The double Olympic, world and European track champion has made himself available for selection to the British team for the event in Cardiff

Mo Farah could make his IAAF World Half Marathon Championships debut in Cardiff in March as the double Olympic, world and European track champion has made himself available for selection to the British team.

“I am pleased to announce that I am available for selection for the British team in Cardiff at the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships,” said Farah.

“I’ve never run at the World Half Marathon Championships before, and I know the standard is incredibly high with athletes who really target and train specifically for the event, so I know it will be a hard race.

“It will be a good chance to try to claim another world title and I know that the British fans will be out in force. I always get amazing support whenever I race in the UK and I hope this will help me along the way.”

Organisers of the event, which is to take place on March 26, described Farah’s potential participation as a “major coup”.

Matt Newman, chief executive of Cardiff 2016 delivery organisation Run 4 Wales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled Mo Farah has put himself forward for selection for the British Athletics team competing at the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships on 26th March 2016.

“Mo’s appearance has always been a key ambition for us and this news will give a huge boost in the final nine weeks of preparation.

“The Welsh public will get a rare chance to witness one of athletics’ global stars competing around their capital city.”

British Athletics is set to announce the GB team on March 7, with Farah currently the British and European record-holder over the 13.1 mile distance.

“My primary aim for 2016 is the Olympic Games in Rio in August but this race will be a good way to build my endurance before I return to the track in the summer,” added Farah. “I hear the course in Cardiff is very fast and it may take a personal best to win the race but I’m up for the challenge.”

The 22nd edition of the IAAF World Half Marathon Championship is returning to the UK for the first time since 2009 and will also offer 25,000 runners of all ages and abilities the chance to compete in a mass participation race along the course in the Welsh capital.