The Cardiff Half Marathon is returning in March - a staggering 903 days after its last event in October 2019, organisers have confirmed.
The huge event, sponsored by Cardiff University, will see thousands of people walk, jog or run 13.1 miles around the capital, challenging themselves and raising funds for local, national and international charities and community organisations.
The half marathon will be the largest mass-participation event to take place in Wales since before the pandemic and will take place on Sunday, March 27 2022.
Read more: Remembering the best days out at Cardiff's much-loved city centre parks throughout the years
Confirming the news, chief executive of Run 4 Wales, a not-for-profit social enterprise that organises and manages major sporting events across Wales, Matt Newman said: "It's been a long wait, but we’re so excited that the Cardiff Half will be returning to the Welsh capital on two occasions in 2022.
"An edition will take place as usual on Sunday, October 2 and the rescheduled 2020 event will be delivered on Sunday, March 27."
He added that ahead of the March event, a new campaign named "#ChooseYou" will run, encouraging people to reflect on the importance of looking after themselves and others and looking after your body and soul.
"The race has become one of Wales' most iconic sporting events, and its return will be a real celebration," he added. "The #ChooseYou campaign will be a part of that celebration, shining a spotlight on the health, wellbeing and social impact benefits of the event.
The Cardiff Half Marathon will be a "breathable event," he said, which will ensure the health and safety of participants, event staff, volunteers and the wider public.
Here's everything you need to know about the brilliant event heading to the capital on March 27, 2022:
Cardiff Half Marathon 2022: what is it?
The Cardiff Half Marathon is a half-marathon race held in the Welsh capital. It's one of the five "super halves," well-known half marathons in Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia, aimed at people who want to get involved for the fun of running, the thrill of travel and "for the joy of saying: 'I did it!'"
Before the pandemic, it was held every October, but lockdown restrictions meant the 2020 event was cancelled. There was no half marathon in 2021 either.
The popular event is back this year, with its usual October slot - and an additional Half Marathon in March, 2022, aimed at all those who were planning on taking part in 2020 and/or 2021.
The course has always been predominantly flat, so the event draws an eclectic mix of first-time runners and professionals.
Back in 2018, 25,000 people took part in the event and runners raised more than £3 million for a number of charities.
Previous well-known participants in the event include Team GB's most decorated track Olympian Mo Farah, Paralympic champion Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills - but the event is open to all.
This year's event is being sponsored by Cardiff University and organised by Run4Wales.
Deputy vice-chancellor at Cardiff University, Professor Damian Walford Davies said: "The pandemic has taken its toll on us all, each in different ways. One thing that many of us have come to realise as never before is the importance of looking after our own mental and physical health.
"We are delighted that the event is making a welcome return to our city and that the #ChooseYou campaign will look to highlight the importance of self-care, a major priority for us at the University.
"The race provides an important vehicle and motivation for runners to improve their health and wellbeing and we're wishing everyone, whatever their reason for running a fantastic race day."
The Cardiff Half Marathon 2022 is a "breathable event" - what does that mean?
An update on the Cardiff Half Marathon website explains that this year's March half marathon will be delivered as a "Breathable Event". This means extensive Covid safety measures will be in place.
A statement on the Cardiff Half Marathon website explains: "Following the easing of restrictions on outdoor events, the race which will be delivered as a ‘Breathable Event’ with a number of protective measures in place – will provide a great event-day experience with a focus on personal responsibility and safety.
"A number of additional measures will be in place to protect the health and safety of participants, event staff, volunteers and the wider public.
"Our Covid Safety Guide (which can be viewed here ) details all of the measures that will be in place to ensure safety and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Attendees are expected to take personal responsibility to help keep everyone safe.
"For the event taking place in October 2022, appropriate measures will be put in place depending on the public health context at the time."
When and where will the Cardiff Half Marathon 2022 take place?
The Cardiff Half Marathon is back after a long pandemic-fuelled hiatus.
It springs back into action with two events this year: one half marathon on Sunday, March 27 2022 and another on October 2, 2022.
Explaining the route, a statement on the Cardiff Half Marathon website says: "The route takes runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks with beautiful scenery and historic buildings. The predominantly flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and elites.
"The race starts outside Cardiff Castle and runners then head down past the Principality and Cardiff City Stadiums on the way to Penarth. They take in the glorious Penarth Marina before crossing the barrage and heading to Cardiff Bay. Runners run right through the heart of the bay taking in the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre.
"The course then heads towards the north of the city and runners will complete a loop of the beautiful Roath Park Lake before the grandstand finish in the heart of the city at the Civic Centre.
"The wheelchair race will start at 9:50am. Elite, white, green and red pens will start at 10:00am and yellow and blue pens will start at 10:10am. Check out the interactive route map ( here ) to see the route in more detail.
"The course will be policed and marshalled throughout."
How can I sign up to the Cardiff Half Marathon 2022?
General entries for the Half Marathon have sold out (due to the event being rescheduled from October, 2020), but you can still secure a space via the 'Welsh Distance Double' ticket here or from an Official Charity that has entries available more information here.
How can I watch the Cardiff Half Marathon 2022?
Thousands of spectators attend the Cardiff Half Marathon, so yes, you definitely can watch it!
There's a special 'spectator zone' on Corbett Road, offering fantastic views of the race, while tiered terraces give spectators a great view of the finish line on King Edward VII Avenue.
There are also disabled viewing areas at the start and finish of the race. These are first-come, first-served and will be monitored by security throughout the day.
People are advised to get to the spectator zone early, to be guaranteed a good view.
To get the latest What's On newsletters from WalesOnline, click here
