Records broken at 2021 ABP Newport Wales marathon and 10k

The rain did little to dent the runners' enthusiasm, as thousands of competitors set off from Usk Way in a colourful sea of lycra and fancy-dress costumes.

Nor did the bad weather seem to have any effect on the frontrunners' performance, as all four course records were broken in the marathon and 10k foot races.

You can read our live coverage of today's Newport marathon and other races here.

Men's marathon winner Adam Bowden set a new Newport record in emphatic style, smashing the previous course best by 10 minutes.

The 39-year-old, from Llantrisant, led from the start and crossed the finish line with a time of 2hr 20min 6sec.

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Adam was making his marathon debut today, but he normally competes in Ironman triathlons, so is well experienced at racing over 26.2 miles.

"It's a really fast course, the spectators were great – really uplifting," he said. "I'm definitely coming back, I really enjoyed the course."

Ollie Garrod (2hr 25min 59 sec) finished second – also beating the previous course record for Newport – and Mark Worringham (2hr 33min 37 sec) was third.

Rebecca Gallop wins the women's ABP Newport Wales marathon race. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

In the women's marathon race, the aptly-named Rebecca Gallop stormed to victory with a time of 2hr 44min 7sec, beating the previous Newport record by 51 seconds.

Rebecca, from Newark Athletic Club, also complimented the Newport course and setting.

She said: "The course was nice and flat, it was a bit lonely at times and a little breezy and rainy – but fast. I'm definitely coming back here.

"The support was good, there were a couple of little villages about and people were always cheering and spurring you on, definitely the last little bit was really uplifting."

Melissah Gibson (2hr 51min 25sec) came second and Jill Collett (2hr 53min 39 sec) was third.

Wheelchair race winner Richie Powell in action. Picture: via Run 4 Wales

Veteran competitor Richie Powell, a former Paralympian and Commonwealth athlete, won the wheelchair race, ahead of Ron Price in second and Les Hampton in third. 

In the 10k races, both winners set new records.

Paulos Surafel crosses the finish line to win the men's ABP Newport Wales 10k race. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

Men's winner Paulos Surafel did so by the slimment of margins, setting a new Newport record by just one second. He crossed the finish line in 29min 42sec.

After the race, Paulos, from Tottenham, said he was impressed with the Newport race.

"It's flat, it's a good course to run fast," he said. "I really enjoyed coming here and I plan to come back here in the future."

James Heneghan (29min 54sec) was second and James Hunt (30min) finished in third place.

Hannah Alderson wins the women's ABP Newport Wales 10k race. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

Hannah Alderson won the women's 10k race with a time of 34min 22sec, beating the previous course record by 22 seconds.

Imogen Wood (35min 32sec) came second and Donna Morris (36min 11sec) finished third.

There was also a good turnout for the Family Mile run that was held after the main events.

The Family Mile run. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

After the racing was over, Matt Newman, chief executive of organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “We’ve had to be patient over the last 18 months, but the third edition of the event was certainly worth the wait. Record numbers and record times once again proved why the reputation of this event continues to grow."

Mr Newman called the event "a fantastic day for distance running in Wales and for the city of Newport, who once again came out in their droves to support the runners who finally got the chance to shine on the big stage.

"My thanks go to Associated British Ports for their continued support as title partner, Welsh Government and Newport City Council as strategic partners and all our other sponsors and partners including NSPCC, Healthspan, University of South Wales, Monmouthshire Building Society, Brecon Carreg, Capitol Seat & Skoda, Tata Steel and ICC Wales.”

Newport marathon runners pass the Transporter Bridge. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

And Jane Mudd, the leader of Newport City Council, said: "The marathon is a huge event, both in terms of the economy and also, I think this is increasingly important going forward, the well-being of the population.

"We've got elite athletes choosing to come here and take part in the marathon, yet we've also got the family mile where families can come and join in."

Cllr Mudd sounded the air horn to start this year's marathon, and spoke enthusiastically about the benefits the event brought.

"I've never seen so many people as we've seen here today," she said. "I think that's a real reflection of how some of our attitudes as a society have shifted and people are really keen to get outside and enjoy running.

"To be able to host this in Newport is absolutely fantastic. There are those wider economic benefits, but this is about positivity, this is about really valuing those things that we've learned that we should value."