A series of runs are to be held along the Newtown bypass later this year before the road opens early next year.
MyNewtown can reveal that contractors Alun Griffiths Contractors and the Welsh Government have given the thumbs up to the 5k elite and charity runs.
It follows requests and offers of support from local charities, according to Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George.
Alun Griffiths Contractors, who were also keen on the idea of holding an event, met with Mr George and local charities earlier this year and have now agreed to stage a number of charity runs along the route of the new bypass before it opens to the public.
On Sunday, 21 October, an elite 5k run will begin at 9.30am followed by an amateur/club run at 11am. Then, in the afternoon, a fun walk/run for families will take place from 1pm onwards.
There will be an entry fee of £10.00 with the money going to a national charity which is yet to be decided. People will also be able to raise money for their own chosen charities.
There will also be an exhibition of the scheme for people to view, staff will be available to answer questions and there will also be some hands-on activities for children.
Responding to the news, Mr George said: "I think it is a fantastic idea to hold a series of charity runs along the route of the Newtown Bypass before it opens to the public.
"One of my constituents, Sian Knowles, who runs with various groups contacted me with the suggestion, and I, in turn, raised the ideas with the Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, who responded positively to the idea.
"The scheme developers, Alun Griffiths Contractors, had said they were always keen to hold such an event, and have worked hard to pull this together.
"It is a great opportunity to eventually mark the completion of the project and declare it open while raising money for local good causes.
"The development of the bypass could also encourage other local walking, running and cycle routes to be established in the area, I’m very much looking forward to competing in the event myself, but need to step up training for it."
Newtown South County Councillor, Neil Morrison, who himself has taken part in a number of local charity runs said: "As well as marking the opening of the Bypass, I see this idea as a great opportunity to promote physical activity too, especially with the recent announcement that Newtown has been successful in gaining funding for a new bridge dedicated to walking and cycling.
"I look forward to taking part in the event myself alongside other residents to christen the opening of the Newtown Bypass, which is a hugely important project for the Newtown and the wider Mid Wales region."
Photo: Newtown bypass CGI courtesy of Alun Griffiths Contractors
