The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival once again brought thousands of runners to the south coast for a day of racing that featured a full marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k. Among them were two Bournemouth AC members with very different objectives: Helen Beddoe tackling her first ever marathon and Jason Coltman making a welcome return to racing over 10 kilometres.

For Helen, reaching the start line represented the culmination of a remarkable twelve months of progress. One of the club’s most improved runners throughout 2025, she had transformed herself from a solid club athlete into a genuine force in local road racing.

At the beginning of last year she clocked 49:40 at the Bournemouth Bay 10k. By the end of August she had sliced more than six minutes from that mark, recording an impressive 43:29 at the Totton 10k. Her commitment was evident throughout the season, contesting numerous Dorset Road Race League fixtures and completing all six races in the Upton Summer Series.

The improvement there was equally striking. Starting the series with a time of 26:19 for the demanding 3.5-mile multi-terrain course, she steadily got quicker with every outing and rounded off the competition in 24:28, almost two minutes faster than her opening effort. Along the way she also reduced her 5k best to an excellent 21:06.

Although Southampton would be her first official marathon, she already knew she could cover the distance. Back in October she had successfully completed the Run to the Sea 50k, proving both her endurance and determination over an even greater challenge.

Preparations for Southampton had gone well. Helen opened her spring campaign with a 45:09 performance at the Bournemouth Bay 10k before enjoying the scenic Combe Gibbet to Overton 16-mile trail race, where she finished in 2:17 and claimed eighth female position, 52nd overall and third place in the W40 category.

The Southampton Marathon itself starts at Dock Gate 8 within the city cruise port before taking runners along the waterfront, past Mayflower Park and the ferry terminals before tackling the distinctive Itchen Bridge. Marathon competitors cross the bridge four times during the two-lap course, while also passing St Mary’s Stadium, Riverside Park, Southampton Common and many of the city’s best-known landmarks.

Helen settled into a controlled rhythm during the opening stages. At the first checkpoint, 4.5 miles into the race, she reached the timing mat in 38:38, placing 503rd overall and 45th female. By halfway she remained 45th woman, passing 13.1 miles in 1:57.

The second half proved considerably more challenging. However, as often happens in marathon running, patience and persistence began to pay dividends. By the 17.6-mile checkpoint she had moved significantly through the field, climbing to 440th overall and 36th female in 2:36:42.

The closing miles were made tougher by a hilly section of the route. Like many runners around her, Helen found herself forced to walk some of the steeper inclines as fatigue took hold. Nevertheless, she kept battling forward and remained firmly on course for her primary objective.

Crossing the line on Above Bar Street in a chip time of 3:55:28, she comfortably achieved her target of breaking the four-hour barrier. Her debut effort earned 476th place overall from 1,501 finishers, while she was 44th female from 350 runners and 13th in the V40 category.

While pleased with both the result and the achievement, Helen admitted afterwards that she did not particularly enjoy the marathon experience and may prefer to concentrate on shorter events in future. Given the success she has enjoyed over 10k and 10-mile distances, that is perhaps understandable.

The marathon was won by Winchester athlete Andrew Greenleaf in 2:32:16. Goncalo Miguel finished second in 2:37:40, with Sean Barwick third in 2:39:34. The women’s race was won by Madisyn Dominy in 2:56:42, while former Bournemouth AC runner Helen O’Neile produced an outstanding personal best of 2:57:54 to finish second female and 20th overall. Kerry Riches completed the podium places and was first V40 athlete in 3:11:23.

Meanwhile, Jason Coltman lined up in the popular 10k race, which follows the waterfront before crossing the Itchen Bridge twice and, for the first time in the event’s history, takes runners through St Mary’s Stadium before finishing in the city centre.

The Bournemouth AC runner’s appearance was notable in itself. After suffering heart issues during 2024, he had understandably been forced to moderate his racing efforts. Encouraging signs emerged towards the end of last year when he recorded 44:50 at the Boscombe 10k, close to the personal best of 44:36 he had set at Round the Lakes in September 2024.

More recently, however, another setback had threatened his participation. Jason fractured three ribs in March in a go-karting accident at Silverstone and had been uncertain whether racing would be possible. A successful test run at parkrun the previous weekend gave him enough confidence to take his place on the start line.

Working in the marine industry, Jason was also running in support of Stella Maris, the charity which provides practical and pastoral support for seafarers around the world.

Recognising the limitations imposed by his recent injury, he wisely resisted the temptation to chase a fast time. Instead, he focused on enjoying the occasion, soaking up the atmosphere around the course and distributing plenty of high-fives to fellow participants and spectators.

Even with that relaxed approach, he still produced a highly respectable performance. Passing the first checkpoint in 82nd position, he gradually worked his way through the field before finishing 74th overall from a huge field of 1,553 runners. His official gun time was 48:37, while his chip time of 47:05 secured eighth place in the V50 category from 113 competitors.

The 10k race was won by Niclas Olley in 32:37 ahead of Stanley Phillips and Aaron Froukhians. Hayley Weston was first female in 41:29, followed by Lucy Short and Indy Miller.

Elsewhere at the festival, the half marathon was won by Even Bentzen Lovas in 1:12:24 ahead of Kieran Babbage and Henry Piper. Tina Christmann claimed the women’s title in 1:22:02 and finished 18th overall.

The 5k produced another impressive performance from young Theo Cobley of Poole AC, who won in 16:38 despite still being under 16 years of age. He narrowly held off Brandon Cuell, while Lucy Waterer was first female and 12th overall in 19:34.

For Bournemouth AC, however, the day belonged to Helen and Jason. One celebrated a successful first step into marathon running with a sub-four-hour debut, while the other demonstrated admirable resilience simply by returning to the start line after injury. Both performances reflected the determination and commitment that continue to characterise the club’s runners.