Smiles Through the Miles – My Cardiff Half Marathon Story
Yesterday was one of those days I’ll never forget.
The Cardiff Half Marathon 2025 (my ninth one) and a reminder of why I love running, community, and the feeling of being well and able.
The day started surrounded by my incredibly supportive Cowbridge Moovers friends. We met early, warmed up together, laughed, danced, and snapped the usual pre-race photos. The energy was electric – 27,000 runners buzzing with anticipation under clear skies (thank goodness Storm Amy had passed the day before!).
I started in the red pen with a few of my Moovers and the atmosphere was brilliant. We danced to the music, chatted nervously, and soaked up every moment before the race began. I ran the first 5-6 miles with Geraldine and Steve before parting ways and continuing solo, proudly wearing my tutu and boppers in support of my chosen charity, The Elizabeth Madge Educational Charitable Trust.
Then, at mile 10, something unexpected happened.
I fell flat on my face.
I wasn’t concentrating, too busy enjoying the live music at the Rainbow Stage, and suddenly found myself sprawled on the floor with grazed knees and a bleeding elbow. Two incredibly kind ladies helped me up, and after a moment to collect myself, I carried on. It’s the first time I’ve ever fallen in a race, and while it shook me up, it didn’t stop me.
I crossed the finish line with blood trickling down my leg in 2 hours and 5 minutes, then shortly after the flood gates opened and I just cried until I found my husband Adam. I was in need of a cwtch.
Even after my fall, every photo from the day shows me grinning because I never take my body for granted. I’m 48 years old, still able to run 13.1 miles, and I know that could change any day. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Injury, illness, or life itself can shift everything in a moment.
So I choose to run with joy. To dance at the start line, to wear my tutu proudly, to smile through the miles and the falls, and to celebrate the gift of movement.
Because gratitude is the real finish line.
