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 | April |
| Location | Newport, Wales |
| Event type | Road |
| Distance | Marathon Half Marathon 10K, Junior Race |
| Primary sponsor | Associated British Ports |
| Established | 2018 |
| Course records | Marathon
Men: Omar Ahmed 00:28:35(2023) Women: Hannah Irwin 00:32:58 (2024) |
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Newport Marathon
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City of Newport
and (inset) within Wales |
The ABP Newport Wales Marathon is a big running event held in Newport, Wales. It includes a full marathon (about 42 kilometers or 26 miles), a Half Marathon (half the distance), and a 10K race (10 kilometers). There's also a special race for younger runners. This event started in 2018 and is organized by Run4Wales.
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About the Race
The main sponsor of the race is Associated British Ports (ABP). They manage ports in South Wales, including Newport Docks. The very first race in 2018 was a huge success. Nearly 10,000 people ran in either the marathon or the 10K race.
The race course is famous for being very flat. This makes it a great place for runners to try and get their fastest times. Welsh Olympian Steve Brace helped design the course. Famous sprinter Christian Malcolm also helps out with warm-ups before the race begins.
Race Routes
The Half Marathon race takes place in March. It follows a path called National Cycle Network Route 88. This route goes to the historic Roman town of Caerleon.
The Marathon and 10K races are different. They go south of Newport city. Runners cross the City Bridge and pass by the amazing Transporter Bridge. The marathon then continues through flat areas near the coast. These areas, like Llanwern and Goldcliff, used to be marshlands. Now they have firm roads, which is perfect for running.
Organizers say this is one of the flattest races in the UK. In 2018, over 70% of runners achieved their personal best times here. The race is even listed by Runner's World as one of the fastest marathons in the world.
Race Supporters
Many groups help make the Newport Wales Marathon happen. These include the Welsh Government and the University of South Wales. Newport City Council and the Friars Walk shopping center also support the event.
Race History
There was no marathon held in 2020. All runners who had signed up for that year were able to join the race the following year instead.
2019 Race
After the first successful race, it was announced that the event would return in 2019. The marathon and 10K races took place on May 5, 2019. Tata Steel became a new sponsor for the event. A special Family Mile race was also held again for younger participants.
2018 Race Results
The very first ABP Newport Marathon happened on April 29, 2018.
Marathon Winners
The first male winner of the marathon was James Carpenter. He finished the race in 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 31 seconds. The fastest female runner was Natasha Cockram. Her time was 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Many different people ran in the marathon. This included 80-year-old Sydney Wheeler, who was one of the oldest runners. Former boxer Matthew Edmonds also took part.
10K Winners
In the 10K race, Ieuan Thomas was the fastest male runner. He finished in 29 minutes and 43 seconds. Rachel Felton was the fastest female. She completed the 10K in 35 minutes and 3 seconds.
