THIS year's ABP Newport Wales Marathon on Sunday May 5 has secured global television exposure, with a highlights package to set to feature the elite men's and women's 26-mile and 10K events.

English and Welsh highlights programmes will showcase the second running of Wales’ premier marathon event on Welsh, nationwide UK and international television, putting Newport city centre, the city's landmarks, and the surrounding countryside into the spotlight.

Television coverage is a significant milestone for the event at such an early stage in its development, said Run 4 Wales chief executive Matt Newman.

"The inaugural race brought runners and spectators from across the globe to the city of Newport, and they left with an unforgettable experience," he said.

“But this year’s television and digital broadcasts will beam the ABP Newport Wales Marathon directly into homes around the world to showcase what the city of Newport and the flat, fast course it has to offer.

“Run 4 Wales is proud to be a bilingual organisation and we cannot wait to relive all the action in English and Welsh.”

The highlights package will also cover a variety of human interest stories linked to the event, with participants getting the chance to see if they are featured.

“Last year’s inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon announced our great city as a sporting hotspot to thousands of runners and even more spectators," said Matthew Kennerley, Director of ABP South Wales division.

“Now, with the news of the race being broadcast on television and online platforms, a worldwide audience will get the chance to see a snapshot of what Newport has to offer.

"As title sponsors of the event, ABP are delighted with the exposure the ABP Newport Wales Marathon has brought to the local community in south east Wales.”

Newport's council leader councillor Debbie Wilcox called the news "fantastic".

"It will give the race, and Newport, a global profile. Last year’s race was a huge success and the support for the event, from runners, their families and friends, volunteers and residents who turned out to watch, was incredible," she said.

“The ABP Newport Wales Marathon is one of the highlights in our calendar and demonstrates the city’s ability to host major events that are enjoyed by visitors as well as residents and provide a vibrant, feel-good buzz.”

Presenters Lowri Morgan and Rebecca Charlton will front the highlights programme, which will debut on S4C on Monday May 6 at 9pm, with the English version showing from May 10 on channels such as Sky Sports, British Eurosport, ESPN, Fox Sports and Premier Sports. The S4C show will be available to watch on demand, with English subtitles, on the BBC iPlayer.

Runners with inspiring or interesting stories are being asked to come forward and share their stories, for a chance to star in the show, be e-mailing the Run 4 Wales team at newportwales@run4wales.org.

There is till time too, to get involved in this year's race. Marathon & 10K entries are still available but will be closing on Monday April 15, or when they sell-out, whichever comes first.

Entries are available at www.newportwalesmarathon.co.uk