Lace up your running shoes as one of Southampton’s biggest events is returning in three weeks.

The ABP Southampton Marathon races into the city on April 2 this year, with thousands of people expected to take part.

A new 5k race has been added to the mix this year and will run alongside the 10k, half marathon, and full marathon races.

Daily Echo:

Here’s everything you need to know about the event

5k race

The 5K starts at 10am. All distances start and finish at Southampton Guildhall Square.

This route begins in the city centre before taking you through Queen’s Park for a spot of entertainment to keep you going.

With St Mary’s stadium in your sights, runners will head towards Solent University past more of the city’s green spaces.

You’ll then be on the home straight ready to focus on the finish line.

10k race

The 10K starts at 10am.

Organisers say this race is the ‘perfect route for a personal best.’ This route begins at Guildhall Square and takes runners through Queen’s Park.

You’ll then run over the Itchen Bridge, and following a loop around you’ll head back towards the city centre, taking you right past St Mary’s Stadium.

Continuing through St Mary’s, using the underpass, you’ll run through more of the city’s green spaces, in the shadow of Solent University.

With a final loop, you’ll be on to the home straight towards the finish line.

Half marathon

The half marathon starts at 9am.

Starting at Guildhall Square, runners will then go past the city docks before running over the Itchen Bridge.

Following a section by the shoreline at Weston Shore, the route takes you inside St Mary’s stadium.

Passing over Northam Bridge with riverside views once again, you will run through Riverside Park before crossing into Portswood and running through Southampton Common.

Runners will then head back to the city centre to finish in Guildhall Square.

Marathon

The full marathon starts at 9am.

The two-lap racecourse offers a ‘spectacular’ route beginning and ending at the Guildhall.

This route begins in the city centre before running past the docks, then over the Itchen Bridge.

Following a section by the shoreline at Weston Shore, the route takes you inside St Mary’s stadium.

Passing over Northam Bridge with riverside views once again, you will run through Riverside Park before crossing into Portswood and running through Southampton Common.

Then, it’s time for the second lap.