ORGANISERS of this year’s Southampton marathon said they are ‘confident’ the event won’t be hit any Covid snags.

The marathon, half marathon and 10k race will take place on September 5, with a special city centre cycle race the day before.

The Southampton Sporterium, a day-long spectacle that combines a British Cycling-endorsed race and a challenge sportive, will take place on September 4.

More than 3,000 riders are due to take part in what is being billed as the city’s largest competitive cycling event.

Last year’s running events were cancelled due to the pandemic but this year organisers are more than hopeful we will see runners pounding the streets.

Chris Rees, chair of sport for City of Culture 2025 and race director of the ABP Marathon said with the government updates showing the next step in the roadmap, it is positive signs for the events booked in for the first weekend in September.

He added: “Unlike other events which have been cancelled recently, we have had great support from our cyclists and runners and over 70 per cent of the spaces for September are already fully booked.

“We have had regular communications with the city council, stakeholders and our partners and we are confident about the event taking place in September.

“We have increased our event village so there will be plenty of room for competitors and spectators to safely socially distance and enjoy this exciting weekend of sport in the city safely.

“It is vital for the city to get moving again and mass participation events are great for community spirit and residents wellbeing.”

On their website, ABP Marathon organisers said there are several options for people should the event need to be postponed or cancelled as a last resort.

Go to southamptonmarathon.co.uk

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