Free half marathon places
26 January 2017
Cardiff University is again offering free spaces for one of the UK’s biggest half marathons to support its vital research.
Runners must pledge to raise funds for key University health research to qualify for the limited free places in the 2017 Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon on 1 October.
All 100% of the funds raised by the University’s #TeamCardiff runners will go towards research into cancer and neuroscience & mental health.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “Last year I was an official race starter and saw for myself the incredible atmosphere that accompanies what is now the second biggest race of its kind in the UK.
“If you’re thinking of taking part in 2017, please consider raising funds for the University’s vital research into cancer and neuroscience & mental health..."
“Our researchers are at the forefront of these global health challenges so your contribution could make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Some 200 members of the public, University staff, students and alumni ran last year as part of #TeamCardiff. Runners must pledge to raise at least £150, or £100 for students.
More than 500 people have already registered an interest to run for #TeamCardiff in 2017 so the free spaces will fill up fast.
The University’s partnership with the Cardiff Half builds upon its title sponsorship of last year’s event and the IAAF World Half Marathon in Cardiff last March, in which thousands of runners followed in the footsteps of 200 elite athletes, including double Olympic champion Mo Farah.
More than 17,000 runners crossed the start line of the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon in 2016, making it the second biggest half marathon in the UK behind the Great North Run.
Meanwhile, the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon has officially been recognised as one of the leading road races in the world by the IAAF.
The race has become the only UK road race to be awarded a prestigious Silver Label, putting it behind only the London Marathon, which has a Gold Label.
Each year the IAAF – the world governing body of athletics – awards Gold, Silver and Bronze Labels to leading road races around the globe.
You can find out more about #TeamCardiff at Y Plas at the Students’ Union, Park Place, between 1730 and 1930 on 26 January. Alternatively you can register your interest using this link.