By Owen Morgan
The Cardiff 10K is the latest Welsh sporting event to fall victim of the coronavirus restrictions.
Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K & 2K Family Run race organisers Kidney Wales said they had been forced to take the “extremely difficult decision” to cancel the event which was due to take place on Sunday, September 6.
The health of runners, spectators, volunteers, event staff and the wider population was main priority in coming to the decision, while runners are being asked to consider donating their fees.
Danielle Jones, event manager at Kidney Wales said: “It is with much disappointment that we must follow suit of many other races scheduled this year and cancel The Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K and 2K.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision for us here at Kidney Wales, with all proceeds of this event directly supporting families and changing the lives of kidney patients here in Wales.
Race organisers @KidneyWales have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are very sad to announce that the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K & 2K Fun Run scheduled for Sunday 6 Sept 2020, has been cancelled. Click here: https://t.co/2hezJ5NcEg pic.twitter.com/BvHmBBqOGb
— Cardiff 10k (@Cardiff10k) May 13, 2020
“This is an event we look forward to hosting year on year, and we are so proud of how it has developed into such an iconic event over its 35 year history, as well as our achievements as a charity as a result of this annual fundraiser.
“A big thank you to everyone who has supported the event over the years, and continues to do so. We look forward to celebrating with you ‘virtually’ this year, and at a future event post-pandemic. We hope that you will stand with us and support us during these unprecedented times.”
This year would have marked the 35th running of the event since Kidney Wales founded the race with just a few hundred runners taking part.
It has developed into one of Wales’ longest standing and most popular road races, with thousands of runners entering, and tens of thousands of spectators lining the streets of the capital.
As well as the mass participation runners, the event attracts some of the country’s top international athletes.
The Cardiff Met Cardiff 10K is Kidney Wales’ flagship fundraising event, and over the years the money raised has helped provide support for Wales’ 20,000 kidney patients along with their families.
The event helped the charity campaign for the change in law on organ donation and to refurbish the Children’s Kidney Unit and children’s haemodialysis ward.
It has helped fund additional support for health and social care, including social workers and psychologists, and the purchase of equipment for dialysis and transplant units.
Cardiff Met’s pro vice-chancellor, Leigh Robinson said: “The Cardiff 10K is a highlight for us at Cardiff Met, as well as for our community and the many visitors to our capital who take part by running, volunteering or cheering in their thousands each year.
“Last year’s record-breaking turn-out was testament to the hard work and determination of our partners and race organisers at Kidney Wales.
“We are, of course, disappointed that the race will not take place as planned this year, but we look forward to working with Kidney Wales and the wider 10K team, on making the next event a celebration of the courage, determination and family fun that this race has become known for since it began back in 1985.”
The organisers also paid tribute to all those currently being affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
“During these extremely difficult times we send our love and appreciation to those in public services and our colleagues in the charity sector, who continue to risk their lives on the frontline to protect others and helping to battle the pandemic.
“We would also like to extend our thoughts to those who have been directly affected by Covid-19 and the family and friends of those who have sadly passed away.”
All registered runners will receive an email with further advice regarding their entry.
There are three options as a registered runner:
Donate your entry fee to Kidney Wales
Kidney Wales are politely asking for anyone who can to please consider donating their entry fee to the charity in order for it to continue supporting patients and NHS staff during the crisis.
If a runner would like to donate their entry fee, there is no further action that they need to take.
Run the race in 2021
Places can be deferred to the 2021 race on Sunday 5 September. There would normally be a fee for deferring your place, but this has been waived.
All deferrals must be emailed to cardiff10k@kidneywales.cymru by Sunday 6 September 2020 at 5pm.
“We are of course disappointed that the @Cardiff10K will not take place as planned this year, but look forward to working with @KidneyWales on making the next event a celebration of the courage, determination and family fun that this race is known for.”
~Leigh Robinson, PVC pic.twitter.com/5UTx8SGna1
— Cardiff Metropolitan University (@cardiffmet) May 13, 2020
Transfer
An entry can be transferred to another runner. The usual fee for this has been waived.
All transfers must be emailed to cardiff10k@kidneywales.cymru by Sunday 6 September with the name and email address of the new runner. The original participant will not receive a refund of their entry fee with this option.
The organisers say they are unable to offer refunds as costs have already been incurred in association with the planned 2020 event.
If a runner has not selected to defer or transfer their entry by 5pm on Sunday 6 September, the entry fee will automatically be donated to race organisers Kidney Wales.
More information can be found on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K & 2K Family Run website.