The second annual ABP Newport Wales Marathon will welcome 6,000 runners to the streets of the city on Sunday. Wales’ new national marathon left a lasting impression in its inaugural year in 2018, and will aim to build on that success on the May Day bank holiday weekend.
Thousands of participants will catch running fever across the marathon, 10K and ABP Family Mile and even more spectators are set to create a festival atmosphere in the city. Here is everything you need to know about this weekend’s ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K.
What time will it start?
The ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K takes place on Sunday 5 May. The marathon event kicks things off at 9am before the 10K race starts at 9.45am.
Organisers are urging participants to allow plenty of time to get to the start line as late starters will not be permitted to take part.
What’s the route?
The marathon and 10K routes, devised by double Olympic marathon runner and race director Steve Brace, remain unchanged for the 2019 event.
More than 70% of runners reported running personal bests across the pancake flat 26.2 mile course, that takes in all of the city’s major landmarks and scenic surrounding countryside.
The single loop route takes runners past the University of South Wales and the bustling Friars Walk shopping centre before heading over the SDR Bridge, through the east of the city and into its rural areas, then on towards the village of Magor in Monmouthshire. Here, runners can expect a carnival atmosphere around the main village square.
Supporters will have the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of their loved ones and elite runners in the medieval town of Redwick, before runners head back towards the revamped city centre and a sprint finish along the River Usk.
Where can I leave my baggage?
The baggage area is located in the Friars Walk car park close to the start line and will be open from 7.30am.
All runners are allowed to deposit one bag which must display your baggage label, which is a tear-off strip on the bottom of your race number. Please attach the label before your arrival.
Bags can be collected after the race upon receipt of your runner number. Only runners and staff will have access to this area which will be manned by security staff who may ask to check your bags.
What if I forget to pick it up afterwards?
Items not collected after baggage closure will be held at the Event Information tent in the Event Village. The following day they will be taken to the Run 4 Wales offices.
Where is the Event Village and what’s going on?
A new-look condensed Event Village will be setup in the heart of Newport’s regenerated city centre, outside of the University of South Wales Newport Campus.
The Event Village will be host to a whole range of family-friendly entertainment including all our sponsors and Lead Charity NSPCC – as well as exhibitors, food and drink, live music and street entertainers.
This will include Big Bobble Hats, Marrow for Marley, a giant game of ‘Operation’ with Organ Donation Wales, Thirsty Elephant Coffee, Mrs Softee Ice Cream, Vantage Point Bar and a Boulders Climbing Wall.
What else is going on?
There is something for all ages and abilities at the second ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K. Once the marathon and 10K races are underway, young runners and families will get the chance to experience the buzz of a mass-participation event in the ABP Family Mile at 12.30pm.
The relaxed riverside run will see over 300 children and their loved ones start and finish under the same gantry as the marathon start.
The Sports Zone on Usk Way will offer different come and try sports activities including a challenging climbing wall.
What do I need at the start?
In your pack you will find a timing chip and your running number. The chip will contain your running number and will allow friends and family to track your progress. Also ensure your running number is pinned to the front of your top and that you’ve filled in the emergency contact details on the back.
Are there toilets on the route and at the start?
There are plenty of toilet facilities in the Event Village and at every water station on the marathon and 10K courses. A full list can be seen below:
3 miles at Nash Road
6.2 miles at North Row (water and lucozade)
9.7 miles at Magor (water and gel)
12.5 miles at Redwick
15.2 miles at North Row (water and lucozade)
18.4 miles at Goldcliff (water and gel)
21.1 miles at Nash Road
24 miles at Transporter Bridge
Will there be drinks available on the way round?
Brecon Carreg water will be available to runners around the course at eight drinks stations and also at the finish.
A High5 Energy Gel will also be provided at water stations 3 and 6 and a Lucozade drink will be available at water stations 2 and 5. It is not recommended that you use a gel on race day without prior use or experience.
Where can I park on race day?
