Newport Wales Marathon: 6,000 runners take part in race

More than 6,000 runners took part in the marathon raising thousands of pounds for charities and good causes

A new course record was set on a successful day for the Newport Wales Marathon.

Chris Bird, from Chichester, knocked almost two minutes off the previous best time, finishing in two hours, 31 minutes and 34 seconds.

Newport's Carla Swithenbank won the women's race in two hours, 45 minutes and 48 seconds.

They were among the 6,000 competitors who completed the 26.2-mile (42km) race and 10km run in and around the city.

Main roads in and around Newport were shut on Sunday morning for the race that covered parts of Monmouthshire and the Gwent Levels.

The race is one of the UK's flattest and fastest marathons with more than 70% of 2018 finishers claiming a personal best.

Bosses had predicted the previous course record of two hours and 33 minutes - set by Neath Athletic Club's Nathan Carpenter - would be "smashed".

Businesses claim last year's marathon boosted the local economy to the tune of £1.1m.

Newport council leader Debbie Wilcox said: "Last year's event set the bar incredibly high, but I am so pleased that the second ABP Newport Wales Marathon has been another incredible success.

"People have come from across the world to take part and I am proud that our city has been able to give them such a warm welcome."

Road closure times for the Newport Wales Marathon on Sunday

Drivers were warned the Newport city centre road closures could increase traffic on the M4 motorway at the Brynglas Tunnels and affect cricket fans heading to the England v Pakistan T20 game in Cardiff.

The main A4810 Llanwern link road between Newport and Magor was shut on Sunday morning as runners headed into the Monmouthshire village as part of the route.

Runners were expected to munch on 4,500 bananas around the course and it was estimated that each competitor would take about 56,000 steps and burn an estimated 2,600 calories to complete the challenge.