Mo Farah ponders Cardiff half marathon, say organisers

Video caption, Cardiff course impresses Essar Gabriel, the general secretary of International Amateur Athletics Federation.

Organisers hope Mo Farah will take part in the World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff in 2016.

International Amateur Athletics Federation secretary Essar Gabriel says the London 2012 double gold medallist is pondering using the event as part of his build up for the Rio Olympics.

''I know he is thinking of participating," said Gabriel.

"This is a half marathon and the best way to finish the season off the track before preparing for Rio."

Gabriel added: ''It's up to him [Farah] to decide, but the competition will be of the highest level.

"And if Mo is part of it, then that is even better.''

Gabriel toured the route around the Welsh capital with the event hosts and has given it his seal of approval.

The race takes place in 26 March, 2016.

''It is spectacular because Cardiff has a lot to offer in terms of the landscape, which I am discovering," he added.

''And the course is also a fast one, so I think we can expect not only the best athletes but also great performances at the end of the day from both men and women.''

As well as the world class athletes who are expected to attend, the event will also enable ordinary runners to compete in the same race.

Organisers are hoping for 25000 runners and Gabriel said: ''At the gun, you will be with the stars, with the elite athletes. They will finish ahead of you, for sure.

''But you will be running at the same time, the same race and you will be getting your own medal at the end - which is that of having been part of a World Championship event.''