Races! Love them or hate them! We asked some of our members what their favourite races were and here are some of the comments:
I know it is more than one race, but I propose the Cardiff Summer Series in Pontcanna Fields. Four testing races: 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles and 4 miles. One race on a Friday evening once a month (April to July inclusive). Cheap, cheerful and on our doorstep. No hassle in registering beforehand or on the evening. Great atmosphere and great support. By running, we are supporting a local running club (Les Croupiers). I could add to these races Old Father Time on the first Sunday after Christmas for the same reasons as for the Cardiff Summer Series. – Colin
From becoming a casual runner during the lockdowns, dreaming of running the London Marathon seemed like a faraway fantasy. London was the biggest challenge I’ve faced yet in my four years of long distance running but equally the most rewarding, having raised money for the wonderful team at British Dyslexia Association. Through my work as an Additional Learning Support Worker for Cardiff and the Vale College, I was determined to be an example to all the students I teach, touched by dyslexia and other difficulties. Crossing the finishing line is one of the best experiences I’ve ever felt and will remember for the rest of my life, I wanted to show my students that anything is possible. Would I do it again? Absolutely. – Jodie
My all-time favourite race will always be the Cardiff Half. Having been running it since 2004 I have seen it grow from a couple of thousand runners with marshalls helping you to cross the roads to the spectacular event it is now. However, what I love about being a member of a running club is hearing about local, community led races. Since joining Pegasus I have run in the Lliswerry 8, Mic Morris 10k, Gwent League XC and most recently the Richard Burton 10k. These races have all been fun but made even more enjoyable by the fantastic camaraderie and amazing support you receive being a member of Pegasus RC. – Michelle
It’s hard to pick a favourite race as there are so many different types and distances. I think sometimes it’s about the event as a whole and the support, organisation and entertainment along the route. We are blessed with so many local races which are cheap and cheerful to enter – either competitive or just fun runs there is something for everyone. If we all chose the same ones there would be no variety and I do like variety and quirkiness. One of my favourite series of races is the Rose Inn 4 mile races which take place at Redwick near Magor in the summer months. There are 4 races all using the same course on a Tuesday evening and have a great club atmosphere. Not everyone’s cup of tea as they are fast but there is no cut off time so open to everyone and a good test of fitness.- Sally
The Murder Mile is probably one of the toughest uphill miles in the country and was included in Runners World top 10 hardest races & Running Fitness top 5 hilliest races 2011. Held on a Friday evening in August. You will probably walk the majority of it but there are some bits you can run. It’s super fun and it’s in a country lane just above Abercarn. You get a free beer at the end. One of the most unique runs I’ve done. Worth a go! – Lauren