FAQs

ABP Newport Marathon Festival | NEWPORT, WALES

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.

FAQ Table of Content

  1. Most Common Questions.
  2. Getting Started – Everything you need to know before signing up.
  3. Once You’re In – Next Steps.
  4. Managing your Entry – Changes, Withdrawals & Transfers.
  5. General Info – Other Details & FAQ’s.

 


Most Common Questions


  • When should I expect to receive my race pack? Is my race pack lost?

Race packs usually arrive at least 7 days before the event but may arrive as late as the day before.

If you pack has still not arrived by event weekend, please visit the Event Information Tent located in the Event Village. Provide your name and date of birth, and the team will carry out a data check and issue a new race number. More information about lost race packs can be found here.

Overseas entrants will need to collect their race pack the morning of the event from the Event Information tent.

  • I can no longer make the event. What are my options?

You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of signing up (cooling-off period). After this period, refunds and deferrals are not available.

You may transfer your place to a friend up until the advertised transfer deadline. More details on gifting your entry can be found here.

Note:

The cooling-off period does not apply during the final two weeks before entries close, as race pack production will already be underway.

Important:

Unofficial number swapping is strictly prohibited. It can cause issues for medical teams and results services. Anyone found swapping their race number will be:

  1. Disqualified
  2. Reported to British Athletics
  3. Issued with a formal ban from all future Run4Wales events
  • I need to update my details e.g home address, email address or estimated finish time. What do I do?

Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This using your booking ID. You can edit your registration information until our transfer deadline TBC.

Once the transfer deadline has passed, all information is sent to a third-party timing company and can not be updated. Exceptions are only made for changes to emergency contact information.


Getting Started


  • Key Timings and Information

The event will take place on Sunday, 19th of April 2026. The Marathon and half marathon start 09:00am, 10K start 09:45am, and Junior Races commencing from 12:00pm.

All races will start on Usk Way, Newport.. The Event Village is located next to the University of South Wales on USK Way.

Race start times are:

Marathon – 9AM

Half Marathon – 9AM

10K – 9:45AM

Future Challengers- 12:00PM

Toddler Dash – 12:15PM

Fun Run – 12:45PM.

Age Requirements:

Marathon – Participants must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the event.

Half Marathon – Participants must be 17 years of age or older on the day of the event.

10K – Participants must be 15 years of age or older on the day of the event.

Junior Races –  Under 8s must be accompanied by a paying adult in the Fun Run. Toddler Dash participants must be supervised by an adult and Future Challengers race entrants must be aged 8 or older.

  • What are my options when entering?

The Affiliate Athlete entry is for runners registered with an athletics club – you must provide a valid membership number during registration.

The General Entry is for runners not registered with an athletics club and not running on behalf of a charity.

The Welsh Athletics entry is specifically for members of Welsh athletics clubs, and an up-to-date membership number is required at entry.

Charity entries are for those registering through one of our charity partners and pledge to meet the associated fundraising target.

  • What is the cut off time? Can I walk part of it?

Marathon – 6 hours

Half Marathon – 4 hours

10K – 2 hours

For everyone’s safety and to allow the city to reopen, roads begin to reopen after this time. A sweep bus will support and collect anyone who has not made the cut off time. You’re welcome to walk sections, but we encourage running as much as you comfortably can to stay ahead of the cut-off.

  • How much does it cost to register for the race?

For a full price breakdown, visit this page then select your distance: Register Now | ABP Newport Marathon Festival

  • When do entries close?

General entries will close in 25 March 2026 at midnight, or when they sell out, whichever comes first. Those who have obtained a space via a charity, business challenge package or sponsor must register ahead of the registration deadline or they will be unable to participate in the event.

  • Can I raise money for any charity I choose? What if my charity is not listed?

If you have an entry you can run for any charity of your choice, the charity does not have to be listed on our associated charities page for you to fundraise. Please contact your chosen charity direct to obtain sponsor forms and support.

  • Can I change which charity I run for?

If you have an entry through one of our associated charities but wish to run for a different charity, please email newportwales@run4wales.org to withdraw your original place. You must also inform the original charity that you will no longer be running on their behalf. We recommend confirming a place with your new charity before cancelling your existing entry.


Once You’re In


  • 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?

Participants with confirmed registrations will be sent a race pack by post which includes:

  • Important race information

  • Your race number with timing chip

Race packs usually arrive around 7 days before the race but may arrive as late as the day before.

Overseas entrants:

Race packs will not be posted. You must collect your pack from the Event Village on race morning.

  • 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? Is my race pack missing?

Race packs usually arrive at least 7 days before the event but may arrive as late as the day before.

If your pack has still not arrived by event weekend, please visit the Event Information Tent located in the Event Village. Provide your name and date of birth, and the team will carry out a data check and issue a new race number. More information about lost race packs can be found here.

  • 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.


