THE Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon 2017 was launched with a tour of St David’s Hospice in Malpas.

A group of Admiral colleagues, some of whom are taking part in the half marathon in March next year, got an idea what the charity does and how money raised by runners in the annual event is spent.

Russ Burt, of Admiral, Newport, who is in training for the event, said: “It was good to get a personal glimpse into what St David’s Hospice does in the community and to learn how the money raised through the Newport Half is spent. It was eye opening. I now feel better able to explain to colleagues at Admiral in Newport some of the workings of the charity.”

The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon, sponsored by the major Newport employer, will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

The fifth staging of the event will see runners start in Newport city centre and finish, after a circuitous route, at the Riverfront.

The scenic route takes runners along the Riverfront path, past iconic bridges and on up to Newport Castle before heading out to Caerleon and back.

Event organiser Christine Vorres, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We can’t thank Admiral enough for agreeing to sponsor the Newport Half again this year. I was delighted to welcome colleagues from Admiral to the day hospice here in Malpas and to be able to give them an idea of the huge variety of services that their support helps us to provide."

Christine, herself a runner, said: “I like the route of the Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon as it showcases a lot of what the City of Newport has to offer – the city centre, the Riverfront pathways, iconic bridges and the castle. It’s also a route which all abilities of runners can appreciate. Running and raising funds to support local patients can be very rewarding ; I wish we could show everyone what a difference their support makes to the families that they are helping. Hospice services throughout our community are available, free of charge, due to the kindness of the fundraisers and sponsors.”

Registration is open on the website www.cityofnewporthalfmarathon.com and on Runners World website.

For more information on The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon, call 01633 851051, and ask to speak to Kris or Christine.