Nailing it at Newport

Newport marathon

The ABP Newport Marathon is a firm favourite on the Welsh running calendar, boasting one of the flattest marathon courses in Europe.  The route  offers iconic landmarks, like the city’s Transporter Bridge and the stunning scenery of the Gwent Levels – with its coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.  Sounds great to me (apart from the 26 miles bit). In 2025, Running Somewhere  Else was well represented with some excellent times.  Some great comments below.  Really like the honesty bit from Elliot and wouldn’t it be nice if Phil H’s meant there was hope for all of us!
Phil Hudson                                                                 03:35:17
Benjamin Mutlow                                                       03:55:03
Alan Powderhill                                                          03:55:08
Sarah Page                                                                   04:12:06
Phil Newman                                                               04:24:39
Elliot Gardiner                                                             04:27:36

Very early start, breakfast at 5 never my preferred option! We parked in one of the car parks close by so walked to event village- lots of helpful volunteers around to point you in right direction. Felt bit odd that the half marathon and marathon went off together and meant it was quite congested at the start- we followed the same route for several miles and when we split off it was clearly marked so would have been hard to take wrong turn. Route is flat and I understand has been changed this year again but took us round some pretty villages and countryside before coming back into Newport . Support was good but not overwhelming.
Sun came out for second half of race and it got quite hot. Well marshalled and plenty of water/toilet stations. Happy overall with my race and nice to get it done !

Sarah P

I did it! So pleased to get that sub 4. It got tough in the second half when the sun came out, but I was determined to keep the pacing as best I could. A brilliant day with fellow RSE runners.

Alan P

Well that was an interesting race, cracking first half, poor second half. It’s another marathon in the bank and the sprint finish with Alan at the end was fun!

Ben M

Beat my 28 year old self by 22 mins and a PB. Felt fabulous until 23 miles then I hit the WALL!
Great times and effort from the RSE TEAM

Phil H

Personal worst – plagued by injury during the training plan resulting in an epic fail on the sub 4 goal! Need to get fully fit before the next attempt!

Elliot G

Newport half marathon

The half marathon route showcases iconic landmarks of the City of Newport as it meanders along the river Usk pathways and through the City Centre.   The Pauls ran it.  Hope they enjoyed the warm ‘welcome in the hillsides’ that Wales is famous for!  (because that’s what it says on the website).
Paul Billinghurst    1:46:22
Paul Robertson      1:57:53

Parkruns

First of all a question. Cirencester had 331 runners/walkers – I haven’t seen a figure over 300 before.  Was this the highest number so far?
Worcester Pitchcroft
Cheri EDWARDS               00:25:27
Cirencester parkrun
James BALL                       00:18:57
Wayne HEWITT               00:21:08
Ben CHAPMAN                 00:23:22
Oliver HAZEL                    00:23:23
Antonia WINSTANLEY   00:23:25
Claire SHARP                    00:23:50
William COBBETT            00:24:52
Felicity CROTTY               00:29:10
Anne-Marie DAVIES        00:30:00
Maria YATES                     00:31:26
Paul ROBERTSON           00:31:28
Elaine CHAPMAN            00:31:30
Kathryn COWDALL          00:35:15
Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun
Helen CUE                         00:35:52
Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud
Jon COLLINS                    00:30:59
Evesham parkrun
Liz Hulcup                         00. 26.21