IT WAS a sunny return to normality for the Southampton Marathon this year.
More than 8,000 runners descended on the city for the popular event after two years away from its regular April slot.
Covid had forced the cancellation of the 2020 race, and organisers postponed last year’s until September.
But participants basked in the spring weather along the route once again on Sunday.
READ MORE: PHOTOS: Can you spot yourself in our collection from the 2022 Southampton Marathon?
The usual full marathon and half marathon races kicked off from 9am, with the 10k and 5k races following shortly after.
Wacky costumes were plentiful as ever and spectators bashed on the barriers in support.
Race director Chris Rees, of Rees Leisure, said: “It’s been fantastic to be back post-lockdown, with over 8,000 runners who signed up to take part this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing the event go back to its full-size next year, next April as well.
“Massive thank you to all the businesses, the residents, the community, the volunteers and all of our sponsoring partners who helped to make this event so successful this year as well.”
Victoria Walls, who was not listed as part of a running club, finished the full marathon first in the female category.
Her time was 3hrs, 4mins and 34secs.
Gill Pearson, of Running for Time came in second at 3hrs, 7mins and 26secs, closely followed by Sharon Walker, of Dorking and Mole, at 3hrs, 11mins and 36secs.
Chris McGurk, of Kent AC, was the fastest on the day.
He completed the 26.2mile course in 2hrs, 30mins and 17secs.
Local Sebastian Hoenig, of Lordshill Running Club, was the second quickest, with a time of 2hrs, 39mins and 36secs.
David Gaskell, of Winchester and District Running Club, was not far behind at 2hrs, 46mins and 41secs.
This route started in the city centre before the flock ran past the ABP Southampton docks and then over the Itchen Bridge.
Following a section by the shoreline at Weston Shore, the route took them inside St Mary’s Football Stadium.
READ MORE: Why Southampton could be getting more green spaces
They then passed over Northam Bridge with riverside views once again, and ran through Riverside Park before crossing into Portswood and running through Southampton Common.
The final stretch took the runners under the towering clock of the Southampton Guildhall to the finish line.
This was the full length of the half-marathon, and the full marathon consisted of a second lap.
The main charities of this year’s event were Macmillan and Southampton Hospitals.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel