SPECTATING
On race day, the streets of Newport will be awash with thousands of runners, taking part in Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Mile 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.
Make sure you vbiew our marathon, half marathon and 10K course maps or download the Run 4 Wales tracking app when making your plans!
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 between the University of South Wales and Lidl on Usk Way, with the marathon/half marathon starting at 09:00 and 10K kicking off at 09:45.
Runners will 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.
City Centre
Head to the High Street (near Newport Market) to catch a glimpse of the runners in the early stages of the race. They’ll head northwards up the High Street and towards Newport Castle, before heading back down Usk Way (and back past the starting line near the University of South Wales) before heading out towards the Gwent Levels.
Blaina Wharf
The pub and beer garden will be open as usual, offering a great vantage point. You can spot marathon and half marathon runners near miles 2 and 25/12, and see 10K runners pass between kilometre 3 and kilometre 8-9.
International Sports Village
All three races will pass through the International Sports Village, including a lap of the athletics track.
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.
TOP SPECTATOR TIPS
📱Download the Run 4 Wales app, where you can inspect the course maps and live track participants.
✍️ Plan ahead; it can get extremely busy on event day and you don’t want to miss catching sight of your loved one because it takes you longer than expected to navigate the crowds.
🎨 Make a sign! A motivating, funny or personal sign for your loved one will be easier for them to spot amongst the crowds and give them a boost when they need it most.
🗺️ Inspect the course maps, taking note of the mile or KM markers. Use these (and predicted finish time) to try and work out when to be at certain points on the course and whether you have time to travel on foot between these.
🫂 Decide on a meeting point in advance, so you can easily find your loved one after the race.
📶 Have a back up plan for staying in touch if phone signal is patchy in busy areas.
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.
Tune Trucks – Bridge Corner – Location here
Tune Trucks – Nash Road – Location here
The Welsh Wedding Bagpiper Matthew Bartlett – Traston Road – Location here
Rock Choir – Usk Way Costa – Location here
Mind in Gwent – Newport Live Regional Pool & Tennis Centre – Location here
Wonderbrass – Turn Around Point N-Row – Location here
Just Cheese – Farmer’s Arms – Location here
If you’re interested in entertaining on the route of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival, contact kelsey.duffill@run4wales.org