Member Article

ABP Port of Southampton signs-up as Half Marathon & 10k sponsor

Associated British Ports’ Port of Southampton is supporting a major new sporting event in the city by signing up as the title sponsor.

The ABP Southampton Half Marathon & 10km will take place next April and port director Nick Ridehalgh has already pledged to join the 6,000 runners taking part in the event.

“There is a special relationship between the city and its port, so as soon as we heard about this fantastic new event we wanted to do everything we could to support it and help it become as successful as possible,” said Nick.

“I’m looking forward to pulling on my trainers and giving it a go along with a team of my colleagues and thousands of other people from the city. Not only will it be a great showcase for Southampton but no doubt there will be thousands raised for good causes too, so the benefits will be felt right across the region for a long time to come.”

Starting in Hoglands Park in the heart of the city, the route offers a mix of coastal, urban and green areas, including the docks area before a grandstand finish in Guildhall Square. Two major cruise ships will be in port during the race – Saga Pearl II and P&O’s Arcadia and the route also takes in the iconic Itchen Bridge.

The ABP Half Marathon & 10k will showcase the city to a massive audience with more than 12,000 spectators expected at the event on Sunday, April 26.

The event is being run by Marafun UK, part of Rees Leisure, which has built up a strong reputation in running triathlons, aquathlons and open water swimming events in the region.

Event director Chris Rees said he was delighted that Southampton’s most high profile business has become headline sponsor. “ABP Southampton has such a huge role to play in the life and economy of the city and local area,’’ he said.

“ABP is a great ambassador for the city and we are delighted to welcome the company as headline sponsor – and the commitment of Nick to take part.’’

Already more than 1,750 people have signed up to take part in either the half marathon or the 10km race, a combination Chris said was designed to appeal to runners of all ages and all abilities.

It is the first time in more than 30 years since Southampton has hosted an event of this kind and organisers have worked closely with the city council to provide races which will appeal to a wide range of runners and provide a varied, interesting route on closed roads.

Entry information is available at www.marafunuk.com. Half marathon entry is £28.99 and 10km entry is £17.99.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rees Leisure .