Heart Charity encourages Half Marathon runners to make heart health part of their preparation

With less than two weeks to go until thousands of runners take to the streets for the Cardiff Half Marathon, Welsh heart charity Calon Hearts is urging people to make heart health part of their race preparation.

The miles have been logged, running shoes are ready, and thoughts are turning to race day on Sunday 4 October.

But for Calon Hearts, the Cardiff Half also has a particularly poignant connection.

In 2018, Ben died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon. Today, he is remembered alongside Kory through the charity’s annual Go Yellow for Ben & Kory campaign, which takes place from 1–16 October and raises awareness of heart health and funds for Calon Hearts’ lifesaving work.

Their stories are part of the reason the charity continues to campaign for greater awareness of sudden cardiac death, including Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), as well as access to heart screening, CPR training and lifesaving defibrillators.

Sharon Owen, CEO of Calon Hearts, said: “Thousands of people will have spent months preparing for the Cardiff Half, thinking about their training, nutrition and getting themselves ready for the distance.

“We want heart health to be part of that conversation too. Ben’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of why this matters to us and why we continue to do everything we can to raise awareness and give people access to heart screening.”

Screening the day before the Cardiff Half

The timing of this year’s race means runners have an opportunity to think about their heart health before they reach the start line.

Calon Hearts will be holding a heart screening session at Sully Sports & Social Club on Saturday 3 October, just one day before the Cardiff Half.

The charity is also holding a screening session at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells on Saturday 26 September.

Knowing what to do can save a life

Heart screening is only one part of Calon Hearts’ work. The charity also works to increase access to defibrillators and CPR skills across Wales.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator can be crucial. Public access defibrillators are designed to guide users through what to do and will only deliver a shock when one is required.

Calon Hearts supplies defibrillators at a discounted rate for communities and businesses and also offers grants towards their cost, helping more organisations put this lifesaving equipment where it is needed.

For runners, sports clubs and community groups, the charity says simply knowing where the nearest defibrillator is and what to do in a cardiac emergency is an important first step.

And with this year’s Cardiff Half falling during the Go Yellow for Ben & Kory campaign, Calon Hearts hopes people will also take a moment to remember why the campaign exists.

Sharon said: “We want everyone taking part in the Cardiff Half to have a fantastic day. But while you’re preparing for the finish line, take a moment to think about your heart too.

“And why not wear something yellow, get your workplace, school, sports club or community involved in Go Yellow for Ben & Kory, and help us keep this important conversation going.”

For more information about heart screening, defibrillators or Go Yellow for Ben & Kory, visit calonhearts.org