Event organisers Run 4 Wales are once again gifting 100 free spaces in the ABP Newport Marathon Festival for 2025 – with half marathon and 10K spaces up for grabs.

The 100 Club initiative aims to support people in the local community who may be able to use the event to improve their health and wellbeing, with groups including the Gwent Drug & Alcohol Service, Slimming World, Newport Live and If You Go I Go involved this year.

The race returns to the city on Sunday 13th April with record numbers of runners signed up to run the marathon, half marathon, 10K and mile races.

Run 4 Wales believes in the power of mass participation and the ability that events like the Newport Marathon have to inspire people to take up running and make positive life changes.

Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “The introduction of the 100 Club initiative to the 2024 ABP Newport Marathon Festival was a huge success, inspiring and supporting people to take up running who otherwise may not have participated.

“We’re delighted to be bringing it back for 2025 and want to encourage local residents who may be able to benefit from the opportunity to apply.”

People may nominate themselves, someone they know or a group. They just need to give a short reason as to why they want to be part of the 100 Club. Anyone can apply, but the majority of successful applicants will be from would-be runners living or working within an NP postcode.

The chosen applicants will then be able to choose between a free 10K or half marathon space at the ABP Newport Marathon Festival which takes place on Sunday 13th April.

Those recruited must be at least 15 years of age on the day of the event to be able to attend and participate in the 10K and 17 years for the half marathon.

Alongside the free event space, membership of the 100 Club will include:

• A free trial with run coaching app Coopah, which offers instant personalised and adaptable training plans, access to coaches and more.
• A Newport Marathon 100 Club technical t-shirt, to wear on race day and in training.
• An invite to a training event in March, including a talk with a running expert, an opportunity to ask questions, participate in a guided training run and collect gifts and prizes from event partners. 
• A pre-event reception and VIP experience on race day.
• Access to a closed digital support group, to engage with others taking part, ask for advice or share progress.