 3,000 in the 10K and 1,000 in a new children’s run.
Minor route alterations are also expected to allow extra numbers, including eradicating a court bottle-neck in Ocean Village.
Organisers are in final talks to determine the event’s main sponsors, who this year were Associated British Ports (ABP).
Race director Chris Rees, pictured below, hailed this weekend’s race as “phenomenal” saying: “We have been overwhelmed by the feed-back we’ve had.
“We are really looking forward to doing it all again next year – bigger, better and nosier.
“This has shown that Southampton is a vibrant running city.
“People have been inspired by those who have done it this year and will want to come back themselves next year.”
He thanked supporters for turning out in their droves and the hundreds of Milemaker volunteers who kept runners spirits up and manned water stations, adding: “It really felt like the city embraced it.
“Now we want to get more runners and more people in the community involved.”
He also defended plans to hold it on the same day as the London Marathon saying the final week in April is more convenient and the Southampton race can draw inspiration from the capital’s run.
Earlybird entries cost £24.99 and £17.99 for the 10K.
Sign up at abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk
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