The ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K will return on Sunday 5th May, 2019 after the inaugural event proved a resounding success.
Marathon entries are on sale now for those who want to challenge themselves on a course perfectly suited for smashing personal bests.
Wales’ new premier marathon lived up to the billing as thousands of runners ushered in a new era for distance running on the streets of Newport and the surrounding area last weekend.
The fast, scenic route has proven itself conductive to running fast times – with 72% of marathon runners indicating they had run a PB in a post-event survey.
The maiden marathon is expected to have pumped around £1.1million into the local economy while showcasing what the city of Newport has to offer the world.
The 2019 instalment will again be supported by Title Sponsor ABP, whilst Strategic Partners Welsh Government and Newport City Council have pledged to back the event until at least 2020.
Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said: “The inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon was an unforgettable day for participants, spectators and the city. We were blown away by the support from our sponsors, partners and the local community as Newport played host to a world class mass-participation event.
“Runners voted with their feet as personal bests were sent tumbling on the flat, fast course around some of the city’s landmarks and scenic countryside. We hope to make what is already a fantastic event bigger and better and build on the solid foundations we laid in our first year.”
A limited number of entries for the second edition of the ABP Newport Wales Marathon will be made available throughout the month of May, at a special launch price of £45 (a £7 saving versus the cost of general entry).
Reduced price entries, priced at just £42 are also available for athletes affiliated to Welsh Athletics. The launch sale will close at midnight on 31st May, with entries re-opening later in the year.
Launch entries are now available, so runners keen to take part are encouraged to act fast to avoid disappointment – as these are limited on a first-come-first-serve basis. 3000 early bird entries sold out in a matter of days when the 2018 event was launched and demand is expected to be high once again for 2019. Sign up at www.newportwalesmarathon.co.uk.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas said: “It was a real privilege to be able to start the inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon – which was such a memorable occasion for the runners, volunteers, organisers and supporters.
“We look forward to working with the team and building on the success of the first year for the 2019 event. The ABP Newport Wales Marathon showed yet again that Wales is an outstanding destination for major sporting events.”
Matthew Kennerley, Director, ABP South Wales: “The inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon was a massive success. The event brought together a diverse range of people from communities across south Wales and beyond. It was a brilliant occasion for the city, its wider community, and the running world. We are extremely proud to be supporting the event for a second year .”
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: “We know there are many people already looking forward to the second Newport Marathon in 2019 following the fantastic success of our first race which generated goodwill across the city.
“It was an amazing day and the support for the event was incredible – from runners and their family and friends, Newport residents who lined the streets, to all the volunteers.
“The ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K is the latest in our growing events programme showcasing our city to the world and we have again proved our worth as a venue for major events.
“I very much look forward to hosting the second marathon next year and other future events which will help further boost the city’s economy and profile.”
Spaces for the ABP Newport Wales 10K will be launched later this year, with a new Run 4 Wales 10K Series season ticket made available after the final leg at the Brecon Carreg Barry Island 10K in August.