We’re so lucky in Wales to be blessed with so many fantastic, scenic and challenging running events and being able to see the stories and achievements that come from them. Without doubt, one of the highlights in the calendar of these events is the Cardiff Half Marathon, an event that since forming twenty years ago has grown to be one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. There was a fantastic attendance from members of our Social Running Groups.
Read the report below to see the highlights of the day, with group members involved in a range of ways including running, pacing, volunteering and live-streaming!
We were thrilled to see and hear about so many group members making up the twenty thousand strong field that gathered at the start line on Sunday morning. We’d been able to chat to some members at our bag drop tent in the event village and there was no lack of anticipation nor enthusiasm. Some were seasoned participants of the event, some were new to it, but among all there was no lack of anticipation.
Among the groups in attendance were She Runs: Cardiff, a female only group with members from throughout the city. Those from the 20 strong group participating were able to spot the friendly faces of their fellow members as they oversaw a water station. Two of their run leaders also helped out with pacing duties.
Also as ever-present were Albany Road Run Club, who were able to live stream the event from their familiar base at the nine-mile mark. Present from the first wheelchair to the last walkers, they allowed so many an opportunity to see their friends and family in action.
Members of Cwmbran’s Easy Pacers, along with familiar faces from Whitchurch Run completed the line-up from more locally based groups.
From further afar, we were pleased to see the familiar faces of the Mon Milers. They were accompanied by the Asthma + Lung UK fundraisers as well as Run Wales’ very own Josie.
They were joined on the start line by members of Rhedeg Siwan Elenid, who had made the journey from Bala to take part.
Nearly 10 members of Monmouth Rock up and Run had a great run, as did Naz and guide-runner Mark from Chargers Running Club, who you may recognise from our earlier posts.
Undy & Redwick Roadrunners were present and counting. A most notable presence was Crazy Al, who’s 31 Half-Marathon challenge reached its conclusion. We offer him our congratulations and will be catching up with his story soon.
We were also excited to meet up with members of a new social running group in St Asaph, North Wales. Be on the lookout soon for all the details as we welcome the St Asaph City Striders to the Run Wales community.
Thank you to all of the Clwb Run Wales members that used our popular bag drop service. We look forward to more opportunities to meet members of the Clwb and our social running groups at future events across Wales!
Finally, whether it was your first time or your twentieth time, we wish you a hearty congratulations for your race completion. Wear your crimson shirts with pride and all the best for your recovery!