OVER 17,000 people took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday (Oct 2), with records tumbling everywhere.
There were two new course records in the elite races with runners from Llanelli, Carmarthen and Swansea among those behind.
Runners were treated to near-perfect conditions, with glorious sunshine and only light winds, as they attempted to complete the fast and flat course around Cardiff.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive of organisers Run 4 Wales, commented: “It’s been another inspirational day, from the elite races and the two new course records to the mass race where more people took part than ever before.
“Once again we were blessed with fantastic weather and it was great to see so many tens of thousands of people out on the streets to support the runners.
“The exposure of live television coverage provides a huge boost to the race and also to the city, as people all over the UK and beyond get to see Cardiff at its very best.
“We strive to improve the event year-on-year and we are proud that all of the hard work has paid off and many thousands of people have enjoyed such a wonderful day.”
Olympic gold medal winner Owain Doull and two-time Paralympic gold medalist Aled Sion Davies started the race alongside Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of new title sponsors Cardiff University.
A whopping 17,110 crossed the start-line – a new event record – with several famous faces among them.
Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas had his 100 ‘Alfie’s Angels’ across the start-line. They are being featured as part of the second series of the hit BBC Wales television show Gareth Thomas: Alfie’s Angels.
The former international rugby star said: “The start was bit exciting for the girls and a few of them got a bit carried away and went off a bit quicker than they should have.
“But whatever happened, I was determined to get them all over the finish line.”
Among Alfie’s Angels was actress and star of Torchwood Eve Miles. She said: “It was the thought of fish and chips at the end that got me through it!”.
The event was once again supported by Arriva Trains Wales, Brooks Running (who provide the unique finishers t-shirts) and Brecon Carreg – the official water. Aldi UK partnered the event for the first time this year, providing each runner with a banana and chocolate bar at the finish line.
If you’ve been inspired by this year’s race, you can now sign up for next year’s event.
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