WHEN it comes to running I am a firm believer that, to use rugby lexicon, you should empty the tank and leave nothing out there.

You should push yourself when doing a race, if you don't get a PB or hit your target time then it won't be for a lack of effort.

In my book you aren't doing things right if you are pictured with a smile rather than a grimace when running, although I appreciate many strongly disagree with such a sentiment and evidence for that was provided by our photographer Mark Lewis on the streets of Newport last Sunday.

He managed to capture some cheery souls along with sweaty messes like me.

A total of 1,555 people would have been creaking as they reached down to put on their socks on Monday morning after completing the Newport Half Marathon, a hugely successful event that showcased the city wonderfully.

It went brilliantly, which was so important after the unfortunate distance mishap of 2015, and can be the sort of sporting occasion that puts the area on the map and raises the profile of a terrific local charity in St David's Hospice.

The route was good, the organisation was spot-on (well done stewards and pacers from Lliswerry Runners), the size of the field is just right (not as claustrophobic as those in Cardiff), the weather was kind (Newport Cricket Club will be hoping for similar good fortune when Pakistan A head to Spytty Park to face Glamorgan on Friday, July 15) and the post-race voucher for Urban Tap House went down a treat.

If vast sums have been spent doing up a city centre then you might as go the extra mile (sorry!) to lure people in and outsiders would have been impressed by what they saw on Sunday.

Sport has the power to attract people and on that front it's disappointing that there's not more signage around Newport guiding people to Rodney Parade, an iconic ground that not only houses three teams but is a corporate venue. While there are, for example, directions to Dragon Park there is little to guide folk to Rodney Parade.

But back to the half marathon, there's something to build on and hopefully all parties will keep working together to build on and improve what must become a firm fixture in Newport's calendar.

If the Guinness Pro12 fixture computer is kind, I'll certainly be keen to be on the start line on Commercial Street on Sunday, March 5 next year. I won't be smiling for 13.1 miles but I can assure you that inside I'll be happy Newport is holding such an event.