CARDIFF has begun its countdown to hosting the 2016 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships – and is calling on World Champion Mo Farah to come and join in.
Next year’s race will see 25,000 amateur runners run in the wake of the world’s elite as they participate in the biggest athletics event held in Wales since the 1958 Commonwealth Games.
Assembly member Ken Skates and President of UK Athletics Lynn Davies unveiled the countdown clock at a launch event at the Hilton Hotel this Wednesday, where they also made a plea for Mo Farah to come to the city and help inspire young people to get physically active.
Ken Skates revealing the countdown clock
Skates said: “This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for Cardiff but it also builds in to the long term strategy of promoting both the city and the nation as one of the worlds greatest play areas for sport and physical activity.”
He added that he hopes Mo Farah can run to help engage the city’s Somali community and encourage them to take up sport.
“We may be able to rub shoulders with Mo on the start line but whether we can catch up with him once the race has begun is another thing!
“It would be fantastic for the Somali community here in Cardiff to see Mo hopefully racing. I go to the gym down here in Cardiff Bay and I mix with the community quite a bit and I’m in no doubt Mo would help inspire more of the Somali community to take up physical activity as well.”
Race director Steve Brace, a two-time Olympian and former winner of the Berlin and Paris Marathons added that: “We have a fantastic running course which is renowned for being flat, fast and iconic. This will be a truly special event that will enhance Wales’ credentials as one of the best major-events cities in Europe.”
A British man is yet to win the title, so the Cardiffian must add – Mo, this could be your chance!
