First Southampton half marathon launched

The first Southampton half marathon will take place on the same day as the London Marathon, organisers have confirmed.

The city's inaugural event will be held on 26 April 2015.

Runners will pass many of the city's famous landmarks, including the Bargate, St Mary's Stadium and Itchen Bridge.

Marafun UK managing director Chris Rees said the date was agreed months ago, before the London one was announced.

Football fixtures​

He added: "We picked this date about four or five months ago, after carefully looking at Southampton football fixtures and other events in the city.

"Then London decided to change its date. The marathon hasn't been at the end of the month for the last eight to 10 years."

The company now hopes some of the runners who are unsuccessful in the London ballot will consider coming to Southampton instead.

Mr Rees said: "Over 100,000 people apply for London and only around 30,000 get a place. So there will be thousands who wanted to run that weekend."

Anyone who enters the Southampton race and is then successful in the London ballot will be able to defer their half marathon place until the following year.

There are 6,000 places available, including 500 early bird places. There will also be a 10km road race.

The run begins in Hoglands Park and will end in Guildhall Square.