IT’S the annual Southampton sporting event centred around health, endurance and achieving a challenging goal.

But participants in this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon could also run their way to discounts and even a free pizza by taking part in the event.

Organisers of the annual run, which takes place on April 22, have teamed up with city business bosses to offer a list of ‘discounts’ for medal holders.

Bars, restaurants and shops have all signed up to provide the deals – some on and some after race day.

Among the offers up for grabs are free coffee from Mettricks, a free tapas dish at Tapas Barcelona and a free pizza at Franco Manca.

Stakks Pancake House, in the Marlands, will give all finishers a 25 per cent off on production of medals on race day.

The discounts have been made possible through a partnership between the ABP Southampton Marathon and GO! Southampton Business Improvement District (BID).

Annaliese Hughes, vice chair of GO! Southampton, said: “The Southampton business community is 100 per cent behind the ABP Southampton Marathon, which brings tens of thousands of people to our doorstep every year.

“There’s a real opportunity for local businesses to benefit from this, showcasing their goods and services to a brand-new audience.

“We’re thrilled that so many companies are getting behind the Go Southampton medal discounts and giving runners a well-earned reward.”

This year’s ABP Southampton Marathon includes a 10k, half marathon and children’s mile fun run as well as a full marathon.

All races start and finish in the heart of Southampton’s city centre with the run course taking in iconic local landmarks including the Bargate, Itchen Bridge, Riverside Park and the Common, before coming to a finish by the Guildhall in the city centre.