An official Event Park & Ride service will be available, from the Office of National Statistics in Newport, offering easy access from the M4 motorway.
The price is £7 per vehicle and includes return transfer to/from the Office of National Statistics to the City Centre (less than a 5-minute walk from the race start/finish) for all of the passengers in your vehicle. Disabled parking is available.
We advise that marathon runners arrive at the car park no later than 07:30am to allow enough time for a stress-free arrival to the event site. Click here to book Park & Ride. Booking closes at 18:00 on Saturday 4th May.
City centre car parking is also available at the Kingsway Centre and all other car parks, apart from Emlyn Street, Riverfron and Friars Walk.
Will there be road closures?
To facilitate the safe passage of participants, it will be necessary to implement road closures along the route. Residents and businesses along the route will be written to with full details.
Please allow extra time when traveling on race day, plan your route in advance and be aware of potentially congested areas.
Detailed road closure maps can be seen here.
Can I run with headphones in?
The organisers advise against running with headphones, as they will be unable to hear marshals should an emergency vehicle need to makes it way onto the course.
What will the weather be like?
BBC Wales’ very own Derek Brockway is predicting ideal running conditions on Sunday. The race will begin in cool conditions with a light cloud covering before it warms up to 12 degrees for a sprint finish.
Where are the best places to watch?
Newport City Centre
The Event Village area on Usk Way is the best place to catch a glimpse of your loved ones at the beginning and end of their races. The start and finish lines are situated by the University of South Wales and Friars Walk Shopping Centre, with the marathon starting at 09:00 and 10K kicking off at 09:45. Details on the entertainment on offer in the Event Village can be seen below.
Blaina Wharf
The pub and beer garden will be open as usual, offering a great vantage point. You can spot marathon runners at mile 1 and 25, and see 10K runners pass between kilometre 1-2 and kilometre 8-9.
The Lysaght Institute
A hub of activity, with musical encouragement for runners.
Magor Town Square
The town of Magor will be a highlight for marathon runners, with roaring crowds and encouragement from Lead Charity NSPCC! The Golden Lion pub and other local businesses are really getting behind the event, so that will be a great place to spectate and get involved in the race day atmosphere. Despite road closures, Magor remains accessible via the M4.
Transporter Bridge
The Transporter Bridge will be open to foot passengers on race day from 09:30am. For just £4, you can gain access only to the high level walk way and enjoy unlimited crossings and spectacular views of the River Usk and City. Once crossed, they’ll be able to spectate a section of the 10K and marathon course otherwise difficult to access. It is one of fewer than 10 transporter bridges that remain in use worldwide and offers a unique experience for spectators.
The Rose Inn – Redwick
The popular pub in Redwick will remain open for the day, and offer spectators who live locally a base for getting involved with the event and supporting passing runners. Due to road closures, the area will only be accessible by foot.
The Farmers Arms – Goldcliff
Spectators who live locally should head to the Farmers Arms for a vantage point of passing marathon runners and a great atmosphere!
Can I track my loved ones running the race?
Yes. The Run 4 Wales app allows spectators to live track their loved ones with timing points at every 5km mark. You can also checkout drink and energy stations around the route and see details about the location and acts at our entertainment hubs.
You can also follow the elite race and check out other event information. It’s available on Apple and Android and you can find out more here.
Where will I get my commemorative T-shirt?
All runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal when they finish the race. The size requested is noted on the race number, so listen to organisers to ensure you get a T-shirt that fits.
Who is making this event happen?
Run 4 Wales are race organisers, but would not be able to make the ABP Newport Wales Marathon happen if it were not for strategic partners Welsh Government and Newport City Council, as well as a number of key sponsors.
ABP are title sponsors and the lead charity partner is NSPCC, who will have an army of runners taking on both distances.
Official Partners include Monmouthshire Building Society, University of South Wales, Healthspan and Go Compare, and Event Associates Lucozade, Brecon Carreg, TATA Steel, ICC, Friars Walk and ONS will also play a central role on race day.