Dust off your running shoes because the Butetown Mile is back for another year. The unique annual Cardiff race, which is one of only three straight one-mile road races held worldwide, began in the 1980s as a way of bringing the community together.
However, by the 1990s the event sadly lost its momentum and the number of participants declined. Thankfully in 2013 it was revived and in the following years it's seen runners of all abilities work up a sweat.
Though it started as a community event, today the race sees participants from all across Cardiff. There's not long to go now before the big day, which will mark the 10-year anniversary of the re-booted race. Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Butetown Mile.
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What is it?
As its name suggests, Butetown Mile is a one-mile run (or jog, or walk) in Butetown, Cardiff. Remarkably, it is one of the only locations in the world that hosts a straight-road, one-mile course - the others being Fifth Avenue in New York and the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
The route is from the top of Bute Street (next to Callaghan Square) all the way to Cardiff Bay. The only turn runners will need to make is to get to the finish line on Bute Place, behind the Millennium Centre. As the course is straight, it's a great opportunity for participants to strive for a personal best over one mile.
There are two race categories, catering to all ages and abilities. The first is the elite race, for runners who want to take on the challenge of running a mile in under seven minutes. This competition is open for over 18s only and is held under Welsh Athletics regulations. The all-time Butetown Mile record is 3.58.3, set by Welsh marathon runner Steve Jones.
The second is the fun run, open to everybody - and you can take part in a wheelchair or with a pushchair. The Butetown Mile is being sponsored by Cardiff and Vale College, Arup, United Welsh, Clare Foods and Cardiff University.
When is it?
This year the race will take place on Sunday, July 9. The elite race will begin at 9am and the fun run will start at 9.20am
Can I still enter?
Registration has now closed, but if you don't want to miss out on the fun you can go along as a spectator. The organisers are also looking for volunteers available on the morning of July 9 - if you'd like to get involved, email butetownmile@gmail.com.
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