This is a historical run from the 1980's and early 1990's when it attracted the best in the UK taking part in an elite race and the local community taking part in the fun run. Last year a small committee re-launched it on a shoestring with 64 runners of all abilities and all ages taking part. The event was a great success; here is some feedback from participants:
"Butetown Mile relived after over 20 years! Well done everybody & well done ................. on your medal, he now has a taste for it!!x"
"I really enjoyed running this race today, thank you for organising it!"
"Great race, and quickest mile I've run by far! Looking forward to next year."
This year we want to make it bigger and reinstate the elite race and a fun run. Once the numbers go up we need more medals and bigger banners. We want to make this a run to remember!
What we'll deliver:
- Provide medals for all runners
- Promote the run to clubs and local community
- Provide infrastucure for run to take place (banners, PA, start/finish flags, registration tents, timing devices
Why it's a great idea:
The Butetown Mile is a great idea because at the heart of it is a community who feel their historical roots were dismantled when the area was demolished and renovated in the 1960s and later in the 1990s during the Cardiff Bay development. Bute Street had once been famed for its music and lively atmosphere and the residents now feel the area is largely ignored and forgotten about. The Butetown Mile is a great way to bring some activity back into the area for the local residents and those travelling to the area to take part. The straight course also captures the imagination of those wanting to run quickly and beat their personal best over this distance. In the early 1990’s, former marathon world record holder, Wales’ own Steve Jones broke the 4-minute mile on Bute Street. Can we make history here again?
The council have agreed to close the roads for the event. The course has been measured and tested during last years run.
Steps to get it done:
- Ask Radio Cardiff to provide entertainment for the day, we had a live feedback to their Sunday show last year
- Find a good supply of marshalls
- Promote the event with local community, running clubs and Butetown Mile Facebook page
- Set the date for Sunday 30th August 2015
- Work with Welsh Athletics to have the elite race timed
This is a great opportunity to be part of creating an annual event which will go down as a "must do" on the running calender. Be part of bringing some life to Butetown and take part in creating something positive.
