THE official partners of the ABP Southampton Marathon came together for a training session with an appearance from an Olympic gold medalist.

On Tuesday, the "Hendy HIIT" session was led by Studio Twenty3, the official warm-up partner for the ABP Southampton Marathon on April 26 at the Hendy Kia showroom in Eastleigh.

Official transport partner for the event, Hendy, showcased their Kia showroom as the venue for the training session.

ReesLeisure, the organising company behind the ABP Southampton Marathon, have been partnered with Hendy for more than four years.

The HIIT sessions was effective for all types of athlete, from the inexperienced, to the semi-regular runner to an Olympic gold medallist and former world champion in Dani Rowe, formerly part of Team GB Cycling team who was in attendance and was seen taking a few deep breaths between sets.

Hendy Commercial Director, Mark Busby said:"This is the fourth year we have had this session as part of our partnership, and it helps to build our relationship with the other ABP Southampton Marathon partners as well as ReesLeisure.

"We look forward to continuing to work together in the build up to the ABP Southampton Marathon.”

Managing Director of ReesLeisure, Nikki Rees added: "Hendy have always supported us and lent a helping hand whenever we needed and this was no exception, not only did they allow us to use their showrooms but they volunteered their employees to take part and we hope they enjoyed the session as well.

"The training session-built excitement, prepared the participants and pushed everyone to work hard in preparation for the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K race."

The partners who took part in the session, including Southampton Hospital Charity, Alton Sports, Sam FM, The Breeze Radio, Runcamp and Solent University were sensational and selfless for volunteering themselves and their time for this event.

The ABP Southampton Marathon takes place on April 26 and 10,000 runners are expected to take part.

For more information and to register visit www.ABPmarathon.co.uk.