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Frequently asked questions
Cwestiynau cyffredin
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. We realise that athletes have lots of questions and comments, which may not be answered below. If this is the case please contact us.
- Why are the race finishing times taken from the gun and not from the chip?
- How far is a half marathon?
- Can I walk part of the way?
- What happens if I cannot finish the race?
- How old must I be to compete?
- Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?
- How much does it cost to register?
- Can I run in fancy dress?
- Can I raise money for any charity I choose?
- Do I have to raise money for a charity or good cause?
- I don’t live in Cardiff and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?
- What do I get for my money?
- Where can I find more information?
- How can I help with the event if I’m not running?
Q. Why are the race finishing times taken from the gun and not from the chip?
A. Official rankings are taken from gun times because the event is a race. As such all competitors must run the same course under the same conditions. This means all participants must start at the same time, thus experiencing the same weather and environmental conditions.
If chip times were used it would be a time trial. Participants would be able to start whenever they wished. Someone who started 1 hr later would potentially have better weather conditions and might have less people around them, which may provide an unfair advantage.
Q. How far is a half marathon?
A. The half marathon is 13.1 miles or in metric 21.1km
Q. Can I walk part of the way?
A. Yes. Please note that the roads will reopen at 12 noon, three hours after the start of the race. Anyone still taking part in the event will be able to complete the race, though please bear in mind that you will have to walk and run on the pavements. Please be careful of pedestrians.
We may also need to take down the gantry in the early afternoon. Those crossing the finishing line after the gantry is taken down will have their medals sent to them in the post.
Q. What happens if I cannot finish the race?
A. We will have medical points along the route. If you are just too tired we will have vehicles to get you back to the start/finish area.
Q. How old must I be to compete?
A. The minimum age is 17 yrs of age on the day of the race.
Q. Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?
A. Yes, each runner will be able to store one bag. The exact location of the bag storage facilities will be printed in the event handbook, which will be sent to you in your runners pack. Please do not leave valuables in your bag as we are unable to accept liability for any lost or stolen items.
Q. How much does it cost to register?
A. The registration fee for runners that are not affiliated with a running club is £31, or £29 if you register before 31 December 2011. For runners affiliated with a running club it’s £29, or £27 if you register before 31 December 2011.
A. Yes, we like to encourage lots of fancy dress participants – they help make the race really fun for spectators, families and runners. Please let us know if your costume is bulky.
Q. Can I raise money for any charity I choose?
A. Yes. Please contact your chosen charity to obtain sponsor forms and support.
Q. Do I have to raise money for a charity or good cause?
A. No, it is not compulsory – it is entirely up to you.
Q. I don’t live in Cardiff and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?
A. No. The course will be marshalled throughout.
Q. What do I get for my money?
A. You’ll get a fantastic, well organised race with good facilities and a variety of freebies. See what’s included in your registration fee.
Q. Where can I find more information?
A. All competitors are encouraged to keep checking this web site as new information will be added continually until race day. If you still cannot get an answer to your question please contact us.
Q. How can I help with the event if I’m not running?
A. Thank you for your interest. The race relies on volunteers acting as stewards and giving out drinks and medals every year. If you’re not running it’s a great way to ensure the event is a success and helps raise lots of money for charities to continue doing their vital work. If you’re a student it’s also great experience to put on your CV and a fun thing to do with friends. To find out more please email cardiffhalfmarathon@barnardos.org.uk or call 029 2043 6236