Join team Blesma at the iconic Cardiff Half Marathon and support injured veterans!

About the Event
Why Run for Blesma?

Run like you have never run before in the flat, fast and iconic road race around Wales' capital city, taking place on 6th October.

The Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon has grown into one of the largest and most exciting road races in the United Kingdom. It is now one of Europe’s largest half marathons.

The route takes runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks with beautiful scenery and historic buildings. The predominately flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and elites.

Registration and Fundraising

Registration fee is £15 with a minimum sponsorship of £300.

When you sign up you will receive:

A top quality Blesma running top
Support from our fundraising team here to help you every step of the day
A certificate marking your fundraising
Cardiff Half Medal
Fundraising pack
Blesma goodies
Training tips and support

Why Run for Blesma?

By fundraising for Blesma you’ll be transforming lives

Matt Weston was just 20 when he lost three limbs to a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

"All I remember is a flash, my ears ringing, and the sense of falling. I lost both my legs and my right arm below the elbow in the blast. My rehab has been long, slow and difficult. I was in intensive care for a while and was in hospital for three months, and I've just had my fiftieth operation."

"If my chair breaks and I can't repair it, Blesma will get it done. I was in a bad place after my injury but Blesma have been there for me, by my side from day one."

Matt_Weston_017 Hi.jpg — Support Blesma by taking on the London Half Marathon

Andy’s Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Squats	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
Press Ups	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
Sit Ups	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
Star Jumps	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
On The Spot Jog	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
Plank	30 Seconds	30 Seconds

Andy Barlow

Fusilier Andy Barlow was injured in September 2006 while serving in Kajaki, Afghanistan. He lost his left leg above the knee. Since then, Andy has competed in Para Alpine skiing, been part of the first disabled sports programme set up by the British Military and now works as a Blesma Outreach Officer in the South.

Charmaine's Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Chest Flys	10 Reps	30 Seconds
Tricep Kick Backs	10 Reps	30 Seconds
Over Head Tricep Dips	10 Reps	30 Seconds
Shoulder Press	10 Reps	30 Seconds
Sit Up / V Up	10 Reps	30 Seconds
Ab Crunches	10 Reps	30 Seconds

Charmaine Healy

Charmaine suffered a life-changing injury that led to an amputation after serving with the Royal Signals in Afghanistan in 2010. Since then she has competed at the 2017 Invictus Games, winning Silver in Powerlifting, Silver in Sitting Volleyball and Bronze in Wheelchair Basketball. After a break from sport, Charmaine is focusing on her fitness once again with regular gym sessions.

Stephen's Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Burpees	1 Minute	30 Seconds
Press Ups	1 Minute	30 Seconds
Sit Ups	1 Minute	30 Seconds
Lunge (Alternate Legs)	1 Minute	30 Seconds
Squat	1 Minute	30 Seconds
Shuttle Sprints	1 Minute	30 Seconds

Stephen Shine

Stephen lost his left leg in 2007 while on patrol with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment in Basra, Iraq. After rehab, Stephen threw himself into sport, taking part in skiing, scuba diving, water skiing and kayaking. Now he competes in CrossFit competitions and is working towards becoming a CrossFit coach.

Paul's Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Press Ups	30 Seconds	Repeat set 3 times
Ball Slams	30 Seconds	with a 3 minute rest
Arm Front/Side Raises	30 Seconds	between each set.
Shadow Boxing	30 Seconds
Plank	30 Seconds
Heel Touches	30 Seconds

Paul Swain

Paul lost his left arm below the elbow while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Since then, Paul has represented Great Britain an impressive five times in golf at the prestigious Simpson Cup, has qualified as a personal trainer, appeared in major TV and film productions as an extra, climbed to the Everest basecamp and is now working on his own entrepreneurial projects for good causes.

Mark's Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Press Ups	10 Reps	Repeat set 5 times
Squats	10 Reps	as quickly as possible
V – Ups	10 Reps	and record your time.
Burpees	10 Reps
Sit Ups	10 Reps
Run	400 Meters

Mark Ormrod

Mark Ormrod was injured on Christmas Eve while serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan. He lost both his legs and an arm, making him the UK’s first triple amputee to survive the conflict. Today, Mark is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, a peak performance coach, an author, a father, a husband, an Invictus Games champion, a charity fundraiser and ambassador and a daily inspiration for thousands of people who follow him on social media.

Corie's Circuit

Exercise	Time/Rep	Rest
Jumping Jacks	1.5 Minutes	Repeat 5 times.
Lunge Elbows to Ankles	20 Reps	Rest for 30 seconds
Side Lunge into Squat	20 Reps	between sets.
Wide Speed Skaters	20 Reps
Crawl Outs	20 Reps
Russian Baby Makers	20 Reps

Corie Mapp

Former Lance Corporal Corie lost both his legs after he stepped on and detonated an IED while serving in Afghanistan. Corie has competed at the 2014, 2016 and 2017 Invictus Games and the Warrior Games. He now represents Great Britain in Para-Bobsleigh and was the 2018 world cup winner.

Cardiff Half Marathon