In the footsteps of champions

University staff, students and alumni will run in the footsteps of champions at this year’s Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon.

The race on Sunday 7 October hosts the inaugural Commonwealth Half Marathon Championships with elite teams from around the globe battling it out ahead of 25,000 runners in the mass race.

The 2018 event celebrates 60 years since the Empire Games – now called the Commonwealth Games – were held in Cardiff.

And Cardiff University is once again partnering with the Cardiff Half Marathon as title sponsor.

Among the runners in the mass race will be the University’s 350-strong #TeamCardiff consisting of staff, students, alumni and members of the public.

Our runners are raising funds for the University’s research into cancer and neuroscience/mental health.

More than £100,000 has been raised by #TeamCardiff over the past two years.

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Holford is one of the race starters alongside Pro Chancellor Baroness Jenny Randerson.

Professor Holford said: “I’d like to thank our #TeamCardiff runners for their dedication during the long months of training and hope that they enjoy their day and complete the course safely.

“I’m extremely proud of the University’s commitment to what is the second biggest half marathon in the UK and one of the city’s most high-profile events.”

This year’s #TeamCardiff includes Professor Rudolf Allemann, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, who is running to raise funds for the University’s cancer research.

Professor Allemann’s wife Lesley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and the treatment she required was only possible through a clinical trial.

Lesley would eventually make a full recovery.

Another runner is Professor Judith Hall, who is running to raise funds for the University’s Phoenix Project, which she leads. The project works with the University of Namibia to reduce poverty, promote health and support sustainable environmental development.

Many other University staff and students will be volunteering in important roles to ensure the big day goes without a hitch. And keep an eye out for our physiotherapists who will be tending to runners before and after the race.

The School of Geography and Planning and Cardiff Business School are again carrying out research examining the travel and spending habits of runners.

The 2017 study suggested that earlier and more frequent public transport on race day, car sharing initiatives and sufficient secure bicycle storage facilities could encourage runners to travel in a more sustainable way.

Race organisers Run 4 Wales used the findings to inform planning of this year’s event.

The 2017 research also revealed that runners spent £2.3m during their visit to Cardiff.

This year’s race is celebrating its 15th anniversary and will be televised live on BBC Wales and on the red button around the UK.

In addition to the main race on the Sunday, a Festival of Running for all ages takes place on Saturday 6 October.

The Cardiff University marquee in the race village hosts a range of fun activities on both days.