The route for the ABP Newport Marathon was devised by double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace. Its flat and fast course offers iconic city centre landmarks as well as the stunning natural scenery and coastal wildlife of the nearby Gwent Levels.
It boasts one of the flattest marathon courses around – ideal for first timers or those looking for a fast time. This has translated into fast times, with nearly 70% of finishers in the race’s history claiming a PB.
The races start and finish on Newport’s vibrant riverfront, with runners kick-starting their marathon journey with a parade loop of the city centre, heading north up Usk Way and Skinner Street – taking in the traditional Victorian Market, High Street and historic Castle before returning down Usk Way and back past the start line, which will still be buzzing with spectators.
Upon leaving the city centre, the marathon course includes a loop of Newport’s International Sports Village, which is home to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome, Newport Stadium and Dragon Park – and even features a lap of the athletics track!
The marathon course enoys the stunning natural scenery and flat roads of the Gwent Levels, but no longer stretches as far east as Monmouthshire as it did prior to 2024, instead turning around at the medieval village of Redwick before a loop around the Newport Wetlands and Goldcliff areas.
The latter stages of the marathon feature an additional lap of the picturesque Wetlands area around Goldcliff. The change replaces the quieter and more rural sections of the pre-2024 course, creating a busier and more vibrant section of the race that sees runners enjoy a carnival atmosphere as they pass a new course entertainment zone twice.
Runners will complete their 26.2 mile journey whilst enjoying views of the historic Transporter Bridge ahead of a sprint finish back to the city-centre along Usk Way.
The ABP Newport Marathon has been measured by a AUKCM Grade 1/IAAF/AIMS Grade B Course Measurer and your finish time result will count towards any good for age or qualifying time criteria.
WATER & ENERGY STATIONS
Learn more about the water and energy stations that will available around the marathon route here.
MARATHON ELEVATION
The ABP Newport Marathon boasts a flat and fast route, and has even been named in a list of ‘10 of the fastest marathons in the world‘ by Runners World. An elevation map can be seen below.
Please note that the map representation on Strava is an estimate and the course has been measured by a AUKCM Grade 1/IAAF/AIMS Grade B Course Measurer