DOZENS of members of staff from Admiral will be taking to the streets of Newport to run the Argus-backed half marathon on Sunday, March 2.

Admiral is an official sponsor for the 13.1 mile race, in aid of St David’s Hospice, and 55 staff members have decided that there’s no better way to support it than to run it themselves.

The group is split between employees from the Newport, Cardiff and Swansea workplaces – with 22 people running from the Newport office.

James Potts, 30, an employee from the Newport office, said: “It started off as a dare between a few of us to do it and then it grew from there and a few more signed up as we thought it was a good idea.

“It’s massively important to get behind things like this. For Admiral to become a sponsor it shows how important it is in the community and hopefully it will help gain interest in the event.”

Lauren Challenger, 23, from the Newport office, will be raising money for St David’s Hospice and is hoping to raise £700 between herself and seven colleagues that are fundraising together.

“It’s seemed like a good idea at the time I signed up,” said Miss Challenger. “As I originally thought the half marathon was six and a half miles.

“It’ll be a good challenge though. Training is going well so far and I’ve surprised myself but there’s a long way to go yet.

“We’ve set a target of money to raise and if we could get to that then it would be great to be able to donate it.”

An Admiral spokesperson said: “Our employees are passionate about the events Admiral supports in our local communities of Newport, Cardiff and Swansea and the City of Newport Half Marathon is no different.

“We’re delighted that more than 50 members of the staff have signed up to run. We’re confident 2014’s event will be a huge success and would like to wish all those taking part the very best of luck for the race.”