Local employer Admiral, which employs about 500 people in a recently-opened city centre office, is all set to sponsore the 2015 City of Newport Half Marathon.

The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon, in aid of St David’s Hospice Care, will be staged on St David’s Day, Sunday, March 1, 2015.

The half marathon, which was run for the first time in 2013 attracting almost 1,000 runners. When staged again earlier this year, when it was first sponsored by Admiral, numbers grew to 1,200 runners.

The half marathon sponsorship deal serves to further strengthen and underline the firm’s positive presence in the city.

Natalie Grimshare, of Admiral, said: “We’re delighted to be able to show our support for The City of Newport Half Marathon by renewing our sponsorship of this very important event. We’re particularly happy to renew our support as we recognise that the half marathon is still in its formative years and the sponsorship and financial assistance we’re providing will play a key part in helping secure this significant event for the city.

“Feedback from staff from our Newport, Cardiff and Swansea offices who took part in this year’s event was incredibly positive, and we’re pleased to give them to opportunity to take part again.”

St David’s Hospice Care chief executive Emma Saysell said: “The first staging of the half marathon was a tremendous success. The marvellous and significant backing from Admiral last time ensured its continued success.

“We’re thrilled with the continued sponsorship which means that we are able to build on the initial, solid achievement already and to ensure that The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon becomes one of the finest and most outstanding events of its kind in the UK running calendar.”

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said the March 2015 event is perfectly timed to complement the training for runners aiming to complete the London Marathon.

Kris said: “The fantastic and continued support from Admiral allows us to look ahead with renewed optimism for the future of this important event for the city of Newport.”

The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon is on Sunday March 1, starting at 9 am. Entry is £26 with each participant receiving an event T-shirt.

Registration is open on the website www.stdavidshospicecare.org and on Runners World website. A video showing last year’s event is on the St David’s Hospice Care hospice website.

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

St David’s Hospice care is looking for entertainment along the route (musicians), people to marshal, help with recruitment of runners. Again, please get in touch.