This race was a great challenge! I think changing the route direction round was a good choice, meaning the real challenge (itchen bridge) was at the end when the legs are very tired. This event definitely could be improved by making the water station available before and after itchen bridge, i was feeling quite dehydrated by the end of the bridge as it was a sunny day as it was last year.

I had only completed one marathon before Southampton and that was London. Whilst London was iconic, I hated running amongst thousands.
Southampton marathon was a well organised, enjoyable run. I thought two loops would be mentally tough but the love of my family and friends carried me. I much preferred the course this way than the half that I had done here previously. Sunday was such fun and I really hope I beat my time next year.

A great day out,everything was superbly organised . I can't wait until next year, maybe I'll try the full marathon!

This is my third Southampton Half, I wasn't sure about the route in reverse but it was great and yet again the support was marvellous.

A great experience, and extremely well organised event

There was more hills than was said to be, and needed more water stations. Otherwise very enjoyable.

I enjoyed the course because it wasn't flat. Going over the Itchen Bridge at the end was a real challenge! It was also nice to run through the football club. I thought the bag area was really well organised as you handed your bag over to a member of staff rather than bags just dumped everywhere which I have seen at other events.

The atmosphere was amazing as always. Well organised, not too bad handing in bag etc.
My only negative was the course which personally I didn't enjoy. Found Itchen bridge at the end a killer. Especially after the short but steep climb in Highfield. Also found the bit around the polygon tight in the narrow roads with parked cars ever side and rhe mass of runners. Maybe doing it the other way around next year?? .

Ok so my review is going to be very unhelpful!! I had to pull out at the last minute due to ear infection which caused me balance issues...

Anyway what I will review is how I found correspondence leading up to the event, social media and the like.

So I found out about the Southampton half marathon just after deadline day. I had left a message on your Facebook status during my misfortune in timing and whoever regulates your Facebook page replied to me suggesting I should enter as it's likely I'd get in. Brilliant, I did and I got in! I then started to get all the updates via twitter and Facebook as well as personalised emails.

I have to say, although I haven't entered many races (1 Harold marathon, 1 5k and 3 10ks) that I found the ATB half marathon absolutly insightful and helpful. Compared to the vitality north london half, you guys rock and the enthusiasm was by far greater. Your social media people are **** on the money, no overkill but a good trickle of info to keep us keen and buzzing for the event. I received my race pack and I was more excited for this race than I was for bay previous race and a week before I came down with a virus which led to an ear infection. I was gutted I didn't make it - a few of my friends did and I kept an eye on theirs and your Facebook updates. I want to do this so much that I will be entering again. My friends have all enjoyed their experience and I know I will.

So my non race review - is 5 star for wvebthying I experienced leading up to the race day.

First time I'd been to Southampton and not what I expected at all. The abundance of trees and parkland meant it seemed not like a city at all. Stayed at a Premier Inn within a couple of minutes walk from the start which was perfect.

The race was well organised over a varied and interesting course which covered streets, housing estates, riverside, parkland and even over the Itchen Bridge and through Southampton Football stadium. Really well supported by the locals cheering us on and giving out sweets and drinks and a brass band playing en route. Loved the crowd support for the final 100 yards to get the brilliant medal and technical tee. Well done, Southampton!

Great event and a fantastic public

I had a great experience my first half marathon. It was a tough incline at the start and Itchen bridge was a beast but the atmosphere was fabulous x

Thoroughly enjoyed the day, can't wait for next year. Might even venture into the full marathon in 2018.

Really good before and after race experience! 10k route could have been better - it was boring with too many bends. Didn't like the starting pens - it'd make more sense to have people separated with their predicted finish times

Great event, really well organised and marshalled with excellent tshirts and medals. Loved it all (except The Bridge!)

Overall nice and well organized event. 3 tiny things to improve:
- Mile/Km markers not always obvious and could be easily missed (bigger signs or 'arch' design would be nice)
- At one spot (exit from riverside park) two black columns located on the path and several runners nearly ran into them. Please mark such obstacles with reflective tape or similar
- It would be nice to change the marathon course so it is not just two rounds on the half m. course

The short run through the stadium was a nice surprise, this should be kept if possible.

Done a few full marathons and half marathon and this was one of the best. Very well organised and great atmosphere.

I was amazed by how well this race was organised, there were so many runners but it all seemed to work seamlessly! The marshals were all lovely. In particular there were 2 ladies who when I asked where the 10k start was said they weren't sure as they were marshalling last minute. Howeve, they made a point of finding the answer and coming back to fine me. Will definitely try to come back again next year, thanks for a fantastic race!

I loved the route, so much better than I when I did it in 2015. Itchen bridge was a killer, but such an accomplishment making it over the other side ????????????. I reckon I've got a marathon in me next year. Well done to everyone who organised it. Brilliant event.

Loved this marathon. Nice course and great support on the way round. Definitely will be back.