The March event is already sold out with only charity places left
CARDIFF Half Marathon is finally set to return for the first time since October 2019, having been cancelled three times previously due to Covid-19.
The popular event, which was launched in 2003, will take place on Sunday March 27, after it was announced as a ‘breathable event’ this week.
Officially, the event is the rescheduled 2020 race, with the 2022 race set to take place as usual on Sunday October 2, depending on the public health situation at the time.
Matt Newman, the Race4Wales Chief Executive said: “It’s been a long wait but we’re so excited that the Cardiff half will be returning to the Welsh capital on two occasions in 2022.
“The race has become one of Wales’ most iconic sporting events, and its return will be a real celebration. Delivering the race as a ‘Breathable Event’ will help to protect the health and safety of participants, event staff, volunteers and the wider public.”
The announcement has not left runners too long to get fit before the big day, although it has not curbed anybody’s enthusiasm.
Peter Coughlin, 49, from Trethomas, is looking forward to this year’s race, having run his first Cardiff Half in 2018, and losing 17 stones throughout his training process to the point where he is now nearer 12 stones: “I thought I would finish last, but I loved all the encouragement.
“I started walking, and then running to get fit. I always ran in the dark when I first started as I was embarrassed at how I looked running. Now I’m proud and encourage anyone of any size or style to enjoy their running.
“It’s great for your mental health and it’s not just about getting that personal best, seeing someone complete a couch to 5k is so good.”
Caitlin Bonning, the on-site manager of ‘Run and Become’, agrees with that sentiment. She has been working at the independent shop dedicated to running on St Mary’s Street, for nearly two years and has seen the sport’s popularity surge.
“People are coming in and saying ‘I’m not a runner’- but you are, you’re running! It’s been really inspirational to see that many newcomers getting involved since the pandemic,” she said.
This year will also see the launch of the #ChooseYou campaign, encouraging people to be the best versions of themselves and others, both mentally and physically.
The scheme, founded in partnership with Cardiff University will focus on self-care through the ‘five ways to well-being’ all relevant to running: Support, Nutrition & Rest, Exercise, Socialising and Mindfulness.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff University, Professor Damian Walford Davies, said: “We are delighted that the event is making a welcome return to our city and that the #ChooseYou campaign will look to highlight the importance of self-care, a major priority for us.
“The race provides an important vehicle and motivation for runners to improve their health and wellbeing.”
The CHM 100 Club is a scheme that offers free places to 50 pairs of runners, with further details on how to win set to be released this week.
Fletch Fletcher, 52, of Tongwynlais, who has run the event every year since its formation, said: “It is so well supported around the route, and the Festival of Running ensures the whole family can get involved. Me and the kids will do the family run the day before.”
This year’s Festival of Running has a new look, with Sunday’s run preceded by three events on Saturday, including:
- Toddler Dash – 11.15am – A 50m dash aimed at children aged three and under
- Future Challengers – 11.30am – A 2k race for club athletes aged between 8 and 17 years old
- Fun Run – 11.45am – A fun 2k race for all the family, with fancy dress encouraged and no pressure to race
Register for any of these events here.
