A SMALL army of volunteers has been recruited to make sure the first ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K runs smoothly on Sunday.

Dubbed the Extra Milers by organisers Run 4 Wales, they help man water stations, direct athletes and visitors, and congratulate runners by handing out medals.

One volunteer - 46 year-old Ann Kerrison Phillips - is proof the event already has Wales-wide appeal.

For she will travel from Pembrokeshire to be involved, and has been tasked with handing out water.

“I run half marathons and know how important volunteers are to these events," said Ms Phillips.

“Without the volunteers, many of these events would not be possible as they offer so much support.”

Ms Phillips works in retail and has run the last five Cardiff Half Marathons and the last three Great North Runs.

Her top tips for runners are: Stay hydrated, listen to your body; and, most importantly, enjoy the day. She also advises spectators to support and encourage runners as “it really does help.”

Run 4 Wales chief executive Matt Newman said the Extra Milers' role on Sunday is vital "as a new era of distance running gets underway in Wales" and their positive attitude will be "an inspiration".

“I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our volunteers for their commitment. These events really would not be possible without them," he said.