SOLID backing from businesses and volunteers of The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon 2014 helped to make it a run away success, organisers claim.

The second staging of the annual event attracted headline sponsorship from Admiral.

Kris Broome, from St David’s Hospice Care and an organiser of the event, said: “We have had a flood of feedback from entrants who have said how well the event was staged and how much they enjoyed taking part. Each has mentioned the marshals and volunteers for the work that they did.

“The success is also down to the tremendous support we received from the likes of Admiral and also Newport Gwent Dragons and the staff at Rodney Parade for allowing us to use their facilities at the start and finish, Contact Radios for providing us with radios on the day, Taylor Wimpey, Newport City Council, Chrome Physiotherapy, our media partners South Wales Argus and Lliswerry and Caerleon running clubs.

Kris Broome said: “The start and finish area was completely controlled by local running group Lliswerry Runners, they set it up, and ensured it flowed smoothly from Start to Finish. Caerleon Runners also played a major part by guiding the runners through the Caerleon Section of the race, and ensuring everyone had water.

“We are also very grateful to Unilever, Tiny Rebel Brewery, Wilkinson and Burtons Biscuits and all those who took advertising space in the event day programme and St Woolos Rotary Club and Ahmadiyya Muslim Association.”

Kris said entrants and businesses have already signed up to take part in next year’s event which will be staged on St David’s Day. A London barrister has signed up after seeing all the publicity surrounding this year’s event.

Kris said: “There’s no doubt about it; Newport Half is good in terms of fundraising for St David’s Hospice Care and also in helping raise awareness of Newport and shining a spotlight and all that is offer here in a revitalised and reinvigorated city and the surrounding area.”

If you are interested in getting involved with the Newport Half Marathon 2015 as a Sponsor or Volunteer, please call Kris on 01633 851058.