Get ready to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement! The RunThrough Southampton Running Festival returns on Sunday 16 August 2026 at the picturesque Southampton Common (SO15 7NN). Set within 365 acres of protected green open space, this flat, fast, and chip-timed event offers a scenic parkland course suitable for all abilities—whether you are aiming for a personal best or taking on your very first race.
Event Schedule & Race Start Times
The RunThrough Southampton Running Festival takes place at Southampton Common on Sunday 16 August 2026:
- Half Marathon (21.1k): 9:30 AM start
- 10k Race: 10:00 AM start
- 5k Race: 10:05 AM start
- Junior Race (0.8k): 12:00 PM start
- Event Venue: Southampton Common (The Avenue entrance), Southampton (SO15 7NN)
Course Highlights & Lap Info
Set entirely within the scenic boundaries of Southampton Common, the course uses smooth, gently undulating tarmac paths:
- Half Marathon Route: 6 laps around the Common with a short U-turn at the start.
- 10k Route: 3 full laps of the park circuit.
- 5k Route: 2 smaller loops along the main parkland paths.
- Finish Line: Located under the inflatable gantry on the gravel path next to the central Race Village.
Ticket Prices & Entry Fees
Participants can register online in advance via the official RunThrough portal:
- Half Marathon Entry: £34.00
- 10k Entry: £30.00
- 5k Entry: £28.00
- Junior Race Entry: £10.00
- Official Entry Site: Register via RunThrough.co.uk
How to Get to Southampton Common
Southampton Common sits along The Avenue (A33), making it easily accessible from all directions:
- By Car: Accessible directly off the A33 (The Avenue) or via the M3 / M27 (Junction 14) following signs towards Southampton City Centre.
- By Bus: Multiple Bluestar and Unilink services run frequently along The Avenue and Bassett Avenue, stopping right at the Common gates.
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is roughly 1.5 miles away (around a 25-minute walk or a quick 5-minute bus/taxi ride).
Parking in Southampton Common
Planning your parking ahead of time on race morning:
- Cemetery Road Car Park: Located directly on the edge of Southampton Common (off The Avenue / Northlands Road). Free for up to 4 hours, though spaces fill up quickly on event days.
- Surrounding Pay & Display Parking: Additional pay-and-display parking is available along surrounding residential streets and nearby city centre car parks within short walking distance of The Common.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the RunThrough Southampton Running Festival?
- The festival takes place on Sunday 16 August 2026, with races starting from 9:30 AM onwards.
- Where does the event take place?
- The event is held at Southampton Common, Southampton (SO15 7NN).
- What race distances are available?
- Participants can choose from a Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, or a 0.8k Junior Race.
- Is the course suitable for beginner runners?
- Yes! The course is flat, fast, and fully paved on smooth tarmac paths through Southampton Common, making it great for beginners as well as runners looking for a PB.
- What is included with race entry?
- Entry includes official chip timing, a themed finisher’s medal, post-race refreshments (water, fruit, flapjacks), and free downloadable official race photos.