FIVE SOUTHAMPTON runners have signed up for the ABP Southampton Marathon on May 3 to help raise funds and awareness for a charity boosting social connectedness across the city (March 2026).
The runners are participating in aid of Communicare, which helps Southampton’s vulnerable and isolated, and it’s eager to hear from more runners, walkers or supporters keen to join the team.
Among those running for the organisation is Ali Fisher, aged 45. She says: “I’m really looking forward to running the half marathon, which is 13.1 miles, at this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon event for Communicare. I’m well aware of the fantastic work the charity does, as I’ve worked closely with the team on a couple of projects and they’re amazing, so I wanted to do my bit to contribute towards fundraising.
“I’ve been running for nine years and began my journey as a positive way to support my mental health. My goal for completing the race is two hours and 30 minutes.”
The five-strong team, along with Ali, includes, Communicare Coordinator, Liz O’Neill and her husband Paul, both running 10km. Joining them are Simon Morford, running the half marathon and Keren, known as Ren, Belward, who is taking on her first ever half marathon.
This is the third time Liz has participated in the 10km for the charity, but the first time with Paul. She hopes to achieve a one-hour finish. Meanwhile, Paul is aiming for a time of one hour 15 minutes. Both are competing to help raise essential funds for the charity.
Forty-four-year-old Simon is a firefighter with strong community ties and he is aiming to complete the race in under two hours. As his cousin works as a carer in Southampton, he says this has given him an insight into the charity’s important work.
Meanwhile, Ren’s mum Sally Ann is a Trustee for Communicare. The 27-year-old says: “I’m running to highlight the importance of valuing people of all ages in our community, as well as supporting the charity’s vital work, which I’ve seen first-hand. My goal is to finish without walking! I’ve set up my own JustGiving, so would be delighted if people could sponsor me, so I can raise as much as possible for Communicare: Keren Belward is fundraising for Communicare in Southampton.”
The 2026 ABP Southampton Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, and includes a 10km, half marathon and full marathon. Communicare is hoping to raise more than £1,500 through the sponsorship of its entrants.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the team can also do so via Communicare’s JustGiving Team Page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/communicaremarathon26.
Communicare Manager, Annie Clewlow says: “We’re delighted our five runners have chosen to take on the ABP Southampton Marathon for us. Their support is vital in helping us continue boosting social connectedness and beating isolation in Southampton.
“There’s growing UK and international research showing how seriously loneliness harms physical and mental health. It’s even been linked to significantly higher risks of early mortality, heart disease, stroke and more.
“By taking part in the Southampton ABP Marathon our team will be helping us continue our vital, often lifesaving, work beating isolation and boosting social connectedness in our city. They’ll not only be raising invaluable funds for us, but they will also helping raise awareness for us too.
“We still have spaces available for runners and walkers in the full marathon, half marathon and 10K. If you have a place already, we can get it transferred to us too. Please join Ali, Simon, Ren, Liz and Paul and help fundraise for us. Sign up is available online here and it’s easy to do: https://forms.office.com/e/tJ5U5B056j.
“Not a runner; don’t fancy walking? We still need supporters, known as ‘Communicheerers’ too, plus our CommuniBear mascot will need someone to help him with his paw-some roadside appearances, raising spirits along the route! Please mail us to find out more, events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk, and let’s make this year’s event our strongest yet!”
To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/marathon-2026/.
