Runners are getting ready to pound the pavement at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon1
The 13.1-mile challenge will see thousands of people take to the streets for the 14th edition of the race. So as we count down to the big race day, here’s all the information you need – whether you’re a runner or will be cheering on the crowds.
Sit back and take a virtual tour of the Cardiff Half Marathon Route:
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What time will it start?
The Cardiff Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 2 and the race will begin at 10am. Organisers say the wheelchair race will start at 9.50am and both races will begin on Castle Street.
They are urging participants to allow plenty of time to get to the start line as late starters will not be permitted to take part. The race will be staggered to ensure that all runners cross the start line as safely as possible. Colours are as follows:
Sub 1:45 – White
Sub 2.00 – Green
Sub 2:15 – Red
Running Over 2:15+ – Yellow
What’s the route?
Cardiff University, Cardiff Half Marathon Route 2016
The route takes runners past the capital s most iconic landmarks with beautiful scenery and historic buildings. The predominately flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and elites.
The race starts outside Cardiff Castle and runners then head down past Cardiff City Stadium on the way to Penarth. They take in the glorious Penarth Marina before crossing the barrage and heading to Cardiff Bay. Runners run right through the heart of the bay taking in the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre. The course then heads towards the north of the city and runners will 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 leave my baggage?
The baggage tents will be open at 8.30am. They are located on Museum Avenue and in the museum car park near the Runners Village. All runners are allowed to deposit one bag which must display your baggage label, which is a tear-off strip on the bottom of your race number. Please attach the label before your arrival. Bags can be collected after the race upon receipt of your runner number.
Only runners and staff will have access to this area which will be manned by security staff who may ask to check your bags.
Cardiff Half Marathon 2016
What if I forget to pick it up afterwards?
Items not collected after baggage closure will be held at the Event Information tent in the Runners Village. The following day they will be taken to the Run 4 Wales offices.
Where is the Runners’ Village?
The village will be set up on the lawns and car park outside City Hall.
What do I need at the start?
In your pack you will find a timing chip and your running number. The chip will contain your running number and will allow friends and family to track your progress. Also ensure your running number is pinned to the front of your top and that you’ve filled in the emergency contact details on the back.
Are there toilets on the route and at the start?
There are toilets at the Runners’ Village and on the way to the start, including on King Edward V11 Avenue, outside the Law Courts, on Boulevard de Nantes, and near the starting pens
There are several toilet stops on the course within the first mile. Don’t be tempted to urinate in the street – this will result in disqualification and a ban from the event in future.
Will there be drinks available on the way round?
Brecon Carreg water will be available to runners around the course at four drinks stations and also at the finish. A High5 Energy Gel will also be provided at Water Station 2 in Cardiff Bay. A Lucozade drink will also be provided along the course.
It is not recommended that you use a gel on race day without prior use or experience.
Where can I park on race day?
A park and walk facility will be provided at the Cardiff City Football Stadium car park on Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ but organisers are encouraging runners to car share or travel by bike.
Will there be road closures?
Yes. There are many roads close in the run up to the event and on the day. Read more here:
These are the road closures for the Cardiff Half Marathon 20163
What about bus diversions?
Yes. You can read all about the different routes here.
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Any other travel advice?
With so many participants and spectators travelling to Cardiff over the race weekend, one of the most reliable, stress-free and cost effective ways to travel to Cardiff and avoid congestion is by travelling by train in advance of race day. If you are planning to travel on race day, please check with your local train provider whether a train allows you enough time to arrive at the race before the start at 10am and be aware that early Sunday morning services can be extremely limited.
Can I dress up?
Yes, anything goes. The organisers like to encourage lots of fancy dress participants to help make the race really fun for spectators, families and runners. But they do ask that runners in bulky costumes let them know before the race.
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Can I run with headphones in?
The organisers advise against running with headphones, as they will be unable to hear marshalls should an emergency vehicle need to makes it way onto the course.
What will the weather be like?
It looks like the sun will be shining for the runners and spectators with temperatures of about 16 C, although it may rain first thing so you might need a waterproof to keep dry.
Where is the best place to watch?
Running 13 miles is a real achievement and the support the runners get is hugely important but luckily there are plenty of places you can catch one or even two glimpses of your loved ones.
1. If you want to catch them again after the start
If you are there giving moral support at the start, and then want to catch them again later head across the city centre and watch them at the end of Lloyd George Avenue as they turn into Tyndall Street. This will be just before they hit the seven mile mark, but you only have to stroll for about half a mile.
2. Catching them on a couple of quieter spots
If you set yourself up on Penarth Road, near the Grangetown station, you will catch them shortly after the start, but far enough in so that they won’t be too bunched up and you may not be able to spot them in the crowd.
3. For a great photo opportunity
Cardiff is a pretty spectacular city, but if you head to Cardiff Bay you will be able to get a great landscape as the runners make their way across the Cardiff Bay Barrage. Lots of runners and a nice sea view, but it will be a bit like Where’s Wally trying to sport your loved one.
4. For a great individual photo opportunity
Head for between the five and six mile point, as the runners make their way through Cardiff Bay, which will offer the Norwegian Church, The Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre to have in the background.
5. One spot, two viewings
If you plant yourself at end of Ninian Road you will be able to watch them as they start and finish their lap of Roath Park Lake. Plus this is near the end and they will going slower, easier to take a snap of them!
6. Start, halfway and the finish
If you want to see your runner start the race and finish and would like to catch them somewhere in between then you are in luck. The organisers have the route heading back past town between the seven and eight mile marks. So, you wave them off by the castle, head across the city to West Grove or Richmond Road, and after you have given your moral support, you can head back across town to the finish line.
Where will I get my commemorative T-shirt?
All runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt when they finish the race. There will be four sizes available (small, medium, large and extra large), so listen to organisers to ensure you get a T-shirt that fits.
Where can I eat after?
The organisers have arranged deals with a number of venues in the city centre that offer discounts for competitors. There is 10% off at The Grazing Shed4 and 30% at Mission Burrito. Go the official website www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk5 for more details.
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References
- ^ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/all-about/cardiff-half-marathon (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^