The ABP Southampton Marathon on Sunday, April 6, 2025, was a vibrant celebration of athleticism and local culture. Beyond the physical challenges of the races, participants and spectators enjoyed a rich tapestry of live musical performances strategically placed along the marathon route. These performances energized runners and entertained onlookers, enhancing the overall event experience.
Soundtrack for your run
With 17 incredible acts performing across 8 stages, Music in the Marathon has brought the best of Southampton’s music scene right to the heart of the race. From upbeat rock anthems to soulful acoustic sets, there was something for everyone. Whether you were pounding the pavement or cheering from the sidelines.
This exciting addition to the marathon is made possible by Music in the City, Southampton’s largest multi-venue music festival. For over 16 years, Music in the City has celebrated the diversity of Southampton’s music scene, promoting both established and emerging talent while uniting the community through the power of music.
Led by Chris Orr, the festival has grown beyond its annual event in September, now bringing music to the streets of Southampton all year round, including this incredible race day partnership!
The acts
Sound Pop Academy - Youth Choir
Scrappy Sinon (Garvin Johnson)- Reggae
Love Soul Choir - Contemporary Choir
Sing Now Choir - Community Choir
Swan Samba - Samba Fusion Drumming & Movement Band
Bad Alchemy - 5 Piece Rock Band
Mahoosive - 4 Piece Rock Band
Rock Choir - Choir
5.6 Band - Filipino Nurses Covers Band
Davey Jones' Locker - Indie Rock Covers
Soul 45 - Fun, Soul & Dance, Party DJ Duo
Southampton Salty Sea Dogs - Sea Shanties
Southampton Ukulele Jam - Ukulele Jam
D'Kenzion - Southampton Based Singer Songwriter
Rackham - Pop Duo
Charlie Smith - Acoustic & Alternatice Rock
Bo Gallows - Ambient Folk
More than just a race
Music in the City is all about community, and what better way to bring people together than through a shared love of music? Last year’s Music in the City festival had a staggering 320 performances across 58 venues over one weekend, it’s clear that Southampton has a thriving music culture. 150+ acts across 32 genres have already signed up to play Music in the City in September 2025 in just the first 3 weeks of registration, this demonstrates the great support we have for the event, and what a fantastic community of musicians we have here in Southampton. And now, that energy is coming straight to the 10th Annniversary ABP Southampton Marathon!
Chris Orr, Music in the City, shares his excitement:
“Since taking over the running of Music in the City in 2024 I quickly because aware of the quality and depth of the music community here in Southampton, and its hunger for more opportunities to play live. Opportunities do not come any bigger than this one, enabling us to put our artists on the streets of Southampton performing to literally thousands of people, we are delighted with this alliance.”
Community Engagement:
The integration of live music into the marathon exemplifies Southampton's commitment to fostering community spirit. Local artists like Charlie Smith and groups such as Sound Pop Academy not only highlight the city's rich musical talent but also strengthen the bond between the event and its residents. This collaboration ensures that the marathon was not just a race but a city-wide celebration of culture, unity, and resilience.
Whether you were a runner seeking motivation, a supporter cheering from the sidelines, or a music enthusiast eager to experience local talent, the ABP Southampton Marathon was a memorable day filled with athletic prowess and musical delight.
