Thousands of runners will be returning to the streets of Newport on Sunday 13 April for the ABP Newport Marathon Festival.
This is the second year of the new-look event which was expanded into a festival of running with the addition of the half marathon in 2024 and is set to be its biggest edition yet.
More than 10,000 people have registered to take part across the marathon, half marathon, 10K and junior races, and once again, the Newport Marathon Festival 100 Club will be running. The scheme saw event organisers Run 4 Wales gift 100 free spaces into the 10K and half marathon distances in order to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re really looking forward to being back in the city of Newport to put on the ABP Newport Marathon Festival which has been made possible thanks to the support of Associated British Ports, Newport City Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
“The event has something for runners at every level of ability and ambition and has a wonderful friendly and inclusive feel. For those who aren’t running we’d welcome them along to spectate and cheer on their friends and family, giving runners a boost along the course.”
All courses have been devised by Run 4 Wales Race Director and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace. Over 70% of all finishers have claimed a PB on the marathon course which is famed for being flat and fast and named in a list of ’10 fastest marathons in the world’ by Runners World.
When are the races?
The event takes place on Sunday 13 April. The Marathon and Half Marathon will start at 09:00 and the 10K at 09:45. The Future Challengers race will start at 12:00, the Toddler Dash at 12:15 and the Family Fun Run at 12:45.
Where is it happening?
All races will start on Usk Way in Newport opposite the Lidl carpark. The event village is situated on the river front in front of the University of South Wales building (opposite the Friars Walk Shopping Centre).
Can I still enter?
Registration for all races is now closed and no on-the-day entries will be available.
Where does the marathon race go?
The route for the ABP Newport Marathon was devised by double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace and is one of Europe’s flattest marathon races.
It starts and finishes on Newport’s vibrant riverfront and will take in a new city centre loop – taking in the iconic Newport Market, Victorian High Street and historic Newport Castle. Upon leaving the city centre, the marathon course will also include a loop of Newport’s International Sports Village, which is home to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome, Newport Stadium and Dragan Park and will include a lap of the athletics track.
The marathon course will still enjoy the stunning natural scenery and pancake flat roads of the Gwent Levels, but will no longer stretch as far east as Monmouthshire, instead turning around in the medieval village of Redwick after a loop of the Newport Wetlands and Goldcliff areas.
The latter stages of the marathon will feature an additional lap of the picturesque Wetlands area around Goldcliff.
The change replaces the quieter and more rural sections of the original 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 still enjoy views of the city’s historic Transporter Bridge in the final stretch of their 26.2 mile journey, ahead of a sprint finish down Usk Way – but without the out-and-back section of the course on Stephenson Street which featured on the pre 2024 route.
You can see a map of the route here.
Where does the half marathon race go?
The half marathon was a new addition to the event in 2024, expanding it into an exciting festival of running with multiple distance options.
Its flat and fast course offers iconic landmarks, including the city’s Transporter Bridge, Victorian shopping streets, iconic market, historic castle, modern riverfront and International Sports Village as well as the stunning natural scenery and coastal wildlife of the nearby Gwent Levels.
The race will start and finish in the heart of the city on Usk Way, kick-starting with a loop of the city centre. Like the marathoners, half marathon runners will take in a loop of Newport’s International Sports Village and athletics track.
They’ll then approach the halfway point whilst completing a loop of the picturesque Newport Wetlands area around the village of Goldcliff, with a chance to enjoy an all-new vibrant course entertainment zone.
They’ll complete their 13.1-mile journey whilst enjoying views of the historic Transporter Bridge ahead of a sprint finish back to the city-centre along Usk Way.
You can see a map of the route here.
Where does the 10K race go?
The race will start and finish in the heart of the city on Usk Way, and like the other two distances, will start with a loop of the city centre and a loop of Newport’s International Sports Village.
The race will conclude with views of the historic Transporter Bridge ahead of a sprint finish back to the city-centre along Usk Way.
