For answers to frequently asked questions about the event in Welsh, please click here / I weld atebion i gwestiynau wedi’u gofyn yn aml am y digwyddiad yn y Gymraeg, cliciwch yma.
Entering the race
When are the marathon, half and 10K?
The event will be on Sunday 28 April 2024.
How old must I be to enter the marathon?
Marathon entrants must be 18 years or older on the day of the race.
How old must I be to enter the half marathon?
Marathon entrants must be 17 years or older on the day of the race.
How old must I be to enter the 10K?
10K entrants must be 15 years or older on the day of the race.
How much does it cost to register for the race?
For a full price breakdown, visit this page then select your distance.
When do entries close?
Entries for the ABP Newport Marathon Festival will closed on the advertised entry deadline – which can be found on the marathon, half marathon and 10K entry pages.
I have entered the race, how do I know my entry has been received?
If you entered online you will receive a confirmation email shortly afterwards. If this did not happen please contact us or login to Let’s Do This to check your booking..
What will I receive before the race?
All runners who have been accepted into the race will be sent a race pack by post which will include important race information, race number and timing chip. This will arrive around 1 week before the race. Overseas entrants will not receive this and must come and collect their pack on the morning of the event from the Event Village.
I have entered but am unable to take part, can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?
You are entitled to a refund within the first two weeks of signing up (the cooling off period). After this time, we are unable to give refunds or defer entries until next year’s race. You can transfer your place to a friend up until the advertised transfer deadline.
The cooling off period does not apply in the final two weeks before entries close, as race packs will be put into production instantly to ensure you receive them in good time before the event – so please only enter if you are sure you are able to take part at this stage.
Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to British Athletics.
Registration And Withdrawal Information
Which category do I fall under?
The Affiliate Athlete category is for those registered with an athletics club – membership numbers must be stated during registration. The General Entry category is for those who are not registered with an athletics club. The Welsh Athletics category is for those who are registered with a Welsh athletics club. You will need to provide an up-to-date membership number upon entry so please have this handy and ensure that your club membership is up-to-date.
How do I make changes to my registration?
Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This where you can edit your booking until our transfer deadline.
When will my race pack arrive?
Race packs are sent out 1-2 weeks prior to the event. If you have not received your race pack for the marathon, half or 10K a few days before the event, please send an email to newportwales@run4wales.org or call our office on 029 2166 0790.
When will I receive my race t-shirt?
Finishers’ t-shirts will be given out on completion of the race (marathon, half and 10K only). A medal will also be given out separately.
I can no longer take part in the race. Can I withdraw from the race and receive a full refund?
As detailed in the terms and conditions signed when entering, a participant may withdraw free-of-charge (with the exception of the processing fee taken by Let’s Do This) up to two weeks after payment of the event fee (unless entering within two weeks of the closing deadline as all packs will be put straight into production at this point). Notice of withdrawal from the event must be communicated by emailing newportwales@run4wales.org stating clearly the desire to withdraw and putting the word WITHDRAWAL in the subject line of the email. Withdrawals will not be accepted by telephone. After the expiry of the two-week post payment period, the entry fee will not be refunded. Participants can withdraw at any point prior to the race.
f you took out insurance with Let’s Do This, then you will need to contact them directly to submit a refund application, as the insurance is a separate purchase to the event registration. Details should be on the bottom of your purchase receipt.
I can no longer take part in the race. Can I defer my entry to another event?
Entries cannot be deferred to the following year nor to any other event – but spaces can transferred to another runners (details above).
I would like to swap between distances. Can I do this?
Yes, a limited number of distance swaps will be available until the advertised transfer deadline. Transfers on the day will not be permitted, as running using somebody else’s race number will invalidate insurance. This well result in disqualification from the race. Find out more here.
I would like to withdraw from the race. Can I transfer my space to another runner?
Yes, you can transfer your space up until the advertised transfer deadline. Find out more here.
Can I run using another runner’s race number?
No, this is strongly prohibited. This confuses emergency details should there be an accident and will invalidate insurance, resulting in disqualification from the race.
Why have I been charged a booking fee?
Let’s Do This provide our registration system, and charge an admin fee. This is standard across the ticketing industry and the fee is non-refundable.
Running the race
How far is a marathon?
The marathon is 26.2 miles or in metric 42.2km
How far is a half marathon?
The marathon is 13.1 miles or in metric 21.1km
How far is a 10K?
The 10K is 6.21 miles or in metric 10km
What time do the races start?
Marathon: 09:00
Half Marathon 09:00
10K: 09:45
How slowly can I complete the race? Can I walk part of the race?
