IT IS being tipped as one of Southampton’s hottest events of the year.

Now, several runners participating in the city’s first full-length marathon have put their best foot forward to get in shape by working out - at a car showroom.

The unique exercise session was organised by Nuffield Health for staff at Hendy Ford's showroom in Eastleigh.

The group was made up of employees running in this year's Southampton ABP Marathon, half marathon and 10k run on April 23.

Mustang and Focus models were moved aside to make way for the runners, who jumped, ran, and stretched their way through the hour-long workout.

The session was led by Claire Fitzhenry, wellbeing advisor and personal trainer at the Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital.

She said: “Everyone did so well and I was thoroughly impressed with the level of fitness from the Hendy team at this fairly early stage in training.

“Judging by how they performed at the circuit class I expect to see them flying through the finish line.”

Mark Busby, group commercial director at Hendy Group, added: “We have had celebrities, MPs and even animals pass through our showroom before, but hosting a circuit training class was a first for us.

“We are thrilled with how motivated our staff have been with their training and delighted to be able to put on a fun event like this for them.”

So far, more than 6,000 runners have signed up to take part in the three races.

Around half of those are opting to run the half marathon, with the remainder split between the 10k and marathon options.

Organisers of this year's races anticipate around 10,000 runners to take part on the day.

This year’s routes take in some of the city’s main landmarks - including the Itchen Bridge, St Mary’s Stadium and Southampton Common.

The 26.2-mile full marathon is two laps of the half marathon route - keeping the event within the confines of the city centre.

More than 20 members of staff from Hendy Group are signed up to take part in the races.

Chris Rees, race organiser, said: “This is just what we want to see – businesses coming together and supporting their runners in this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon.

"A big high-five to Hendy Group and Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital for putting on such a fun training session.”

Hendy Group is the official transport partner of this year's ABP Southampton Marathon, and will provide the timing car and support vehicles.

Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital is the official healthcare partner of the run.

Are you or your friends or colleagues running the marathon for charity. Let us know - contact Callum Lawton at the Daily Echo on 02380 424454 or email callum.lawton@dailyecho.co.uk