Newport Marathon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newport Marathon |
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ABP Newport Wales Marathon logo
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| Date | May |
| Location | Newport, Wales |
| Event type | Road |
| Distance | Marathon |
| Primary sponsor | Associated British Ports |
| Established | 2018 |
| Course records | Marathon
Men:  Ieuan Thomas00:29:43(2018) Women:  Rachel Felton00:35:03 (2018) |
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Newport Marathon
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City of Newport
and (inset) within Wales |
The ABP Newport Wales Marathon (which is ABP Marathon Casnewydd Cymru in Welsh) is a big running race. It happens every May in the city of Newport, Wales. This exciting event first started in 2018. It was created by a group called Run4Wales, who organize races all over the country.
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About the Race
The main sponsor of the race is Associated British Ports (ABP). They manage important ports in South Wales, including the ones in Newport Docks.
In the very first race in 2018, almost 10,000 people ran! Many took part in the full marathon, while others ran the shorter 10K race. Local experts believe the 2018 race brought about £1.1 million to Newport's economy.
The race course is known for being very flat. This makes it a great place for runners to try and get their best times. A Welsh Olympian named Steve Brace designed the course. Also, Christian Malcolm, a famous Welsh sprinter, helps with warm-ups before the race.
The Race Route
The Newport Wales Marathon and 10K races take runners south of the city. They cross the City Bridge and pass by Coronation Park. Runners also get to see the amazing Newport Transporter Bridge, which is a very old and special bridge.
The marathon continues along the flat land near the coast of eastern Newport. It goes towards places like Llanwern, Goldcliff, and Magor. This area used to be marshland, but the roads are now firm and flat.
Race organizers say it's one of the flattest marathons in the UK. In 2018, over 70% of runners achieved their personal best times here. The race is even listed by Runner's World magazine as one of the fastest marathons in the world.
Who Helps Organize It?
Many groups help make the Newport Wales Marathon happen. These include the Welsh Government, the UK Office for National Statistics, and the University of South Wales. Newport City Council and the shopping center Friars Walk also provide support.
Race History
There was no marathon in 2020 because of special circumstances. People who had signed up for that year were able to use their entry for the next year's race instead.
2019 Event
After the first successful race, it was announced in May 2018 that the event would return. The 2019 marathon and 10K races took place on May 5, 2019. Tata Steel joined as a new sponsor, and a fun Family Mile race was also held again.
2018 Results
The very first ABP Newport Marathon happened on April 29, 2018.
Marathon Winners
The winner of the first marathon was James Carpenter from Neath Harriers. He finished the race in 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 31 seconds. The fastest female runner was Natasha Cockram from Mickey Morris Racing Team. Her time was 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Many different people took part in the marathon. This included 80-year-old Sydney Wheeler, one of the oldest runners, and former boxer Matthew Edmonds. A separate Family Mile race also took place, which was fun for everyone.
10K Winners
Ieuan Thomas from Cardiff AAC won the 10K race. His winning time was 29 minutes and 43 seconds. The fastest female in the 10K was Rachel Felton from Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers. She finished in 35 minutes and 3 seconds.
