Cardiff Cross Challenge Returns to the City for the Sixteenth Year

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jan 29, 2013

Cardiff has successfully hosted the 16th annual McCain Cross Challenge this month.

Cardiff Council Leisure Services are one of the main sponsors for the event which saw 1400 athletes as well as primary school children compete in one of 12 races throughout the day.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “The Cardiff Cross Challenge is one of the most high-calibre events on the calendar and boasts an impressive number of different race events throughout the day.

“We are thrilled it was hosted here successfully for the 16th year despite the cold weather. Cardiff Council recognises the importance it has for the sport as it appeals to experienced runners as well as encouraging grass roots talent which leads to healthy and active lifestyles in young people”.

The event attracts competitors of all levels and ages from across the UK and takes place in the centre of Cardiff within the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle, Bute Park along the River Taff and leads into Blackweir fields.

The event is organised by Graham Finlayson BEM from Cardiff Cross Country and Road Events with the support of UK Athletics and Welsh Athletics.

Cardiff was the fourth fixture in the 2012 and 2013 series, which includes races in Bristol, Liverpool, Antrim and Birmingham.

The Cardiff Cross Challenge was founded in 1997 and has since become one of the most prestigious events in the UK.

The high-class competition incorporates a full range of men’s, women’s and young persons races for age groups including Seniors, Under 20s, Under 17s, Under 15s and Under 13’s.

The course is marked up to national standards and incorporates a mixture of flat fast running with interesting woodland and riverside sections.

Circle of Life – Cardiff Bay Salmon Release

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 5, 2011

On Wednesday 6th July, three Cardiff Primary Schools will return to Cardiff Bay to see the young salmon they have nurtured from eggs safely returned to the River Taff.

Gladstone, Lakeside and Thornhill Primary Schools have participated in the Salmon Coming Home Project; as part of the Cardiff Harbour Authority’s environmental education programme run by the Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre.

Since February 2011, the school classes have each looked after the precious eggs, monitoring the water temperature and gaining an understanding of nature whilst in the classroom.

Responsible for checking the equipment and daily inspections, each school has been successful in safely monitoring the eggs. Once the eggs hatched in to the Alevins, they were then collected and taken to Cynrig Hatchery, supported by the Environment Agency, for specialist feeding for a few months, to build up their strength prior to being released.

Tomorrow they will be released into the rivers as Salmon Fry and each class will be on site to see them as they swim free for the first time.