If running a half marathon is on the cards for you this year, a new event joining the race calendar for 2024 could be just the one for you.
The ABP Newport Wales Half Marathon is being launched for the first time on Sunday 28th April, by Run 4 Wales.
Participants will get to enjoy a real festival of running by taking part in the event alongside those running the ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K. And new courses are also in place for all three distances to allow for a better atmosphere and event experience.
But if that hasn’t persuaded you enough to enter already, here’s 13.1 reasons to sign up now:
1. You’ll feel good about yourself – When you run, your body releases endorphins which make you feel good. Pushing yourself over longer distances may also give you the feeling of a ‘runner’s high’ which many experience.
2. Running is good for your health – Studies have shown that running at a moderate pace can help to improve your mental health, and running outside and with others can also help with feelings of loneliness and isolation, reduce the effects of stress and help with depression and anxiety. There are also lots of physical benefits too, including improved heart and lung health and reduced risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
3. It’s a Welsh event – The Welsh are famous for their welcoming nature and warm hospitality, so you can look forward to some epic crowds cheering you around the course and maybe even a song or two!
4. Your environmental conscience – This is a great event to take part in if you’re socially and environmentally conscious – as it’s delivered in the R4W Way. When you enter a Run 4 Wales event, you’re entering a race that puts fairness and sustainability at its heart. Find out more about the R4W Way: www.run4wales.org/the-r4w-way/
5. It’s a great lead in to the ABP Newport Wales Marathon – For those who want to take on the 26.2-mile event one day, but aren’t quite there yet, completing part of the marathon route is a great way to know what’s ahead if you’re looking to take it on in the future. Plus, by easing yourself in, you get to take part in half the distance but bask in the marathon atmosphere.
6. You could raise money for charity – There are many fantastic charities to raise money for either by running on a charity place or on your own place. It means that when things get tough, you can dig deep, and know that you’re doing this for a good cause.
7. You can train for free (almost) – There are lots of brilliant free online training plans to suit a wide range of abilities. However, it is worth investing in a decent pair of running shoes if you don’t have these already. You can also try out a two-week free training plan with our partner, Coopah with code ‘R4W’. The app provides fantastic individually tailored training plans to suit your ambitions. It asks you about your busy times in the week, how often you want to run and when you’ll be able to get runs in to ensure you’ll be able to stick to your plan.
8. It’s the perfect course to secure a PB – The flat and fast course is perfect for those looking to achieve a personal best. 70% of participants have secured a PB since the Marathon was introduced in 2018, and the half marathon follows part of the same route.
9. To be part of history – 2024 is the first year the ABP Newport Wales Half Marathon will be taking place. Wouldn’t it be great to look back in years to come and say you were there from the start?
10. The views – The event’s course offers iconic landmarks, like the city’s Transporter Bridge and the stunning scenery of the Gwent Levels – with its coastal wildlife, so there will be plenty to see while taking part.
11. Pretend you are a pro-athlete – If you’ve ever fancied racing around a track, now’s your chance. The new half marathon route will take in a lap of the Newport International Sports Village – home to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome.
12. Be a top supporter – With the half marathon taking place alongside the marathon and 10K distances, the event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with a real festival of running feeling on the day. And given the schedule of the day – it’s feasible to take part in the half marathon and be back in time to cheer the marathon runners (or your loved ones) across the finish line if they are taking on 26.2.
13. Awesome finishers items –There’s nothing better than that finish line feeling, knowing that you’ve got there thanks to your hard work and dedication in training. So wear your medal with pride! Participants always receive an epic medal and t-shirt. Past designs have featured iconic landmarks such as the Transporter Bridge and USW City Campus Building. The 2024 design will be unveiled soon!
.1 Just do it for you.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re so excited to be brining even more choice to the city by introducing our new half marathon distance. Our Newport events are famed for their flat and fast courses, so they’re not to be missed for those chasing a PB.
“We’re so grateful for the support of Associated British Ports and Newport City Council as we grow this into one of the UK’s most significant spring running events.”