Newyddion
European Super Half marathon series launched
09/09/2019 00:00, I Mewn Blog / Road /
Building on the success of hosting both the World and Commonwealth Half Marathon Championships in recent years, the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon has now partnered with four of the world’s leading half marathons to create the new SuperHalfs international running series. Cardiff's involvement in the series will provide fresh opportunities for Welsh athletes to test themselves against the World's best and added incentive to travel and take on 4 of the continents top endurance races.
Almost 100,000 participants are set to race at five iconic locations when the inaugural series gets underway in 2020. Runners will have access to a SuperRunner experience, including the benefit of guaranteed registrations, special race numbers with priority pick up, original merchandising, e-Passport, a SuperMedal (after completing the series) and the chance to see their names go down in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame.
- Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia; five great cities, five world-class events, selected based on their quality, popularity, location, and their sustainability policies.
SuperHalfs participants will run top races in historical cities, across unique and fast courses. All hold World Athletics (IAAF) labels and three have recently hosted the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships).
After completing the first race on the SuperHalfs calendar, participants will receive a SuperPassport and from then on after each race, an e-stamp will appear on this virtual and personalized ‘document’. All communications will be digital and runners have 36 months to complete the series to be in line to become a SuperRunner.
The SuperHalfs hosts will offer the best experience to runners, whilst committing to improving environmental sustainability. Every event will strive to reduce their own carbon footprint with the common goal of becoming the most sustainable collection of half marathons worldwide.
“With more people running worldwide than ever before, this is the perfect time for five of the world’s leading half marathons to unite for this innovative international series. SuperHalfs will give committed runners and experience seekers a new opportunity to see the world while doing what they love. It’s a big victory for not only runners, but the cities themselves. A new wave of running tourists will flood each city, while the sustainability pledge made by each event paves the way for a more sustainable future.” MATT NEWMAN, Chief Executive of Welsh Athletics
The new series offers running enthusiasts the unique opportunity to map out their own running adventure whilst being rewarded for their efforts with exclusive benefits. All runners have to do to begin their journey is sign up for any of the SuperHalfs races in 2020. After completing the first race on the SuperHalfs calendar, participants will receive a SuperPassport and from then on after each race, an e-stamp will appear on this virtual and personalized ‘document’. All communications will be digital and runners have 36 months to complete the series to be in line to become a SuperRunner.
“It’s great see the launch of the new international running series ‘Super Halfs’ - which will include the Cardiff Half Marathon event alongside a number of other iconic European cities. I am delighted that the Welsh Government, over many years, was able to support the growth of the Cardiff Marathon to become a globally recognised event. This focus on our country will no doubt enhance Wales’ reputation across the world as a nation that excels at a whole range of sport, and as a first-class host of sporting events.”
ELUNED MORGAN. Minister for International Relations.
“We’re proud to support the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon. As part of the new ‘SuperHalfs’ running series, the race offers another exciting opportunity to showcase our city and country. Cardiff and Wales already have an exceptional international reputation for hosting major sporting events and I know we’ll rise to the occasion once again in front of a large TV audience. Our staff, students and alumni will play a vital role on the big day, whether that’s providing invaluable support as volunteers around the course or running to raise funds for charity - including our own cancer, neuroscience and mental health research.” PROFESSOR COLIN RIORDAN. Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, title sponsor of Cardiff Half Marathon.
This series creates value for the running community bringing great new opportunities to run, travel, and have fun! Follow SuperHalfs on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for all the latest information