The Cardiff Half Marathon is finally making its return this weekend, over 900 days since its last event in October 2019. The huge event, which is sponsored by Cardiff University, will see thousands of people walk, jog or run 13.1 miles around the capital, challenging themselves and raising funds for local, national and international charities and community organisations.
The race, which will take place on Sunday, March 27, will be the largest mass-participation event to take place in Wales since before the coronavirus pandemic. It is one of two half marathons taking place in the city in 2022 after the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled. You can read more about this year's event here.
The course has always been predominantly flat, so the event draws an eclectic mix of first-time runners and professionals. Back in 2018, 25,000 people took part in the event and runners raised more than £3 million for a number of charities. While the event is open to all, previous well-known participants include Team GB's most decorated track Olympian Mo Farah, Paralympic champion Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills
Read more: Cardiff Half Marathon 2022: The road closures you need to know about
This year's March half marathon will also be delivered as a 'breathable event', with extensive Covid safety measures in place. A statement on the Cardiff Half Marathon website explains: "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.
"A number of additional measures will be in place to protect the health and safety of participants, event staff, volunteers and the wider public. Our Covid Safety Guide details all of the measures that will be in place to ensure safety and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Attendees are expected to take personal responsibility to help keep everyone safe."
The wheelchair race will start at 9.50am on Saturday, with those in faster pens starting at 10am and others starting at 10.10am. There have also been some changes to this year's route, which takes runners past some of the capital's most iconic landmarks, with ongoing repair work on the Cardiff Bay boardwalk requiring a "slight deviation" to the traditional course. Here's where the route will take runners, as well as the best spots for supporters to watch the action from.
What's the route?
The half marathon starts outside Cardiff Castle around 10am, with runners then heading down past the Principality and Cardiff City Stadiums on the way to Penarth. They will run past Penarth Marina before crossing the iconic Cardiff Bay barrage and heading through the heart of Cardiff Bay, passing the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre as they go.
According to the race organisers, due to the boardwalk maintenance work, the route will now leave Harbour Drive after passing the Norwegian Church, turning right onto Britannia Quay (instead of running down the boardwalk and through the Roald Dahl Plass). It will head down Britannia Quay (with views of Roath Basin) before heading down Bute Place and past the Wales Millennium Centre before rejoining the original route on Lloyd George Avenue.
The course then heads towards the north of the city, with runners passing through Roath. Those taking part will then complete a loop of the beautiful Roath Park Lake before the grandstand finish in the heart of the city at the Civic Centre.
Where can I cheer on the runners?
With thousands of supporters expected to once again line the streets of the capital to cheer on the runners, knowing the best vantage points is essential. The race organisers are one step ahead, however, expanding provision for spectators in recent years, giving them the best chance to catch a glimpse of their loved ones and some world class athletes too.
According to the race website: "The spectator zone on Corbett Road gives spectators a unique opportunity to experience the unrivalled Cardiff Half atmosphere and roaring crowds as runners approach a grandstand finale on King Edward VII Avenue. Tiered standing terraces give spectators a fantastic view of their loved ones over the finish line whilst live music, PA and big screens on King Edward VII Avenue will help you immerse yourself into the race experience.
"You’ll want to head down early to grab yourself the best vantage point. We recommend heading down to Corbett Road and King Edward VII Avenue from 10:15am.
Due to the maintenance work in Cardiff Bay, organisers add: "Spectators should be aware that they should head to the Roath Basin area of Cardiff Bay rather than the Roald Dahl Plass to catch a glimpse of the runners at the halfway mark."
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