Managing Your Entry


  • I need to update my details e.g home address, email address or estimated finish time. What do I do?

Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This using your booking ID. You can edit your registration information until our transfer deadline.

Once the transfer deadline has passed, all information is sent to a third-party timing company and can not be updated. Exceptions are only made for changes to emergency contact information.

  • I can no longer take part in the race. Can I withdraw from the race and receive a full refund?

You can withdraw from the race, but full refunds are only available within two weeks of payment (minus the Let’s Do This booking fee). To withdraw, email newportwales@run4wales.org with WITHDRAWAL in the subject line. Withdrawals cannot be made by phone. After the two-week period, entry fees are non-refundable, though you may still withdraw at any time.

If you purchased Refund Protect, you can submit a refund claim here.

  • 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 14 days of signing up (cooling-off period). After this period, refunds and deferrals are not available.

You may transfer your place to a friend up until the advertised transfer deadline. More details on gifting your entry can be found here.

Note:

The cooling-off period does not apply during the final two weeks before entries close, as race pack production will already be underway.

Important:

Unofficial number swapping is strictly prohibited. It can cause issues for medical teams and results services. Anyone found swapping their race number will be:

  • Disqualified

  • Reported to British Athletics

  • Issued with a formal ban from all future Run4Wales events

  • Can I defer my entry to another event?

Entries cannot be deferred to the following year nor to any other event – but spaces can be transferred to another runners. Details can be found here.

  • I can no longer take part. Can I transfer my space to another runner?

Yes, you can officially transfer your space up until the advertised transfer deadline. Find out more here.

  • Can I run using another runner’s race number?

You are able to accept an official transfer from another runner if within the transfer window.

Do not swap your race bib outside the official transfer service.

Swapping bibs can endanger safety, invalidate insurance, and prevent emergency contact notifications

Offenders will be disqualified, reported to UK Athletics, and banned from future R4W events

Monitoring includes finish line cameras, social media checks, and spot checks at pen entry points.

  • I missed out on getting a place! Do you have a resell site or waiting list?

Once we are sold out, the event is at capacity. We do not operate a waiting list and the spaces of those dropping out of the race are not placed on sale again. Those that hold entries but can no longer attend are given the option to officially transfer their place to a nominated individual.


General Info


  • Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?

Yes, each runner will be able to store a small rucksack sized 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.

  • Can I take part with a pushchair, dog, wheeled device, Nordic sticks, or bulky fancy dress?

No dogs, pushchairs, skateboards, Nordic sticks, rollerblades, hand cycles, unauthorised bikes, or other wheeled devices are allowed, except hand-propelled wheelchairs in an assigned pen. Bulky items or fancy dress must be approved by the race director if they could slow you beyond 6 hours 30 minutes or obstruct other participants. Contact newportwales@run4wales.org to enquire.

  • Can I run in fancy dress?

Yes! Fancy dress is encouraged and adds to the fun for everyone. If your costume is bulky or might slow you beyond the cut-off time or obstruct others, please get it approved by the race director. You can do this by completing the following short form

  • Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?

We welcome wheelchair competitors. Find out more on our disability and accessibility entry page. Disability Entry and Accessibility | ABP Newport Marathon Festival

  • 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.

  • Will there be pacers in the race?

Yes, there will be pacers at the following target times:

Marathon : 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, and 4:30 hours.

Half marathon : 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 pacers.

10K: 45, 60 and 75 minute pacers.

  • Will there be toilets on the route?

Yes. There will be a number of Portaloo’s and disabled entry toilets throughout the course near to the water stations, which are marked on the course map using water icons.

  • 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.

  • 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: Road Closures | ABP Newport Marathon Festival

  • Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?                     

Yes. Photographers will be positioned around the course, though we can’t guarantee everyone will be captured. After the race, photo links will be emailed to all finishers, and images will be available to purchase.

  • What size finishers tee should I order?

Our unisex finishers tees come in sizes XS to 3XL. Please check our size guide before choosing.

Note: Please collect a t-shirt in the size you selected during registration. Taking a different size affects stock for other participants and creates difficulties for volunteers.

  • How can I help with the event if I’m not running?

Thank you for your interest! We would love to have you join our fantastic team of Extra Milers! Volunteering is a great way to support an event that supports so many great causes and if you’re a student gain valuable experience for your CV. Our volunteers are essential to delivering an exceptional experience for participants and spectators. To find out more about how to get involved please email volunteers@run4wales.org.

  • Where can I find more information?

All competitors are encouraged to keep checking this website and our Instagram as new information will be added continually until race day. If you have any questions that have not been answered in this FAQ page, please contact the team at newportwales@run4wales.org

  • 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.

  • How can I find my loved ones after the race?

There will be a designated meeting area, which we recommend using as a pre-arranged spot to meet your family before the event starts.

  • Can I wear headphones?

Avoid using headphones whilst running in organised events 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.