SPECTATING 

On race day,  the streets of Newport will be awash with thousands of runners, taking part in Marathon, 10K or Junior Races – and they would love your support! If you want to support your loved ones or live locally – there are plenty of exciting opportunities to get involved.

A number of road closures will be in place to facilitate the event, so please visit the road closure section of our website to plan your day if spectating, as some areas of the course will be inaccessible.

Usk Way & The Riverfront

The Event Village area on Usk Way is the best place to catch a glimpse of your loved ones at the beginning and end of their races. The start and finish lines are situated by the University of South Wales and Friars Walk Shopping Centre, with the marathon/half marathon starting at 09:00 and 10K kicking off at 09:45.

The runners will pass across the start line a second time in all three races (1 mile into the race) so there’s an opportunity to catch them more than once.

Commercial Street

Head to Commercial Street in the city centre for a view of the runners in the early stages of all three races.

Blaina Wharf

The pub and beer garden will be open as usual, offering a great vantage point. You can spot marathon and half runners at mile 1 and 25/12, and see 10K runners pass between kilometre 1-2 and kilometre 8-9.

International Sports Village

All three races will pass through the International Sports Village.

Redwick

Marathon runners head towards Redwick on two ocassions (laps). The area of North Row will be accessible by foot and runners may catch a glimpse of their loved ones at the course turnaround point.

EVENT VILLAGE, FOOD & DRINK

The Event Village will be host to a number of exhibitors, food and drink. Expect a carnival atmosphere with stilt walkers and circus activities for children from Organised Kaos and Sports Activities from Dragons Rugby.

The nearby Friars Walk Shopping Centre and Newport Market are also great options for post-race food and drink. Many vendors will be offering race finishers exclusive deals and discounts. TGI Friday’s is offering a free glass of prosecco for everyone who comes in with a race medal and 20% off for guests who have booked to dine with them in advance.

COURSE ENTERTAINMENT

Dedicated course entertainment points will offer musical encouragement to runners, at various points along the route.

Bridge Corner – Tune Trucks

Nash Road – Tune Trucks

Traston Road – The Welsh Wedding Bagpiper Matthew Bartlett

North Row (Marathon Turnaround Point) – Wonderbrass

Usk Way (Blaina Wharf) – Samba Galez

Water Station 2 (Spytty Blvd) – Just Cheese

If you’re interested in entertaining on the route of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival, contact kelsey.duffill@run4wales.org