Athlete’s advice to half marathon runners
28 January 2016
Colin Jackson helps novice runners ahead of University-sponsored event
Welsh athletics legend Colin Jackson will this Saturday pass on his expert advice to the lucky ‘500 Club’ runners taking part in the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships, Cardiff 2016, for free.
The 500 free places offered under the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) Athletics for a Better World Scheme have been distributed to new runners looking to use Cardiff 2016 to improve their health and well-being and those from Communities First areas.
As well as a free place in the WHM Cardiff 2016 mass race, the 500 Club will this weekend get the chance to meet former double world 110m hurdles champion, four-times European champion, twice Commonwealth Games champion and world record-holder Jackson.
Cardiff University’s Talybont Sports Training Village will host the meet and greet with Jackson, where he will give runners hints and tips on conquering their first half marathon.
Colin Jackson said: “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone taking part in the Athletics for a Better World initiative and passing on any advice I can to help them have the best possible experience at the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships.
“It’s great to see so many people looking to improve their long-term health and well-being and what an incredible opportunity they have to take part in the biggest athletics event ever to come to Wales.
“The Athletics for a Better World initiative will hopefully inspire these 500 people, plus many more of their friends and family, to get into the sport of athletics for life.
“Cardiff 2016 is going to be an incredible event for the Cardiff and Wales and I can’t wait to welcome the world’s best distance runners and up to 20,000 people taking part in the mass race to my home city.”
Communities First is a community-focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's tackling poverty agenda and the scheme will also form part of a research project by title sponsors Cardiff University.
The research will look to monitor the progress of the runners, the effect on their health and well-being and investigate ways to reduce injury.
Stuart Vanstone, Cardiff University’s Head of Sport, said: “It's great to welcome IAAF’s ABW ambassador Colin Jackson along with the ABW 500 runners for what will be a hugely enjoyable event.
“Whilst best known for his exploits as a hurdler over 110 metres, Colin will be able to share his wealth of experience including a recent appearance as the mystery runner at the New Year's Eve Nos Galan road race run over 5km.
“With only nine weeks of training remaining ahead of the World Half Marathon, the event will be a great opportunity for runners to meet and talk about their experiences to date and discuss training programmes with experts from Welsh Athletics and the University.”