2 September 2015

It’s the “must do” race for 2016 and the one that everyone is talking about. The IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships 2016 is set to be one of the greatest endurance events Wales, and possibly the UK, has ever seen. Thousands of runners from around the globe have already signed up to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, so let’s look at some of the reasons why everyone wants to #runtheworlds

1. Bragging rights! Being able to say “I was part of a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP event!”

How many times have you sat watching a global sporting event on TV and imagining the excitement the participating athletes must be experiencing? Well here is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of your very own World Championship by taking part in the mass race event. Something impressive to tell the grandkids!

2. You can ‘Run in the Footsteps of Champions’ (and hopefully Mo)

The world’s best runners will be descending on Cardiff’s streets next March for what is sure to be a hotly contested IAAF elite race. The mass race will take place at the same time, so runners will literally be running in the footsteps of champions. Could you catch them?

3. Because Paula says so

Running legend Paula Radcliffe has described the event as “special” and we could not agree more. What Paula says goes. See what she has to say about the event here

4. For a medal that you will never want to take off.

Each of the 25,000 runners that cross the finish line will receive their very own unique event medal. You will wear this one with pride!

5. Run a flat, fast and iconic World Championship course

Cardiff is a pretty special place, historical buildings, an iconic bay area and vibrant city centre. The IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon course promises to show off Cardiff in all its glory and give runners every opportunity to achieve a PB.

6. Yes there’s an expo. (Wales’ first sporting expo)

It would not be a big city race without an equally impressive Expo to go alongside it and we have been able to secure the brilliant Motorpoint Arena for Wales’ first major sport, health and well-being exhibition.

7. The city will be celebrating in style. Get ready for a warm Welsh welcome

Cardiff is always buzzing in the spring after the excitement of the Six Nations and the pride of St David’s Day. The IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon will keep the party atmosphere going with one of the biggest celebrations of the year over the Easter weekend, with a programme of events, activities and entertainment taking place throughout the city.

8. Once in a lifetime experience

This is not an annual event, in fact, it’s the first time the event has ever been to Wales and it could be the only time. Last time it was held in Copenhagen, an estimated 100,000 people lined the streets to cheer runners on; of course we want to be even bigger and better!

9. And finally. Who doesn’t want to run the World?

The IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon will see runners take on athletes from around the world, so why not come and see if you can get one over on some of our friendly rivals from across Europe and the rest of the world? We’ve already had entries from runners in Australia, Canada and the Dominican Republic to name just a few!

For full details on how to register for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, click here: http://www.cardiff2016.co.uk/register/