#ChooseYou Campaign Launched To Mark Long Awaited Return of Cardiff Half!
We are delighted to confirm the return of the Cardiff University Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 27 March. It will be the largest mass participation event to take place in Wales since before the pandemic, returning after a 903-day delay. It last took place in October 2019.
To commemorate the long-awaited return, we’ve teamed up with Cardiff University to launch the #ChooseYou campaign which will encourage people to be the best version of themselves, reflecting on the importance of looking after yourself and others, both mentally and physically.
It’s been inspired by an award-winning, dedicated team of experts from the University and will focus on self-care through the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ all relevant to running and the journey to the Cardiff Half start line – Support, Nutrition & Rest, Exercise, Socialising and Mindfulness.
Following the easing of restrictions on outdoor events, the race, which will be delivered as a ‘Breathable Event’ with a number of protective measures in place – will provide a great event-day experience with a focus on personal responsibility and safety.
Professor Damian Walford Davies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff University said: ‘The pandemic has taken its toll on us all, each in different ways. One thing that many of us have come to realise as never before is the importance of looking after our own mental and physical health.’
‘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 at the University. The race provides an important vehicle and motivation for runners to improve their health and wellbeing and we’re wishing everyone, whatever their reason for running a fantastic race day.’
Matt Newman, R4W Chief Executive commented: ‘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.’
‘An edition will take place as usual on Sunday 2 October and the rescheduled 2020 event will be delivered on Sunday 27 March. Ahead of the March event, the #ChooseYou campaign will reflect on the importance of looking after yourself and others, celebrating not only how you nourish your own body and soul, but how you support others. The Cardiff Half, we believe, is central to that.’
‘The race has become one of Wales’ most iconic sporting events, and its return will be a real celebration. The #ChooseYou campaign will be a part of that celebration, shining a spotlight on the health, wellbeing and social impact benefits of the event.’
‘Delivering the race as a ‘Breathable Event’ will help to protect the health and safety of participants, event staff, volunteers and the wider public’.
Runners can follow the #ChooseYou campaign in the build up to the event and can look forward to insightful content, hints, tips and partner offers related to the five ways to wellbeing – Support, Nutrition & Rest, Exercise, Socialising & Mindfulness.
The campaign will also see the return of the ‘CHM 100 Club’ – an initiative that offers free spaces to runners who can use the event as a vehicle to improve their physical and mental health. For 2022, fifty pairs of runners will be recruited – inspiring people from around Wales who are supporting each other to the Cardiff Half start line. Details on how to get involved will be released in the coming days.
More information on the COVID safety measures that will be in place can be found here.
Additional space will be created throughout the event venue to allow runners to create space between themselves and others, the wearing of face coverings and enhanced hand hygiene will be encouraged and competitors will be advised to take a lateral flow test 24 hours before attending.
