ARGUS COMMENT: Newport's run is a great start (From South Wales Argus)

ARGUS COMMENT: Newport's run is a great start

3:52pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Kevin Ward - Editor

THE weather was cold and grey but 1,000 runners lit up Newport yesterday as the city staged its first half marathon.

Organised by St David’s Hospice Care, the inaugural City of Newport Half Marathon was a huge success.

Olympic hero Darren Campbell started the runners on their way and all the feedback we have had from competitors suggest the event was well organised and friendly.

A good reputation among runners is vital if the half marathon is to become a fixture on the Newport calendar.

Half marathons in places like Cardiff have become huge affairs and there is no reason why Newport could not become a major event.

The organisation is already in place – and everyone involved yesterday including an army of volunteer marshals did a magnificent job.

If next year’s half marathon is to be bigger and better then the authorities (particularly the city council and police) need to do more to help out with road closures to ensure the route takes in some of Newport’s best landmarks such as the Transporter Bridge and Tredegar House.

The event was a great start and we are sure the City of Newport Half Marathon is here to stay.

Well done to everyone who took part or helped on the day – particularly the staff of St David’s who did such an outstanding job in organising the event.