Colin Jackson offers expert advice to Grangetown's amateur IAAF World Half Marathon runners

On Saturday 30th January 2016 amateur runners from Grangetown had the opportunity to receive training tips from Welsh athletics star Colin Jackson on how to successfully complete a half marathon.

The novice runners were put through their paces at an event in Cardiff at the Talybont Sports Training Village and will all face their first challenge at the IAAF World Half Marathon in March. The aim of the event was to motivate people who may have previously found it hard to access or afford athletics to use sport to improve their health and wellbeing.

Community Gateway, one of Cardiff University's five flagship engagement projects, has provided 50 Grangetown residents with free places to take part in the World Half Marathon in a bid to encourage a healthy and active community.

Ali Abdi from Grangetown attended the event:   

"I had a great time meeting with other ABW500 (Athletics for a Better World) members who like me are not experienced runners and looking at the IAAF Cardiff World Half Marathon as a kick start to keeping physically fit and healthy. The morning started with an inspirational and motivational talk from Colin Jackson, followed by some questions and answers and a 40 minute jog as a group. The event gave me an idea of what the actual day of the marathon will be like but on a much smaller scale and has given me lots of encouragement to continue my training and finish the race."

Community Gateway and Cardiff University are currently supporting the runners with a full training programme and access to support groups and training networks.