THE route for the 2018 Newport marathon has been confirmed with less than six months to go until the race comes to the city’s streets.

It has been designed by former Welsh and Great British athlete Steve Brace, who competed in the marathon at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games in Barcelona and Atlanta respectively.

Labelled as one of the UK’s flattest courses, Wales’s new national marathon will take place on Sunday, April 29, 2018.

It will start along Newport’s riverfront before heading out to Monmouthshire and the South Wales coastline.

South Wales Argus:

South Wales Argus:

Maps showing the route for the 2018 ABP Newport Wales Marathon to take in Newport Transporter Bridge, medieval village of Redwick and the Newport Wetlands

The single loop route will take runners past the University of South Wales and Friars Walk and will head over the Newport Bridge, through the east of the city and out towards Llandevenny and Magor.

Supporters will have the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of their loved ones and elite runners in the medieval town of Redwick, before runners head back towards the revamped city centre.

But before they prepare for a sprint finish along the River Usk, runners will get the chance to take in the coastal wildlife on show at the Gwent Levels and Newport Wetlands.

Matthew Kennerley, the director of ABP South Wales said: “We are delighted that the ABP Newport Wales Marathon Route has been designed in a way that will take runners through a wide area of Newport.

“The route will provide a great view of the city and its offerings. We are looking forward to seeing the streets of Newport filled with cheering supporters.”

More than 5,000 participants are expected to take on the marathon and organisers have confirmed that there are still places up for grabs for the final 2,000 places.

Entries have soared past the 3,000 mark as runners from across the UK and beyond secure their place on the start line.

Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales’s chief executive, said: “The newly revealed ABP Newport Wales Marathon route will make the UK’s newest mass-participation marathon one of the fastest races of its kind.

“Race Director Steve Brace, the man behind the popular Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon route, has devised a course that has it all.

“From the revamped Newport Business District to the picturesque Newport Wetlands, runners will be able to challenge themselves over a unique single loop course.

“Friends and family will have a perfect opportunity to cheer on loved ones along the 26.2 mile route, and we cannot wait to bring a world-class marathon to the streets of Newport on Sunday, April 29.

Cllr Debbie Wilcox, the leader of Newport City Council, said: “It is very exciting to see the ABP Newport Wales Marathon taking in so many elements of our diverse city.

“We’re confident that we will offer runners a great experience on the day.

“We will also be working closely with the residents and organisations along the route to ensure they are fully informed and that any disruption with be minimised as far as possible.

“This is a great opportunity for the city and I urge both the public and businesses to get involved.”

The ABP Newport Wales Marathon will be a member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and be measured by a AUKCM Grade 1/IAAF/AIMS Grade B Course Measurer.

Runners can still sign up by heading over to newportwalesmarathon.co.uk/register/ with early bird entries still available, priced at £45.

The event, which was announced earlier this month on Wednesday, October 4, will be delivered by Run 4 Wales, the team behind the Cardiff Half Marathon and VELOTHON Wales.

A Festival of Running will be organised alongside the race to showcase what the city has to offer and give charity fundraisers the perfect platform to raise funds for good causes.

More than 2,000 runners signed up on the first day as entries opened.