Hundreds turn out for annual Newport charity run

Competitors of all ages laced up their running shoes for the seventh January Jog at Newport's Shuker Field yesterday.

The Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser has grown considerably since its inception.

Yesterday just over 450 people took part in the two races, 2.5km and 5km, raising a little over £3,500.

Though the number of runners was down on previous years, the amount raised on the day was about £500 up on last year.

Organisers are hoping more money will continue to come in over the coming days, taking the total past the £4,000 mark.

That would take the overall amount raised by the January Jog past £30,000.

Ian Kevan, one of the organisers, said he was delighted with the success and growth of the fun run.

He said: "The atmosphere was fantastic and the weather just about held off for us.

"Lots of people said they were very impressed with the set-up.

"The course was muddy in parts but that is always going to be the case in January and it's all part of the fun.

"We had people in their 70s right down to children aged four or five."

The winner of the 5km was Telford AC's Wayne Dashper, who beat Newport and District Running Club member Robin Sedman-Smith over the final 10 metres.

Claire Martin, of Telford AC, won the women's section.

Dozens of people turned out to watch the races and there was music from Newport band Airbag as well as food provided by Nova United Football Club.

Another of the organisers, Alan Smallman, who is 81 tomorrow, said: "It's a great start to the year for Macmillan. They will be able to do a lot of good work with that money.

"People can still donate if they would like to boost the total even further.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to Ian Kevan and Paul Quinn for organising the event. It was brilliant."

There were prizes for the first 20 males and females over the line in the 5km race and the first 20 boys and girls in the 2.5km.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/macmillanjanuaryjog2014