It adds an exciting extra dimension to the ABP Newport Marathon Festival, giving runners of all abilities the chance to be a part of one of Wales’ largest weekends of running – without having to complete the challenging marathon distance.
You can see a map of the route here.
Is it possible to run the wrong way?
The courses are fully marked and well marshalled so it is unlikely runners will go the wrong way, although we do ask that they familiarise themselves with the route of their chosen distance.
There are also a number of safety and security measures in place throughout the event and around the course. We work closely with Gwent police and other organisations to ensure the safety and security of all participants. More information can be found here.
A medical team will also be on hand to help keep participants safe while they run. More information about how to stay safe while running can be found here.
What is the weather forecast?
Running conditions are looking favourable with the weather predicted to be dry, bright and breezy. The temperature will be mild.
What is the best way to travel to the race?
Competitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and be aware that some road closures will be in place on the morning of the race.
With so many participants and spectators travelling to Newport over the race weekend, one of the most reliable, stress-free and cost-effective ways to travel and avoid congestion is by travelling by train in advance of race day and making a weekend of it.
An official Park & Ride service for the race will be in operation, based at the Office of National Statistics which is easily accessible from the M4 Motorway. It will operate between 06:00 and 17:00 and is only available to those who have pre-booked a space. Other car parks are available in the city-centre however parking will not be available in Emlyn Street, Riverfront or Friars Walk car parks due to the event.
It is recommended that those taking part in the marathon and half marathon are parked by 7.30am and by 8am for the 10K. This will ensure you have plenty of time to get across to the start area by bus, use the bag drop and into your starting pen.
For travel and parking advice click here.
Will there be road closures in place?
Some road closures will be in operation to facilitate the safe passage of participants. A list of road closures and map to help plan your journey can be found here.
Is there an elite race?
Jess Gibbon (32:29) heads the start lists for the women’s 10K race as the fastest athlete on paper and as the English National Cross Country Champion and UK Inter-counties Champion for 2025.
Lauren Hall (32:39) is the next fastest and was the winner of the prestigious Chichester 10K in 2024 and the runner-up at the Wokingham Half Marathon in February.
The men’s race will feature 2022 Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon winner Kadar Omar (28:27) and twice winner here, Omar Ahmed (28:35). Bahrain’s Abdinasir Elmi (29:00) is the most likely to challenge the Ethiopian pair.
The Half Marathon race was added last year and this time is
headed by Swansea’s Kate Roberts (78:35) and last year’s Marathon winner Liz
Dimond (79:56).
Ronnie Richmond (65:36) was the winner last time and returns to contest the
Half Marathon once again.
The Marathon races will see athletes chasing course records of 2:44.07 in the women’s race and 2:19.46 in the men’s race.
Prolific Marathon race winner Melissah Gibson (2:36.39) and Mountain Running specialist Rebecca Robinson (2:36.51) will head the fields on the women’s side.
The men’s Marathon features Michael Eccles (2:24.44), James Elgar (2:27.38) and Joshua Hasson (2:28.38).
A full elite preview will be available online ahead of the race.
Are there any inspiring runner stories?
Inspirational Grant Williams will be running the ABP Newport Marathon after suffering two cardiac arrests last year. He collapsed while out on a training run in Liverpool and was saved by two passing doctors. A group of 45 people including those that saved him will be taking part in the event with him.
Mum-of-two Vicky Silcox is taking on the half marathon as part of her breast cancer recovery. She was diagnosed in 2023 after having a 360-health check, despite not having any symptoms. She had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and thankfully in June 2024 she was given the all clear. Vicky is taking on the half marathon to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.
Miss Wales finalist, 19-year-old Xantia Hobrough, is also taking on the ABP Newport Half Marathon as part of her mission to inspire young girls to reach their potential. She is running the race alongside her dad to raise money for ‘Beauty with a Purpose’.
Will there be atmosphere around the route?
The course was changed in 2024 to improve the atmosphere and event experience for both runners and spectators.
