23-03-2025
Miss Wales finalist, 19, to run half marathon to inspire young girls
A 19-year-old Miss Wales finalist is set to run a half marathon to inspire young girls.
Xantia Hobrough, from Sully, will take on the ABP Newport Half Marathon on April 13 with her dad, Mark, as part of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival.
The veterinary medicine student at Bristol University aims to motivate young girls to achieve their potential.
Miss Hobrough said: "I really enjoy running with my dad.
"We've run three half marathons together already, and we decided to do the ABP Newport Half as my dad works for Gwent Police and he wanted to support the area, and the Miss Wales Final is also being held in Newport."
She will be raising money for 'Beauty with a Purpose', a charity that helps women set up projects worldwide to aid both people and animals.
Miss Hobrough added: "I also want to be a role model and inspire young girls who look up to Miss Wales and all those who are interested in pageantry, to show them that you can achieve anything you set your mind to."
Miss Hobrough has her sights set on becoming a veterinary surgeon and is in her first year of study at Bristol University.
She took a year out to spend three months volunteering in Africa, working in a cheetah sanctuary, and several weeks in marine conservation, collecting data on sharks and working with penguins.
She also has a black belt in taekwondo, winning the British Championships in 2022, and has taken part in the 2023 Commonwealth Championships for surf lifesaving.
Miss Hobrough said: "I'm really excited for the Miss Wales Final in May.
"There will be four rounds including an interview, a red dress round, an evening wear round and then if I make it into the top five there will be an onstage question."
Matt Newman, chief executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, said: "We're looking forward to seeing Xantia and her dad Mark take on the ABP Newport Half Marathon for a fantastic cause, and we can't wait to see how she gets on in the Miss Wales Final."
