By Rob Cole
Let’s face it, you are going to get a few nutters in a field of 25,000 people who have signed up to run 13.1 miles on a Sunday morning.
No thoughts of taking it easy and lying in bed for these guys when the Cardiff University Cardiff Half Marathon is on. So, this Sunday when you are watching the race live on BBC 2 Wales, don’t just try to spot the Welsh favourites of Dewi Griffiths, Josh Griffiths, Andrew Davies and Caryl Jones, keep your eyes peeled for this lot.
It is going to be very competitive at the front end, with a couple of Kenyans bringing their own pacemakers to try to break the 60 minute barrier, but survival will be the name of the game for some of the others in the field.
Sir Runalot (aka Tudor Jones) is one of the most recognisable runners who has taken part in recent years. He will take-on the 13.1 mile course for the second year in-a-row, aiming to beat his impressive time of 03:35 last time out.
Tudor, who is raising vital funds for Ty Hafan children’s hospice, was only five minutes away from setting a record last year, but his leg armour fell to pieces costing him a total of 14 minutes. This year he has brand new steel suit that weighs a whopping 30kg – almost half of Tudor’s bodyweight. And he is ready to finally get his name in the book before taking on a full marathon.
KEVIN SUMMERHAYES AND SOUTH WALES FIRE SERVICE
Kevin Summerhayes made history last year when he broke the world record for a half marathon in full fire gear and breathing apparatus by one second. This time he is back with an army of his colleagues as they aim to smash a host of world records (listed below).
Kevin Summerhayes: One mile in full fire kit and breathing apparatus (6 minutes 8 seconds to beat). Taking place during Saturday’s Festival of Running.
Rob Atkin: 20lb carry 1:31 to beat
Vicky Brailsford: 20lb carry (1:41 to beat)
Richard Ball: 60lb carry (2:20 to beat)
Richard Griffiths: 80lb carry (2:30 to beat)
Warren Fenneck: 100lb carry (3:16 to beat)
Tommy Walsh: full fire kit, breathing apparatus and under air (3:30 to beat)
Chloe Williams: breathing apparatus under air (2:30 to beat)
Mike Herbert, Jon Holmes, Chris Williams, will Burridge. Fancy dress team of 4 fire engine. (2:45 to beat.)
ROBERT DIBBLE
Robert Dibble is attempting to break the world record for the fastest time over 13.1 miles dressed as a monk. He must beat 1:34.22, which was set at last year’s Glasgow Half Marathon.
ALEC CARE & OLIVIA BLOCKWELL
Cardiff University alumni Alec and Olivia are out to get in this Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest male and female to run a half marathon in cap and gown. Alec will be attempting to beat the male record of 1:35:44, while a new female record will be set by Olivia.