14 August 2023

Principality Building Society create Cardiff Half’s first Rainbow Roundabout

Participants and supporters of the Cardiff Half Marathon are in for something a little extraordinary as the countdown to the sell-out event on the 1st of October continues. Race sponsors Principality Building Society are proud to announce a first for the race day experience, having teamed up with their friends at Pride Cymru and race organisers Run4Wales to create a Rainbow Roundabout.

The roundabout between Roath Park and Lake, which runners will pass twice between miles 10 and 12, will be transformed for the occasion, providing a pop of colour and sparkle, with music and performances taking place there throughout the race. The stage will be hosted by Pride favourite and Cardiff local, Opal Fruits, who will be joined by Gigi Spot, Mary Golds and Jaqui Lebeanstalque alongside Principality employees and members of their PRIDE network who will welcome supporters to a cheer station at the roundabout. 

You will also be able to find members of the Principality team in the Runner’s Village, where on the Saturday ahead of the Junior Races, they’ll be hosting Pride Cymru and Drag Queen Story Hour UK. 

Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to be headline sponsors for the first time at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon as they celebrate their 20th anniversary, congratulations to all at Run4Wales on this fantastic achievement. 

“Earlier this year, we supported the Pride Cymru event as their headline sponsor and it’s a privilege to bring these two organisations together to create something really special for the event. 

“After months of training from the participants, we know how important the supporters are, lining the street to cheer them on to cross the finish line, and we know our friends at Pride will help lift that atmosphere to another level alongside our Principality colleagues.”

Dee Llewellyn, Trustee at Pride Cymru said: "We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Principality Building Society and Run4Wales to create Cardiff's first ever Rainbow Roundabout which will provide a much needed burst of energy and excitement for the runners, as well as providing a safe and inclusive cheer zone for LGBTQ+ spectators. 

“The Rainbow Roundabout will celebrate the diversity of participants and supporters, whilst encouraging an atmosphere of celebration and joy. With fantastic performances throughout the race from some of Wales' most loved drag acts the new Rainbow Roundabout is a step towards breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive and diverse sporting community. It sends a powerful message that everyone is welcome and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive commented: “The Rainbow Roundabout will be such an exciting addition to the race, providing a welcoming atmosphere to motivate the runners just when they need it.

“It will bring to life our commitment to deliver an event that is inclusive to runners and spectators from all walks of life, and we’re delighted that it has been made possible through Principality’s partnership with Pride Cymru.

“Engagement with Pride is already having a positive impact beyond our activations planned for the event weekend, such as the recent addition of a non-binary option for participants registering for the mass participation aspect of the event”. 

Published: 14/08/2023