The UK’s leading mental health charity, Mind, alongside local charity Mind in Gwent, have announced they will become the lead charity partner of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival.
Both charities work to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone, and it’s through incredible fundraisers and donations that it’s able to help.
While Mind provides support and campaigns for mental health across England and Wales, Mind in Gwent focusses on working in providing support specifically within the communities across Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
Together they have joined forces to partner with the ABP Newport Marathon Festival for the next three years.
The charity has a number of spaces available across the marathon, half and 10K races for runners who want to take part and not only fundraise for them, but also raise awareness of the work that they do.
These spaces are discounted when runners pledge to raise a minimum amount.
For the marathon, entry will cost £10 with runners needing to raise £500. The half will also cost £10 to enter with those taking part pledging to raise £350 and the 10K race will cost £6 for Mind runners who agree to raise £250.
Joanne Jeffreys, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Mind in Gwent, said: “Mind in Gwent is thrilled to be partnering with Mind and Run 4 Wales for the 2025 Newport Marathon Festival. The festival is a highlight in the Newport calendar each spring, bringing thousands of participants and spectators to our city, along with an electric atmosphere.
“We have been part of the Newport community for over 45 years and are excited to be such a key part of this incredible event. We are proud to be the headline charity sponsor alongside Mind. We are working together to raise awareness of mental health and providing support to those who need us.
“Physical activity, especially outdoors, has a number of benefits on mental wellbeing, and we hope all the participants and spectators feel the positive impact of this. Funds raised from this event will go towards Mind and Mind in Gwent providing vital mental health support and services to people, at a time when the demand is higher than ever.”
The ABP Newport Marathon Festival takes place on Sunday 13 April. The event was expanded into an exciting festival of running last year with the half marathon distance added in for the first time.
The marathon course is also one of the flattest in Europe with more than 70% of finishers claiming a PB.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers, Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re so pleased that Mind and Mind in Gwent are joining us at the ABP Newport Marathon Festival as lead charity partner.
“Mental health conditions can impact anyone at any time and is why the work that Mind does is so important.
“There are several spaces to join the amazing team of Mind runners in next year’s event to not only raise vital funds for the charity but raise awareness of mental health conditions and the work that Mind does.”