As detailed in the terms and conditions of entry, the ABP Newport Marathon is a running race in which participants should make best efforts to complete the course within a 6 hour cut-off point. In order to safely get the city moving again and protect all participants, after this time all roads will be reopened and throughout the race a sweep bus will collect those at the back of the race unable to keep up with the allotted pace. We encourage everyone to run as much as possible in order to avoid the cut-off time.
The cut-off time for the half marathon is 4.5 hours and for the 10K is 2 hours.
Where is the race start, finish and race village?
Marathon, half marathon and 10K races start on Usk Way in Newport City Centre, by the riverfront. The marathon and half start at 9am and the 10K at 9.45am.
I don’t live in Newport and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?
No. The course will be marshalled throughout.
What happens if I cannot finish the race?
We will have medical points along the route. If you are just too tired we will have vehicles to get you back to the start/finish area.
Can I take part in the race with a pushchair, dog, skateboard, wheeled device, nordic sticks, or bulky fancy dress.
No participant may bring dogs, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, Nordic sticks, rollerblades, hand cycles, Kangoo Jumps, stilts, crutches, unauthorised bicycles or any other wheeled device on the course, except for hand propelled wheelchairs in the mass race (within a designated pen assigned by the organiser). Any bulky items or fancy dress which you wish to carry with you as part of a challenge must be cleared with the race director if it is likely to impact on your ability to complete the course within 6 hours 30 minutes or impede other participants.
How old must I be to compete?
The minimum age is 18 years of age (marathon), 17 years of age (half marathon) or 15 years of age (10K) on the day of the race.
Can I run in fancy dress?
Yes, we like to encourage lots of fancy dress participants – they help make the race really fun for spectators, families and runners. Please let us know if your costume is bulky a cleared with the race director if it is likely to impact on your ability to complete the course within 6 hours or impede other participants.
Can I wear headphones?
Avoid using headphones whilst running to limit the risk of injury to yourself and other participants. The Organiser will not be held responsible for incidents caused as a result of the use of headphones which inhibit the communication of important warnings or information from emergency services or course marshals.
Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?
Yes, each runner will be able to store one bag. The exact location of the bag storage facilities will be shared with you prior to the event, with instructions included in your posted race pack.
Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?
We welcome wheelchair competitors. Find out more on our disability and accessibility entry page.
Is the course suitable for blind runners and do you offer free places for guide runners?
We are happy to give a complimentary entry and a high-viz bib to a support runner, should you need one. If so, please contact maria.waldron@run4wales.org or ring 029 2166 0790.
Will there be pacers in the marathon?
Yes. There will be 3:00 (6:52-minute miles), 3:15 (7:26-minute miles), 3:30 (8-minute miles), 3:45 (8:35-minute miles), 4:00 (9:09-minute miles), 4:15 (9:43-minute miles) and 4:30 hour (10:18-minute miles) pacers.
Will there be pacers in the half marathon?
Yes. There will be 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 pacers.
Will there be pacers in the 10K?
Yes. There will be 45, 60 and 75 minute pacers.
Will there be toilets on the route?
Yes. There will be a number of portaloos and disabled entry toilets throughout the course near to the water stations, which are marked on the course map using water icons.
Running for charity
Can I raise money for any charity I choose?
Yes. Please contact your chosen charity to obtain sponsor forms and support.
Do I have to raise money for a charity or good cause?
No, it is not compulsory – it is entirely up to you.
What if my charity is not listed?
You can run for any charity of your choice, the charity does not have to be listed on our associated charities page in order for you to fundraise.
Where do I go for my sponsorship forms?
Sponsorship forms/running vests are to be obtained from your chosen charity direct, please contact them at your earliest convenience.
General information
What do I get for my money?
You’ll get a fantastic, well-organised race with good facilities and a variety of freebies including a technical running t-shirt and commemorative medal. There will be separate t-shirts and medals for the three distances.
How do I find out which roads are closed?
Details of road closures will be confirmed closer to the event date. For the latest, visit our road closures page.
Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?
Yes there will be photographers around the course although we cannot guarantee that you will be captured with so many participants out on the course. Their pictures will be available to purchase after the race (which will be emailed to all finishers).
What size finishers tee should I order?
Our unisex finishers tees are available in sizes XS to 3XL. View our size guide here.
How can I find my loved ones after the race?
There will be a designated meeting area.
Where can I find more information?
All competitors are encouraged to keep checking this website as new information will be added continually until race day. If you still cannot get an answer to your question, please contact us on newportwales@run4wales.org
How can I help with the event if I’m not running?
Thank you for your interest. The race relies on volunteers acting as stewards and giving out drinks and medals every year. If you’re not running it’s a great way to ensure the event is a success and helps raise lots of money for charities to continue doing their vital work. If you’re a student it’s also great experience to put on your CV and a fun thing to do with friends. To find out more please email volunteers@run4wales.org