ONE of Hampshire’s top sailing companies has come on board to back the county’s newest mass running race.

Organisers of the Southampton ABP Half Marathon have announced Sunsail as the event’s official sailing partner.

The race launches on Sunday, April 26, with 6,000 participants tackling the 13.1-mile course across the city on the same day as the London Marathon.

It will pass several of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Bargate, QE2 Anchor and St Mary’s Stadium, starting at Hoglands Park and ending in Guildhall Square.

The highlight will be when runners will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its docks when they reach the summit of the Itchen Bridge.

Sunsail, based in Port Solent, provides sailing holidays, water sports and corporate events, and will be promoting sailing as a healthy lifestyle at the event.

A team of 12 of its staff will also be participating in the race in aid of charity Sail4 Cancer which offers water-based respite days for families suffering cancer.

Sunsail events director Simon Boulding said: “We are looking forward to being part of this fantastic event, raising valuable funds for charity, supporting the local community and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle is totally in keeping with the goals and values of Sunsail.”

Race director Chris Rees is excited at the company’s involvement and added: “It’s great to get involved with local businesses, and we are pleased to be linked with the active lifestyle that sailing offers.”