The Newport Advertiser January Jog was held on Sunday and has been hailed a huge success by organisers.
Hundreds of people gathered in glorious sunshine at Shuker Fields on Sunday to get the year off with a bang by taking part in the event which attracted nearly 350 people raising £1,500 on the day alone for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 5km race was won by British international athlete Chris Davies, from Telford Athletic Club, in a time of 15mins 39secs.
Robin Sedman-Smith finished in second in 16.54 with Tom Buckley third in 17.09. The first female home was fifth placed Claire Martin in a time of 17.24.
Macmillan Cancer’s Clare Nestor said more money will come in over the next few days, adding she expects the event to be a record breaker beating last year’s £3,000 total.
She said: “I think we had one of the largest amounts of people entering the event and it is was the highest standard of running we have ever seen.
“The weather was icy but very nice and there was a fantastic family atmosphere with plenty of kids taking part in the fun run.
“Around £1,500 was raised on the day alone so once we have the additional sponsorship money in we hope it will be a record breaking year.
“We would like to give a big thank you to everyone who helped including the sponsors Ultrasport, the The Phez in Newport and also Alan Smallman who has been a great fundraiser and supporter for many years.
“Local band, Airbag, also performed throughout both of the runs and helped to keep the spirit alive.”
The day kicked off at 12noon with the 5km run followed by the 2.5km fun run at 1pm.
Co-organiser from Ultrasport Ian Kevan said: “We have had so many complements about the race and people have even been saying they will send out the entry form in their Christmas cards next year.
“We had wonderful sunshine and there was also great support from the local running clubs who helped with recording the times and distributing bags at the finish line.
“It was another great event and Newport Running Club who helped with the organising are constantly growing in popularity.
Newport Advertiser Deputy Editor Alex James said the event was a huge success, and it also helped to settle an office wager.
He said: “As always the event was very well organised and there was great community atmosphere.
“Myself and the two reporters Sam and Sean ran our own Advertiser race within the 5km run with the loser donating £50 to Macmillan. It will be Sean will be making the trip to the cash point and adding to the ever growing total.”
A full report and plenty of pictures is available in this week’s Advertiser.For the complete January Jog results, compiled by Newport Running Club, click here
