STAFF at a Newport Physiotherapy Clinic will be giving up their day to support runners at the Argus-backed Newport half marathon in aid of St David’s Hospice Care on Sunday, March 2.

Five physios and six masseuses from Chrome Blue Physiotherapy will set up at Rodney Parade offering a mobile service from 6am on the morning of the race to three hours after it has finished.

Jeremy Williams, 49, who set up the clinic, believes getting behind events like the Newport half marathon, sponsored by Admiral, is vital.

“It’s a local event that is important for Newport,” said Mr Williams. “We felt it would be good to get involved and offer support to the runners.

“We’ll be there early for the elite athletes that will be preparing for the race, but those who are running for the first time and turn up shortly before can see us for a quick warm-up.

“St David’s Hospice Care do some great work. They raise money in a fun way and every event they hold is entertaining and well organised.

“That’s important as people then want to get involved and help out when they see people having fun.”

All the technology that is used at the clinic’s premises will be transported to Rodney Parade, including a modern ice compression machine.

The clinic will be situated at the start and finishing point — Rodney Parade — with emergency services along the route to help runners.

“We’re really looking forward to doing this,” added Mr Williams. “We’re friendly and approachable and will give help to anyone who needs it.

“A lot of runners will need their legs loosened up before and after the race, which we can assist them with.

“There are also people that run with slight injuries as they don’t want to let anyone down so we’ll help them strap up.

“At the end of the race we’ll be on hand to offer treatment and advice on what people should do for the 24 hours after the race.”