The Cardiff Half Marathon: A Sub-1:40 PR for Run Loughborough Athlete James.

The task of a major race can be a powerful motivator, and for one dedicated Run Loughborough athlete, the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon was exactly that. In June 2025, alongside his partner Laura and a few friends, he secured a coveted spot, marking a commitment that would drive him through months of rigorous training. This wasn't just about finishing; it was about achieving a truly significant time.

His journey began with consistent weekend runs, gradually increasing from 6-10 miles. As the weeks progressed, he pushed his boundaries further, clocking two impressive 13-mile runs in challenging heat, finishing in 1:55 and then 1:49. These strong performances solidified his ambition, leading him to set an ambitious target of 1:42 for Cardiff, believing the cooler October conditions would be in his favour.

The Grind and the Breakthrough

Balancing weekend work commitments, he strategically incorporated crucial midweek pace sessions, a decision that saw him hitting previously unimaginable sub-7-minute miles. Just a year prior, this pace seemed like a distant dream, contrasting sharply with his partner's early morning mile-banking. The weeks leading up to Cardiff flew by, punctuated by solid 10-mile runs that boosted his confidence. The thought of achieving 1:42, or even pushing under 1:40, began to feel genuinely achievable.

The camaraderie of the Run Loughborough group played a vital role, with words of encouragement exchanged most weeks. As race week arrived, a cocktail of nerves, excitement, and confidence washed over him. Several Run Loughborough members were tackling Cardiff, each with their own goals and pace groups. Crucially, fellow club member Gav happily offered to pace him for a sub-1:42 finish, a partnership that would prove invaluable.

Race Day: Nerves, Pacing, and a Thrilling Finish

Saturday saw their arrival in Cardiff, complete with a celebratory hoodie purchase and a focused effort to stay hydrated and well-rested. A nice dinner and an early night set the stage for race day.

Sunday morning dawned, and the energy was palpable. After meeting with the group and exchanging well wishes, bags were dropped, and they made their way to their respective pens. The atmosphere swelled with thousands of runners filling the Cardiff streets, the countdown to 10 am building the anticipation. As the timer ticked closer, nerves intensified, and the desire to just start became overwhelming. After a quick warm-up and stretch, the gun fired, and they were off!

The initial miles were a challenge of navigating the dense crowds, picking off runners and finding a rhythm. He quickly identified a few runners at his target pace and stuck with them, eventually passing the 1:45 pacer. The first six miles felt strong, his watch indicating they were well on target for not only a sub-1:42 but potentially even a sub-1:40! Conscious of the distance still ahead, he resisted getting carried away, focusing on maintaining his pace.

At mile 8, a "Revvies caffeine strip" provided a welcome boost as a touch of fatigue began to set in, all while maintaining comfortable conversation. His strategy was meticulously planned: another strip at mile 11, perfectly coinciding with a resurgence of tiredness as the finish line drew nearer.

Then came mile 12, and with it, the course's sharpest incline – a cruel twist so close to the end. Despite the challenge, he found strength, passing many runners who struggled to maintain pace on the ascent. At the top, he declared to Gav his intention to push hard to the very end, confident in his sub-1:40 trajectory.

The Elation of Achievement

Crossing the finish line, his heart initially sank at the sight of "1:44" on the clock. But his worry swiftly turned to unbridled excitement as Gav revealed it was the gun time, not his chip time! He had not only achieved his sub-1:42 target but had utterly smashed it with an incredible 1:38:15! The feeling was indescribable.

Soon after, he reunited with Craig and Iestyn, both of whom had also achieved their goals. As the rest of the Run Loughborough contingent crossed the line, a wave of collective triumph washed over the group.

A massive thank you goes out to RUN Loughborough for the consistent runs, invaluable advice, and the diverse options for running partners at various paces. Their support proved instrumental in this fantastic achievement.

"Thank you guys," he beamed, "and roll on the next one!" This Cardiff Half Marathon wasn't just a race; it was a testament to dedication, strategic planning, and the power of a supportive running community.