ABP extends headline sponsorship of Newport Marathon Festival

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Associated British Ports (ABP) has extended its headline sponsorship of the Newport Marathon Festival for a further three years.

The UK’s largest port operator has backed the event since its launch in 2018, when the inaugural Newport Wales Marathon was held.

The renewed agreement will see ABP continue as headline sponsor across all race categories, including the marathon, half marathon, 10K and junior events.

The festival has grown significantly in recent years, with the 2026 edition attracting more than 10,000 registered participants across its various distances.

The event now caters to a broad range of runners, from experienced athletes targeting personal bests to first-time entrants seeking a new challenge.

Organisers are aiming to build on this momentum, with ambitions to further expand the festival’s reach and attract participants from across Wales and beyond.

The influx of runners and spectators is also seen as a boost for the local economy, bringing increased footfall and visibility to Newport.

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, Wales and Southwest at ABP, said: “ABP is thrilled to announce our continued support as the headline sponsor for the Newport Marathon Festival.

“We are proud to be part of Newport and its community, and the role the port plays as the UK’s leading steel-handling port.

“Supporting an event that brings people into the city and celebrates Newport as a place to live, work and invest is an important part of our commitment to the city.”

Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re so excited to have the continued support of ABP for the Newport Marathon Festival.

“ABP have been with us since the very beginning when we set up the marathon back in 2018 and it’s fantastic to have had them by our side as we’ve continued to grow and evolve the event into a real festival of running.

“We’re very much looking forward to what the future holds for this event and are excited to continue working together over the next couple of years.”