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Thousands turn out for revival of historic CDF 10K

Thousands of runners and spectators turned out for the return of the CDF 10K, which took place in the Welsh capital for the first time since 2019 on Sunday.

Called off during the pandemic and cancelled in 2022, the historic event has had a revival under the new management of Run 4 Wales (R4W), the country’s leading mass participation event organiser and team behind the iconic Principality Cardiff Half Marathon.

Over 5,000 people had signed up to take part in the race, which took participants on a sightseeing tour of the Welsh capital with highlights including Cardiff Castle, Central Square, the Principality Stadium and leafy suburb of Pontcanna.

World U20 Cross Country Championship Bronze Medalist Alfred Ngeno smashed his personal best to take the CDF 10K title in the Cardiff sun. The Kenyan star went out fast with a strong lead group including fellow Kenyan Paul Selian, Welshman Dewi Griffiths, Kadar Omar and Shaun Antell.

Ngeno broke free and raced down the finishing straight clear of his rivals to take seven tenths of a second off his previous best to take the tape in 28:33. Omar was a full minute behind in second ahead of Bideford’s Shaun Antell.

Men’s Champion Ngeno said: “I must thank the race organisers for the opportunity to come here, win the race and set a new personal best, I hope I can come back next year and break that PB again.

“The city and supporters were amazing, thank you to the people of Cardiff, they really helped me on the way.”

Alaw Evans of Cardiff’s Les Croupiers club took full advantage of her home comforts to win the women’s race in 34:48. Evans came from behind to catch eventual silver medalist and Beijing Olympian Kate Cook (35:16) at the 8K mark and stormed down the home straight to earn victory. Last year’s Welsh 10K Champion Olivia Tsim was third in 35:49. Ron Price took the wheelchair title in 35:07.

Women’s Champion Evans said: “Being from Cardiff and running for a Cardiff club definitely helped me out there in the heat, the crowds were absolutely amazing. I felt strong when I caught her, but two minutes before that I was really struggling.

“Cardiff are fantastic at supporting major events and it’s so good to see the CDF 10K back on the calendar. I’ll be back for the Cardiff Half in October!”

The atmosphere was electric as thousands of people took to the streets, including a team of over 150 runners fundraising for Lead Charity Kidney Wales.

It comes just four weeks before the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon, when over 25,000 runners will descend on Cardiff to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of what has become one of Europe’s largest road races. A limited number of charity spaces are still available for the historic event next month.

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman, commented: “We’re delighted to have secured the return of this historic race and want to thank all of today’s runners, spectators and volunteers for their brilliant support.

“The day has been a huge success and we can’t wait to build on that in the years ahead after agreeing a new five-year partnership with Kidney Wales. With our experience of delivering the Principality Cardiff Half and through our new innovative partnership with London Marathon Events, we hope to grow the CDF 10K into one of the UK’s leading distance events, whilst seeking to increase its social impact.

“Our thanks must also go to our event partners and stakeholders who have helped make it possible including Brecon Carreg, HIGH5, Kidney Wales, Monmouthshire Building Society, Bridgend Ford, Capital FM and Cardiff Council”.

Ross Evans, Managing Director of Kidney Wales, commented: “We are thrilled to see the return of the CDF 10K today and are grateful to Run 4 Wales for all of their support. A huge thanks too to the team of over 150 runners who ran for Kidney Wales, with funds raised helping to support patients and families living with kidney disease in Wales.”

Those inspired can now pre-register for 2024 at www.cardiff10k.cymru/register/ and be first to hear when plans for next year are announced and entries go on sale.

Elite men’s results