FOUR runners are taking on May’s ABP Southampton Marathon 10K dressed as the Flintstones – complete with stone age car – to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable and isolated people citywide (April 2026).
The team hopes the eye‑catching outfits and car will highlight the finance and volunteers needed to help the charity Communicare boost social connectedness and reduce isolation for all ages in Southampton.
Forty-eight-year-old Kevin Sawers, who is running as part of Team Flintstone, said: “I’ve run the marathon for Communicare several times in the past because they do so much unsung work supporting people across Southampton and I’m really happy to help raise funds again for them this year.
“I’ve been running on and off for around 20 years and for the for 2026 ABP Southampton Marathon I’m taking on the 10K with friends Nicci Bolinger and husband and wife Nick and Hannah Willson in a Flintstones‑style car, so my main aim is to finish safely without falling over or bumping into anyone.
“After juggling around the 5K one year and playing chess with Nick while running the 10K last year, this will be my third ‘silly’ challenge for a charity that’s very close to my heart as my wife Bryony works there. It promises to be great fun and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Communicare supports people experiencing loneliness and isolation, helping them build meaningful social connections through befriending and volunteer support.
Alongside raising funds, Team Flintstone is keen to shine a spotlight on Communicare’s growing need for volunteers. With loneliness affecting people of all ages, the charity relies on Southampton residents giving their time to help neighbours feel supported, connected and valued.
Fellow Team Flintstone member, Hannah, who has also previously run the half marathon distance in the ABP Southampton Marathon for Communicare, explains: “I’m a regular supporter of Communicare and have seen first‑hand the difference it makes. We want to raise as much money as possible, but just as importantly, encourage more people to get involved through volunteering to help reduce isolation and boost social connectedness across 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 Team Flintstone can also do so via Communicare’s JustGiving Team Page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/communicaremarathon26.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare Manager, says: “Support like this is essential in helping us continue boosting vital, often lifesaving 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, and it impacts on all age groups in society.
“By taking part in the Southampton ABP Marathon Team Flintstone will be helping us continue our important work. They’ll not only be raising invaluable funds for us, but they will also helping raise awareness for us too and highlighting our need for more volunteers to join us.
“Even for events like the marathon we need volunteer supporters, known as ‘Communicheerers’, plus our CommuniBear mascot needs someone to help guide him around his roadside appearances, raising spirits for all the runners taking part along the route. Please email us to find out more, events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk, and let’s make this year’s event our best ever to date!”
Anyone wishing to support Team Flintstone or find out more about volunteering or fundraising for Communicare can visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
