A NEW loop course has been announced for this year's Admiral City Newport Half Marathon.

This year's 13.1 mile race will start on Commercial Street before heading to Usk Way over Newport Bridge. The route then heads along the river Usk to Glebelands Park before following the river on the B4596 to Caerleon.

The Argus-backed event will then loop back around using the cycle path before following the A4042 back across Newport Bridge along the river passed Rodney Parade. The run will continue passed Amelia Way to the SDR across the bridge and along the river towards George Street Bridge before finishing near the University of South Wales, city campus.

The sponsors for the second year running are Admiral who have already signed up more than 100 members of staff to take part. The run on St David’s Day, March 1, is expected to attract more than 1,000 runners.

New partners for 2015 include Moti a sports specialist in running gear. Other partners for the event include Lliswerry Runners who are the start and finish officials, Caerleon Runners, Newport City Council and St John Wales.

The Centre for Clinical Physiotherapy at St Joseph’s Hospital has been named as the official physiotherapy partner for the 2015 Newport Half Marathon.

Troy Wilson, director of clinical physiotherapy, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this event, which grows in popularity every year. This partnership will see our team providing a well earned post-race massage for runners at the Newport Centre.

"We know that the hard work has already started, so to help runners prepare we’ll be sharing valuable training advice and tips for preventing injuries on the City of Newport Half Marathon Facebook Page; So be sure to check it out or send us your questions and updates."

The race, in aid of St David’s Hospice Care, was run for the first time in 2013 attracting almost 1,000 runners and last year saw 1,200 runners take part.

St David’s Hospice Care is also looking for people to provide entertainment along the route, marshals and help with recruitment of runners.

Entry is £26 with each participant receiving an event T-shirt and registration is open at cityofnewporthalfmarathon.com.

For more information or to offer help, call 01633 851051, and ask to speak to Kris or Christine.