Pints & Parkruns: Cardiff (main course)

This wasn’t my first look at Cardiff parkrun. Almost exactly a year ago, working in the Welsh capital at the same event, I got along and ran the reserve course. But today was a first look at the usual route on the opposite side of the River Taff and it feels like a sufficiently different experience to justify a new write-up.

The most obvious change is the lack of space around the start. The parkrun route follows the busy Taff Trail, a popular walking and cycling path between the city and the attractive suburb of Llandaff. As a result, even early on a Saturday, there’s a steady stream of non-parkrunners. A frequent bark of ‘bike’ goes up, alerting runners to clear the path; the pre-event briefing reflects on the need to accommodate all park users if the event is to continue unchallenged.

And the start itself is a congested affair. Cardiff attracts big numbers, often close to 1,000 participants. As a result, if you’re not among the frontrunners streaking away from the off, you’ll need a bit of patience and common sense to get moving and find your rhythm. Even though this course is flat and paved, it’s unlikely to be PB material unless you’re one of those speedsters who leaves the pack standing.

To be honest, the first kilometre can be a bit fraught. At times I found myself pushed off the path and picking a course between trees. Uneven ground brings its own hazards and I nearly turned over my ankle more than once. Then come the bollards close to Blackweir, and an unwelcome pinch point. Once again, patience and common sense pay off (and maybe not trying to dodge your way through the undergrowth).

Once things settle, though, it’s a nice run. As mentioned, the course is flat. The paths get more spacious as the field thins out a bit, and the marshals are friendly and encouraging. There are riverside stretches, a few wooded corners and chances to catch a glimpse of the park’s other attractions: junior football, an outdoor gym trail, a sculpture trail. It’s an out-and-back, with a big loop at the southern end that goes around the Secret Garden café and nursery before passing close to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. It’s unclear whether ‘The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner’ is part of the repertoire for budding actors here, but there’s not much chance to get lonely at a busy parkrun.

On the return leg, things feel quicker and easier. This is a rare chance to bang out some consistent negative splits, proving there is some merit to that enforced slow start. There’s a handy countdown through the final kilometre, with signage and marshals keen to let you know the end is figuratively (although not literally) in sight. On a good day, this can help time the big sprint finish to perfection. On less good days, I guess it’s nice to know the week’s suffering is almost over.

So, Cardiff part II. Is the original also the best? Yes and no. It’s a more interesting and attractive route than the B course, but also more prone to congestion. For a one-off, I’d favour this one, but for regular circuit training I might prefer to cross the river.

The pint

Beer in Cardiff has long been synonymous with Brain’s, the city’s oldest surviving brewery. Dating back to 1882, and still owned by the founding family, it’s a rare example of a regional brewery that continues to thrive amid competition from the multi-national giants and the hyperlocal craft brewers. SA is the classic Brain’s beer, widely available in Cardiff pubs. Slightly darker, the Rev. James joined the stable following the takeover of Buckley’s Brewery in Llanelli in 1998.

First visit: Jan. 2024. PB: 27:34

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