OUR 10 FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT CARDIFF HALF
The 2016 Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon is set to attract record numbers to the streets of the Welsh capital on Sunday 2nd October. The recent IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships showed Cardiff to the world and as a result we’ve seen an unprecedented level of interest in this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon. First timers and seasoned competitors alike love the Cardiff Half, so let’s look at the top 10 reasons why everyone loves to #RunTheDiff:
1) THE ICONIC CARDIFF CASTLE START LINE
Cardiff’s iconic castle is the backdrop to the race start – not bad eh? The medieval castle dates back to the late 11th century. Our staggered starts means every start wave can enjoy the atmosphere, excitement and suspense of a gun start just outside the doors to the castle.
2) COURSE ENTERTAINMENT & RACE VILLAGE
There’s plenty going on at the Cardiff Half Marathon, with a range of family activities and entertainment in the race village and over 13 bands and performers playing around the route.
3) AN ICONIC MEDAL FOR YOUR COLLECTION
Runners return every year to add the latest addition Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon finishers medal to their collection. Each year, the design features an iconic Cardiff landmark. In the past we’ve had City Hall, the Wales Millennium Centre, the Roath Park Lake clock tower, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff Castle.
4) A FLAT, FAST AND ICONIC COURSE
Cardiff is a pretty special place – with historic buildings, an iconic bay area and vibrant city centre. The Cardiff Half course shows the city in all its glory and gives runners every opportunity to achieve a PB – with a flat and fast course.
5) THE WARM WELSH WELCOME
Cardiff is always buzzing on race weekend. The bars and restaurants of Cardiff are great for keeping the party going post race if you’re looking to celebrate your achievement in style, but there’s always a tremendous amount of support during the race too – with 50,000 spectators lining the route.
6) THE BROOKS RUNNING TECHNICAL FINISHERS T-SHIRT
Our sportswear partner Brooks Running provide each runner with an exclusive branded technical t-shirt – the perfect momento to celebrate finishing the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon!
7) THE HILL ON FAIROAK ROAD
We boast a flat and fast course, with one notable exception. The small hill at Fairoak Road at Mile 12 may not be the most welcome so late on in the race – but our mile marker at mile 12 is bound to put a smile on your face.
8) RUNNING THROUGH CARDIFF BAY
The route passes through beautiful Cardiff Bay. It’s home to some of the city’s most well-known landmarks such as the Wales Millennium Centre, Welsh Assembly, Pierhead Building and BBC Studios. Doctor Who fans should keep a beady eye out for Dalek’s as they pass the Doctor Who Experience after mile 5!
9) PASSING ROATH LAKE
Runners take in the Roath Park Lake between miles 10 and 12, a 30 acre-lake in one of Cardiff’s most popular Victorian parks.
10) RUNNING PAST THREE ICONIC STADIUMS
The Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon passes not one, but three stadiums. Near the start line you’ll find the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park – home to the Cardiff Blues. After mile one you’ll also pass the Cardiff City Stadium!
