Cardiff University And Cardiff Half Marathon In It For The Long Run

Cardiff University has pledged its continued support as title sponsor of the Cardiff Half Marathon a year on from the unforgettable IAAF Cardiff University/World Half Marathon Championships 2016.

Wales’ leading university, located in the heart of the capital city, has committed for three more years to remain as title sponsor until at least 2020 of the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon.

The eyes of the world were on the Welsh capital a year ago as Geoffrey Kamworor held-off the challenge of Sir Mo Farah to claim the Cardiff University/World Half Marathon Championships gold medal and over 16,000 mass participation runners experienced “running in the footsteps of champions.”

Cardiff University were at the forefront again seven months later when they first came on board as title sponsor of the 2017 Cardiff Half Marathon where a record 25,073 people registered to be part of race weekend.

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, Matt Newman commented: “Our partnership with Cardiff University has flourished since last year’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and the 2017 Cardiff Half Marathon and we look forward to taking this partnership forward until at least 2020.

“Cardiff University is one of Wales’ most recognisable institutions and is known around around the world for its ground-breaking research into health and this new partnership will provide an exciting range of opportunities for both parties.

“At Run 4 Wales we have a strong commitment to helping improve the health and well-being of the nation, as well as engaging and giving back to the local community and Cardiff University are the ideal partner to help us grow in these areas.”

Cardiff University is utilising its relationship with the UK’s 2nd largest half marathon, to support its ongoing research into health by encouraging students, staff and alumni members to raise funds for key University health research. Over 300 free running spaces will be distributed to runners who pledge to raise money for this cause.

All of the funds raised by the University’s #TeamCardiff runners will go towards research into cancer and neuroscience & mental health.

Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “It’s great news to be able to announce our continued support of the second biggest race of its kind in the UK.

“The Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon is a major event in the Welsh sporting calendar and a great motivator for people to adopt healthier lifestyles.

“It complements the University’s agenda because public health is a major part of our work and something that we take extremely seriously.

“We are the main provider of medical and healthcare training in Wales and our researchers are helping tackle global health challenges, an area that our involvement in the race directly supports.

“If you’re thinking of taking part in the event in 2017, please consider running as part of #TeamCardiff and raising funds for the University’s research into cancer and neuroscience & mental health.”

The 15th instalment of the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon has grown to become the second largest half marathon in the United Kingdom. The race is sponsored by Cardiff University and supported by strategic partners Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council and Welsh Athletics.

There is still time to sign up for this year’s race on Sunday 1st October, visit our website www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk to register and find out more.