WE ARE now just days away from the national marathon which is taking place in Newport.

It has been a real coup to have this Welsh first in our city.

Sunday, April 29, will be a great chance to showcase the city as around 10,000 runners are due to take part in the ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10k race with some coming from as far as Canada, Algeria and Japan.

Added to that another 30,000 supporters and spectators are expected to line the streets and it is estimated it could attract more than £1 million into the economy and raise up to £1 million for good causes.

There will also be family races, entertainment and music so it promises to be a great day which I’m really looking forward to.

I’m sure all the visitors will be given a warm welcome and will want to return to the city again.

Find out more about it, including if you will be affected by road closure, at newport.gov.uk/marathon

The city is firmly on the sporting map as a result its role as host to the Ryder Cup.

World class cyclists, including Olympians and Paralympians, have trained at the Wales National Velodrome and next year the British Transplant Games will be held in Newport.

We are also proud of our local sportspeople and they can count on local support during their lows as well as their highs.

Our rugby and football teams have had their challenges but we want them to do well and, when that happens, it’s a great lift for the city.

Who can forget the drama of last season when Newport County AFC seemed destined for relegation but came good just when it mattered to a collective sigh of relief all round.

This season looks set to be much less nail-biting thanks to Mike Flynn and the team’s performances.

I hope that the Dragons can turn their fortunes around next season now there is a renewed sense of purpose around the club.

And last, but definitely not least, good luck to Newport RFC when they take on Merthyr in the final of the WRU National Cup at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

It’s a fantastic achievement to reach the final, but what an amazing day April 29 would be for Newport if they clinched the title.