City’s on its marks with fast new marathon route
The route has been revealed for Wales’ newest marathon and organisers claim it’s one of the UK’s flattest courses.
Double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace has devised the course for the Newport Wales marathon, with the race starting and finishing on the city’s riverfront.
It’s set to take in some of the city’s iconic landmarks, as well as the picturesque south Wales coast.
Newport’s inaugural marathon will see more than 5,000 runners taking part on April 29, 2018 – a week after the world-famous London Marathon.
The single-loop route will take runners past the University of South Wales on the river and Friars Walk shopping centre before heading over the Newport Bridge, through the east of the city and into its rural areas – including Newport Wetlands – then on towards Magor.
Supporters will have the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of runners in the medieval town of Redwick before they head back towards the city centre.
“The newly revealed ABP Newport Wales Marathon route will make the UK’s newest mass-participation marathon one of the fastest races of its kind,” said Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales chief executive.
He added: “Race director Steve Brace, the man behind the popular Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon route, has devised a course that has it all.
“From the revamped Newport Business District to the picturesque Newport Wetlands, runners will be able to challenge themselves over a unique single-loop course.
“Friends and family will have a perfect opportunity to cheer on loved ones along the 26.2-mile route and we cannot wait to bring a worldclass marathon to the streets of Newport on Sunday, April 29.”
Matthew Kennerley, director at race sponsor ABP South Wales, said: “We are delighted that the ABP Newport Wales Marathon Route has been designed in a way that will take runners through a wide area of Newport.
“The route will provide a great view of the city and its offerings. We are looking forward to seeing the streets of Newport filled with cheering supporters.”
There are just 2,000 spaces left for the race as entry numbers have passed the 3,000 mark, with runners from across the UK securing their place.
Runners can still sign up by heading to Newport Marathon’s website, where there are still early bird entries available, priced at £45.