There will also be a number of course entertainment stations offering musical encouragement to participants, at various points along the route:
- Whitson Road/ Broad Street Common – Tune Trucks
- Nash Road– Tune Trucks
- Traston Road– The Welsh Wedding Bagpiper Matthew Bartlett
- Usk Way – Rock Choir
- Regional Pool & Tennis Centre – Mind in Gwent Choir
- North Row – Wonderbrass
- Farmers Arms – Just Cheese
The Mind in Gwent Choir will be giving support to runners at the International Sports Village. The choir is made up of those who have used the service and take part as a form of wellbeing. They will be singing a selection of pop songs, sea shanties, and two new exclusive songs they have written specifically for this event. The two upbeat songs share the benefits of running and how this can help with mental health. The choir are really excited to get involved and cannot wait to boost everyone taking part in the marathon, half marathon and 10K.
What will be at the event village?
The event village will be host to a number of exhibitors, food and drink. Those coming along can expect a carnival atmosphere with stilt walkers and circus activities for children from Organised Kaos and Sports Activities from Dragons Rugby.
Sponsors and exhibitors will also be offering interactive entertainment and giveaways.
Mind & Mind in Gwent will be providing a calm zone supported by ABP. This will be a neuroinclusive space for runners, supporters and their families available to use before, during and after the race.
ABP will also be hosting a ‘Captain’s Call Wall’ for runners and supporters to write messages of support to one another. Some of these will be read out by the commentator during the race.
On the Saturday, The Riverfront Theatre is providing free activities for children and their families to get involved in, including a ceramic workshop where they’ll get to design their own race medals as well as making spectator signs ready for the Sunday races.
Wales’ first-ever Women’s Running Conference, hosted by Welsh Athletics will also be taking place. The inspiring and engaging event will explore specific female health topics related to running and there will be an interactive guest panel, including endurance athlete and broadcaster Lowri Morgan and Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Denise Lewis, where attendees can ask questions. Tickets can be purchased here.
A full list of what will be happening at the event village can be found here.
Will money be raised for charity?
Charity fundraising is important to the event. This year’s lead charity is Mind & Mind in Gwent who are working topgether to raise awareness of mental health and providing support to those who need them. 2Wish, Kids Cancer Charity, Cancer Research Wales and Latch are also official charities for 2025 and runners will be fundraising for many other causes.
Who are the event partners?
The event would not be possible without the support of Associated British Ports (ABP), UK Government and Newport City Council. Other event partners include Monmouthshire Building Society, the Office for National Statistics, Friars Walk Newport, Newport Live, ICC Wales, Brecon Carreg, High5, ICC Wales, Mon Motors, Monex Group, Coopah and Capital FM.
What will runners receive when they finish the race?
Every runner will receive a commemorative medal and event t-shirt upon finishing the race – unless they have selected to opt out of receiving a finishers t-shirt and donating to the Run 4 Wales Climate Action Fund.
This year the medal designs feature the historic Newport Castle in celebration of the new addition to the courses. The 10K medal also forms part of a matching set with the other 2025 events in the R4W 10K series – including the Barry Island 10K, Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K and Brecon Carreg CDF 10K.
Where’s best to watch?
The event village on Usk Way is the best place to catch a glimpse of runners at the beginning and end of their races. There is also the opportunity to spot loved ones more than once with runners passing the start line for a second time following a loop of the city centre.
The High street will allow a view of runners in the early stages of all three races, and the pub and beer garden in Blaina Wharf allows spectators to spot marathon and half runners at mile 1 and 25/12, and see 10K runners at 1-2K and 8-9K points.
Marathon runners will also head towards Redwick on two occasions. The area of North Row will be accessible by foot and spectators may catch a glimpse of their loved ones at the course turnaround point.
A number of road closures will be in place to facilitate the event, so make sure to plan ahead.
Can you track runners around the race?
The Run 4 Wales App on iOS and Android can be used to inspect the route pre-race and live track participants on the day with full Google maps functionality.
Find out more or download the app here.
Race day guide
A full lowdown of all the important event information can be found here.