A Newport-based chief executive has decided to run a marathon in the city dressed as a character made famous by his business.

Matthew Crummack, chief executive of Newport-based GoCompare, will be running the full 26.2 miles of the ABP Newport Wales Marathon, in an inflatable opera singer suit, complete with heavily-pomaded wig and curly moustache.

He will be raising funds for NSPCC Cymru at the event on Sunday, May 5, which will have global television exposure, with a highlights package to set to feature the elite men's and women's 26-mile and 10K events.

Matthew said: "This will be my second marathon in GoCompare's hometown and I'm determined not to let the costume slow me down too much.

"If I can avoid blistering heat, strong headwinds, and punctures, I'm aiming for a sub five-hour marathon. I'm sure I'll suffer, but it's worth it to raise money for a worthy cause, and to hopefully put a smile on people's faces.

"I've already had some odd looks from people on my training runs around the park near the office..."

While Matthew is running the marathon, a load of other GoCoers are taking on the 10k and you can support them at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gocompare-com2019runners.

The ABP Newport Wales Marathon, now in its second year, is organised by Run 4 Wales.

Matthew Kennerley, director of ABP South Wales division, said: “Last year’s inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon announced our great city as a sporting hotspot to thousands of runners and even more spectators. As title sponsors of the event, ABP are delighted with the exposure the ABP Newport Wales Marathon has brought to the local community in south east Wales.”

Newport's council leader councillor Debbie Wilcox said: "The ABP Newport Wales Marathon is one of the highlights in our calendar and demonstrates the city’s ability to host major events that are enjoyed by visitors as well as residents and provide a vibrant, feel-good buzz.”

The TV highlights coverage will debut on S4C on Monday May 6 at 9pm, with the English version showing from May 10 on channels such as Sky Sports, British Eurosport, ESPN, Fox Sports and Premier Sports. The S4C show will be available to watch on demand, with English subtitles, on the BBC iPlayer.