ASSOCIATED British Ports (ABP) has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Barry Island 10K.

The summertime race proved a hit on its debut last year when more than 3,000 runners descended on the seaside resort.

ABP will be supporting every runner when the event returns on Sunday, August 4.

The South Wales ports operator has been has been at the heart of a new generation of distance running in Wales as headline sponsors of the ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K, but their backing goes further than race day.

ABP, who have operated the Barry Docks for the last 38 years, are giving something back to the local community.

Primary School children from Barry were given the opportunity to leave their mark on their hometown by naming one of ABP’s brand new super cranes at one of their five locations in Wales.

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said: “ABP have shown their commitment to running in Wales by throwing their weight behind the first two years of the ABP Newport Wales Marathon and we are delighted to have them on board for the Barry Island 10K.

“The docks and the Island are two of the town’s most famous locations making this the perfect partnership as we look ahead to what promises to be another unforgettable event on August 4.

“It’s fantastic to see a title sponsor engaging with the local community they have had such an influence on in recent years to help encourage healthy lifestyles for children in Barry.”

To unveil the new partnership, a giant ABP logo will be drawn in the sand at Whitmore Bay on Saturday morning (June 15).

The first eagle-eyed runners to spot the design will be rewarded with free spaces to the race and an exclusive goody bag containing a fitness gadget, courtesy of the new title sponsor.

ABP South Wales director, Andrew Harston said: “We are delighted to be playing such a pivotal supporting role in what is set to be another major event for the town of Barry and its sporting heritage.

"At its core, the ABP Barry Island 10K will bring together people and communities from across Wales and the UK, and we are thrilled to be supporting this exciting event that made a fantastic impact in its inaugural year.”

Entries are still available for the 2019 event.

Sign up via barryisland10k.co.uk/register