100 days to World Half Marathon

Big names show their support for University-sponsored event

Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton and running legend Paula Radcliffe are among the big names throwing their support behind the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships, Cardiff 2016.

Thursday 17 December marks 100 days until the biggest athletics event ever to be held in Wales takes place on Easter Saturday 26 March.

More than 200 of the world’s best athletes from 50 countries will descend on Cardiff to battle it out for the prestigious World Half Marathon Championships title.

They will be joined by up to 20,000 mass race runners who will get the unique opportunity to ‘run in the footsteps of champions’ by completing the 13.1 mile route around Cardiff at the same time as the world’s best.

Wales and Cardiff Blues star Sam Warburton said: “The IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships is going to be another fantastic event for Cardiff and Wales.

“I’d like to wish everyone training for the event the best of luck. I am sure it will be an amazing experience.”

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Treasure, and Professor Ian Hall, of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, have also been showing their support for the race by having their picture taken with a specially created ‘100 days to go’ promotional board.

When the race takes place in March, Professor Hall will be carrying out research on board a vessel halfway around the world, but he will complete the 13.1 miles by running around the boat’s helipad.

Blues star Warburton and Cardiff City’s Frederico Macheda and Tony Watt are just three of many famous faces supporting Cardiff 2016 by posing with the promotional board which has been around the city in recent weeks. Visit @Cardiff2016 on Twitter to see the full gallery.

Rugby legend Gareth Edwards, former Wales international Non Evans, current Welsh rugby stars Rhys Webb, Lloyd Williams and Cory Allen, athlete Christian Malcom, leading British athletes Meghan Beesley and Martyn Rooney, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Sport, Culture and Tourism Ken Skates AM and Sport Wales chair Laura McAllister have all given their backing to Cardiff 2016.

Matt Newman, chief executive of Cardiff 2016 organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “With 100 days to go until the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships 2016 there is a real buzz around the city and it’s been great to see so many people from the Welsh sporting scene giving their support to the event.

“For those who have not yet signed up there are still 100 days to go, so plenty of time to lace up your trainers and get ready for an event that should not be missed.”

For more information about the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships and to sign up visit www.cardiff2016.co.uk or follow the event on Twitter @cardiff2016 and Facebook search IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships 2016.