Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Cardiff Half Marathon is a premier World Athletics Elite Road Race and part of the SuperHalfs series, featuring a flat, fast course through Wales’ capital city.
Course Highlights
The Cardiff Half Marathon course is renowned for being one of the flattest and fastest in the United Kingdom, making it a favorite for both elite athletes chasing personal bests and first-time runners. The race begins in the shadow of the historic Cardiff Castle on Castle Street, immediately immersing participants in the city’s rich history. Runners head past the iconic Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium before venturing towards the vibrant Cardiff Bay. One of the most scenic stretches includes a run across the Cardiff Bay Barrage, offering stunning waterfront views. The latter stages of the race lead participants through the leafy suburbs and around the beautiful Roath Park Lake, where the famous lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop before the grand finale in the city’s civic center.
Race Details
The event is organized by Run 4 Wales, a leading social enterprise and charitable trust dedicated to delivering world-class sporting events. As a member of the prestigious SuperHalfs series—alongside races in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, and Copenhagen—the Cardiff Half Marathon attracts a massive international field of approximately 27,500 runners. The next confirmed race date is Sunday, October 4, 2026. The main half marathon race typically starts at 10:00 with a staggered start system to ensure runner safety. Elite wheelchair athletes lead the way at 09:50. The event weekend is a celebration of running, including the Cardiff Half Junior events on Saturday, featuring a Toddler Dash and Family Run, making it an inclusive experience for all ages.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to Cardiff not just for the fast course, but for the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of spectators who line the streets with Welsh passion. The race has a long history of charitable impact, originally founded by Barnardo’s in 2003, and it continues to raise millions of pounds for various causes, with the NSPCC serving as the lead charity. The event’s elevation to a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label reflects its high organizational standards and the quality of the elite field. Participants love the mix of urban landmarks and natural beauty, the seamless organization by Run 4 Wales, and the opportunity to earn a stamp in their SuperPassport. Whether it’s the thrill of finishing on King Edward VII Avenue or the sense of community in the Event Village at City Hall Lawn, the Cardiff Half Marathon remains a bucket-list event in the global running calendar.
At a Glance
- Location: Cardiff, Wales — United Kingdom
- Next Date: 2026-10-04
- Distances: Half Marathon, Junior Races (Family Run, Toddler Dash, Future Challengers)
- Start Time: 10:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
The Cardiff Half Marathon is a premier World Athletics Elite Road Race and part of the SuperHalfs series, featuring a flat, fast course through Wales’ capital city.
Course Highlights
The Cardiff Half Marathon course is renowned for being one of the flattest and fastest in the United Kingdom, making it a favorite for both elite athletes chasing personal bests and first-time runners. The race begins in the shadow of the historic Cardiff Castle on Castle Street, immediately immersing participants in the city’s rich history. Runners head past the iconic Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium before venturing towards the vibrant Cardiff Bay. One of the most scenic stretches includes a run across the Cardiff Bay Barrage, offering stunning waterfront views. The latter stages of the race lead participants through the leafy suburbs and around the beautiful Roath Park Lake, where the famous lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop before the grand finale in the city’s civic center.
Race Details
The event is organized by Run 4 Wales, a leading social enterprise and charitable trust dedicated to delivering world-class sporting events. As a member of the prestigious SuperHalfs series—alongside races in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, and Copenhagen—the Cardiff Half Marathon attracts a massive international field of approximately 27,500 runners. The next confirmed race date is Sunday, October 4, 2026. The main half marathon race typically starts at 10:00 with a staggered start system to ensure runner safety. Elite wheelchair athletes lead the way at 09:50. The event weekend is a celebration of running, including the Cardiff Half Junior events on Saturday, featuring a Toddler Dash and Family Run, making it an inclusive experience for all ages.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to Cardiff not just for the fast course, but for the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of spectators who line the streets with Welsh passion. The race has a long history of charitable impact, originally founded by Barnardo’s in 2003, and it continues to raise millions of pounds for various causes, with the NSPCC serving as the lead charity. The event’s elevation to a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label reflects its high organizational standards and the quality of the elite field. Participants love the mix of urban landmarks and natural beauty, the seamless organization by Run 4 Wales, and the opportunity to earn a stamp in their SuperPassport. Whether it’s the thrill of finishing on King Edward VII Avenue or the sense of community in the Event Village at City Hall Lawn, the Cardiff Half Marathon remains a bucket-list event in the global running calendar.
At a Glance
- Location: Cardiff, Wales — United Kingdom
- Next Date: 2026-10-04
- Distances: Half Marathon, Junior Races (Family Run, Toddler Dash, Future Challengers)
- Start Time: 10:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk