Cardiff University at the Heart of New Medal Design
The 2017 Cardiff University/ Cardiff Half Marathon finishers’ medal will celebrate the partnership between Wales’ largest mass-participation event and the nation’s leading academic institution.
Cardiff University will continue as title sponsor until at least 2020 after committing for a further three years. A total 25,000 runners are aiming to cross the finish line on October 1st, where they will receive a brand new commemorative medal honouring the working relationship.
The Main Building, constructed almost 100 years ago, sits in the heart of the city centre and is central to the new design. The embossed medal will be awarded to every finisher after they take on the flat, fast, iconic course at the biggest Cardiff Half ever.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, commented: “Our partnership with Cardiff University has flourished since last year’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and the 2016 Cardiff Half Marathon and we’re delighted to continue the relationship until at least 2020.
“Cardiff University is Wales’ leading education institution and is known around around the world for its ground-breaking research and student experience. The Cardiff Half is Wales’ largest mass-participation event and our partnership with the country’s leading University will only help the event get bigger and better.
“At Run 4 Wales we have a strong commitment to helping improve the health and well-being of the nation, as well as engaging and giving back to the local community and Cardiff University are the ideal partner to help us grow in these areas.”
Located in the centre of capital city, the University first partnered with the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in March 2016 before joining forces with event organisers Run4Wales seven months later at the annual Cardiff Half Marathon.
Cardiff University is utilising its relationship with the UK’s 2nd largest half marathon, to support its ongoing research into health by encouraging students, staff and alumni members to raise funds for key University health research. More than 300 free running spaces have been distributed to runners who pledge to raise money for this cause.
All of the funds raised by the University’s #TeamCardiff runners will go towards research into cancer and neuroscience & mental health.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said: “We are delighted to continue our involvement in this extremely popular event which plays such an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle to our communities.
“The training and commitment required to secure a finishers’ medal is enormous so we’re proud that an image of our Main Building will be on the medals worn by runners to mark their achievement.
“Main Building is the heart of the University and is a city landmark loved by students, staff and citizens alike.”
The race takes place on Sunday 1st October, and has completely sold out. For more information on getting involved as a spectator or volunteer, visit cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk.
