Thousands of runners took to the streets of Newport to take part in the exciting new ABP Newport Marathon Festival.
More than 7,000 people were signed up to run in the Marathon, the new Half Marathon distance and 10K races, which started and finished outside of the University of South Wales Building in Usk Way.
Hundreds more took part in the afternoon’s Junior Races which included the Future Challengers competitive 1 mile-race, 50 metre Toddler Dash and Family Fun Run mile, and were even treated to a brief bit of sunshine.
Members of the Newport Marathon 100 Club were also out on the courses running either the Half Marathon or 10K in their yellow club t-shirts.
They were running as part of Run 4 Wales’ initiative to encourage more people to become active, gifting 100 free spaces into the event as a means to help improve physical and mental wellbeing.
All courses had a refresh from previous years, with new routes devised by Run 4 Wales Race Director and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace, to allow for increased atmosphere and race-day experience for both participants and spectators.
They also maintained their fast and flat nature which the event is known for, resulting in a new course record made by Hannah Irwin in the women’s 10K.
“I just came in with no expectation,” said Irwin. “I did better than I thought I could after being out for five months. It was a great route and it seemed to fly by because of all the support. I was supported by a couple of guys out there and I’ll be back next year to defend!”
Serial R4W 10K Series winner Omar Ahmed also managed to defend his 10K title, while Dan Osbourne-Nash held onto his ABP Newport Marathon title.
Katherine Wood clinched women’s marathon glory after Newport native Liz Dimond made a dream return from injury to claim a hometown half marathon victory, with Ronnie Richmond setting the standard in the men’s half marathon.
“It’s been a really tough year for me with a back injury and this is my first race back,” said Dimond. “I didn’t care what happened, I just wanted to get to the start line and I wasn’t thinking about the finish so to win is absolutely amazing.
“I couldn’t believe that ribbon came out for me, it was so special. It means even more for me living in the city so close to the route. I got amazing support from my club mates and people across the route.”
The ABP Newport Marathon Festival was only made possible by the ongoing support of Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Newport City Council.
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, ABP said: “ABP wishes to congratulate everyone who took part in the ABP Newport Marathon Festival and say a huge thank you to everyone who made this iconic event such a success. ABP is proud to sponsor events like this in the communities that surround our ports.”
Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, Matt Newman, added: “We’ve been looking forward to putting on our new ABP Newport Marathon Festival for the first time this year, which has been another memorable occasion and a fantastic day for distance running in Wales.
“We’re so pleased that through the introduction of the new Half Marathon distance, together with the 10K, Half Marathon and Family Fun Run and Junior Races, the event has provided something for runners of all abilities and ambitions.
“My thanks go out to Associated British Ports for their continued support as title partner as well as the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funding and Newport City Council, and our other sponsors and partners, who without their support, the event would not be possible – University of South Wales, Monmouthshire Building Society, Brecon Carreg, High5, Mon Motors, Friars Walk, ICC Wales, Office for National Statistics, Monex Group, Capital FM and Coopah.”
Those who have been inspired by this year’s event can sign up for the ABP Newport Marathon and Half Marathon now. Entry to the 10K and Junior Races will be announced later in the year.
