NSPCC charity places available for Wales’ largest road race around Cardiff in half marathon challenge

Pantosaurus Cardiff Half

• The Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon returns to the capital’s streets for the 16^th time in 2019, and the NSPCC will be the lead charity partner for the event again.

• Members of ‘Team NSPCC’ raised around £180,000 to help children across Wales and beyond by running in 2018.

• Entry for charity places are open and costs £10 for runners to join the field of 25,000 runners taking part in the UK’s second largest 13.1mile race.

• Money raised by supporters helps the NSPCC provide vital services like Childline and ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ which visited almost 75,000 children in more than 465 Welsh primary school visits.

NSPCC Cymru/Wales is encouraging people to challenge themselves in 2019 by signing up to run the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon for the leading children’s protection charity.

The NSPCC will once again return as the event’s lead charity partner and charity entry for the half marathon is currently open.

The iconic Cardiff half marathon, the largest road race in Wales and the second largest UK half marathon, will take place on Sunday 6 October.

Last year, 675 ‘Team NSPCC’ runners, including the charity’s #TalkPANTS mascot Pantosaurus, lined up at the start of the 13.1mile race outside Cardiff Castle and raised around £180,000 in the process.

Rosey Stonehouse, 25, from Cardiff, and Ffion Thomas, 22, from Anglesey, were two of the members of Team NSPCC.

“I had an amazing experience running the Cardiff half and raising money for the NSPCC – the support I had from signing up to crossing the finishing line was fantastic,” said Rosey.

“I felt proud to run in my NSPCC vest and crossing the finish line was a very special moment. I’ve already signed up for next year.

“I loved the atmosphere and seeing so many people running for their own unique reasons. The NSPCC cheer points were amazing and gave you such a boost.

 “As a Childline volunteer, I see first-hand the impact the charity has on the children, young people and families we support. Every pound that is raised and every mile that is completed really does make a difference in the fight for every childhood.

“It’s an amazing experience, as well as a huge personal achievement and you feel supported from day one, so I would encourage anyone to sign up to run the ‘Diff for the NSPCC.”

Childline counsellor Ffion, from Dwyran, added: “I really enjoyed the Cardiff half last year, it was a challenge but I enjoyed every minute of it.

“I was really proud to be running for the NSPCC, because I’ve seen the amazing work they do over the past few years. 

“My favourite thing about the whole day was the atmosphere, seeing so many people raising money for good causes, and seeing so many people run for the NSPCC was great.

 “The support you get before and during the race is great, and it’s a really good day out.”

Money raised by fundraisers taking part in the half marathon will allow the NSPCC to continue to support its vital services across Wales and beyond.

These include Childline, direct help to children and families at NSPCC service centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Prestatyn and ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ assemblies at schools across Wales.

In 2017/18 alone the charity spoke to almost 75,000 children in more than 465 Welsh primary school visits, equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to recognise abuse and speak out about it.

Des Mannion, the head of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, said: “To raise £180,000 is incredible but, especially at this time of year, we must not forget the reason why so many people stood on the start line in their NSPCC vests last October.

“Money raised from the Cardiff Half Marathon goes to support a wide range of our vital services to protect young people from abuse and neglect, and it would be great if more people could sign up for the event and help us fight for every childhood.”

To take part in the 2019 Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon in aid of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, go to: nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/charity-runs-cycles-and-challenges/charity-runs/cardiff-half-marathon/.