Cardiff Half Marathon
Sun 6 Oct 2024

Cardiff Half Marathon

An iconic road race around Wales' capital offering a flat course from the castle to the marina and over the Cardiff Bay barrage! Charity runners, entertainment, huge crowd support and Event Village.

Get charity place
  • Sun 6 Oct 2024

Cardiff Half Marathon

10:00

FREE-£78

Age 17 & over

Overview

Recognised by World Athletics as one of the best half marathons in the world and a member of the global SuperHalfs series, Cardiff Half is now one of Europe’s most prestigious half marathons attracting 27,500 runners of all abilities alongside world-class athletes. Starting at the castle, the half marathon route takes in city landmarks before crossing the barrage and heading to Cardiff Bay on a mostly flat course.

Cardiff Half Marathon

Highlights

  • A World Athletics Elite Road Race

    The only half marathon in the UK to have this credential.

  • Part of the SuperHalfs series

    A prestigious global series of half marathons including Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen and Valencia.

  • UK's second-largest half marathon

    Following the Great North Run, and attracting 27,500 runners.

  • Huge charity fundraiser

    Join the thousands of runners challenging themselves to 13.1 miles for a great cause.

  • landmarks, buildings, scenery

    Flat route features the castle, marina and the very exciting Cardiff Bay barrage!

  • Weekend festival for all

    Runners' Village, live music throughout and huge spectator support.

Event video

  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event
  • Wheelchair users

Families

The event offers a full weekend of activities, with a host of family-friendly activities at Saturday’s Cardiff Half Junior preceding Sunday’s half marathon. Activities include:

  • Welsh Athletics Sport Zone
  • Drumming Workshop (Saturday)
  • Kids Tent – Pedal Emporium and Spectator Sign Making
  • Giant Garden Games
  • Brecon Carreg Squiggly Diddlies

 

Event village

Event Village on City Hall Lawns is the perfect place to meet fellow runners, say good luck to loved ones, leave baggage safely stowed in the baggage tents and make your way to the start line before the race. It’s also the perfect place to to relax at the end of the race and reunite with friends and supporters.

Event Village

Relax, recuperate and celebrate your success with a well deserved post-race massage.

Once you’ve had your soothing massage and you’re feeling a little livelier, you can also enjoy the best of the live music stage and entertainment programme.

Grab a post-race massage, browse official race merchandise or check out accessories from event partners, and for any queries about the race, our Event Information Desk is here to help.

Charity event

Get involved with a number of interactive come and try sports or visit one of the sponsors and charities who will be showcasing their products, services and causes.

Spectators

With the race growing and the elite field improving, provision for spectators has been improved in recent years to give spectators the best chance to watch some of the world’s best athletes take on the iconic route and cheer on family and friends.

Spectator zones give everyone the best possible opportunity to see their loved ones. Head down Castle Street, away from the city centre and towards the River Taff for the best chance to catch your loved ones after they have crossed the start line, away from the congestion of the start pens. Head to Corbett Road for great views of the closing stages of the race on either side of the road, big screens, music and prize giveaways.

Tiered standing terraces give spectators a fantastic view of their loved ones over the finish line on King Edward VII Avenue. You’ll want to head down early to grab yourself the best vantage point. Head down to Corbett Road and King Edward VII Avenue from 10:15am.

  • Bag storage
  • Bar
  • Cafe
  • Changing facilities
  • Coast
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Paid parking
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Cardiff Castle
Castle Street
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
CF10 3RB
UK

Tuck into some tasty street food or kick back with a well deserved celebratory drink – with a wide choice of vendors to choose from. 

  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Marshals
  • No headphones
  • Out and back
  • PB
  • Sweeper
  • Traffic free
  • Water stations

The race starts outside Cardiff Castle on Castle Street and finishes on King Edward VII Avenue. The event village is at City Hall Lawn outside Cardiffโ€™s City Hall.

map
CARDIFF HALF MARATHON ROUTE MAP
Flat course from the castle to the marina and over the Cardiff Bay barrage.

Entertainment

Your 13.1 mile experience will be as exciting and atmospheric as possible with live groups, steel drums, tune trucks, brass bands, choirs and more. Acts include:

Drum Runners | Batala Bristol | Ukulele Band | Samba Galez | Welsh Air Ambulance Choir | Cardiff Uni Brass Band | Accordia | Tune Trucks | Pride Cymru | Rock Choir | Cathays Brass Band | Rock N Soul

Cut off time

4 hours 30 minutes

Participants should try to complete the course within 4 hour 30 minutes. In order to safely get the city moving again and protect all participants, after this time all roads will be reopened and a sweep bus will collect those at the back of the race unable to keep up with the allotted 20-minute mile pace.

  • Carbon offset
  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

With a socially responsible business model at the core, this event delivers ambitiously green, sustainable and low impact events.

Sustainability overview

  • Reduce plastic use including plastic-free goody bags
  • Minimise waste
  • Avoid unsustainable materials including medals made from recycled materials
  • Achieve 90% recycling rate
  • Carbon off-setting initiative
  • Educational and behavioural change in the office and at the events themselves
  • Encourage sustainable travel
  • Reduce litter in the local environment

  • Cash prizes
  • Chip timing
  • Eco goody bag
  • Eco medal
  • Event app
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Training plan
  • Vouchers

Included

  • A posted race pack including a race weekend brochure, spectator guide, running number and timing chip
  • A high standard of event organisation, with a fully marshaled, closed road route
  • High-quality finishers medal to commemorate your achievement
  • Optional technical finishers t-shirt or Climate Action Fund donation
  • Access to helpful training advice and support via the event website and e-newsletters
  • Access to the event facilities, including toilets
  • Course entertainment and live music across the route
  • Water and nutritional products available at energy stations along the route
  • Use of the Run 4 Wales app to live track your performance
  • A finish time SMS at the end of the race (if you have submitted your mobile number)
  • Access to Event Village with retailers, street food and live entertainment
  • Predicted finish time pacers in every start wave
Cardiff Half Marathon March 2022 medal
CARDIFF HALF MARATHON MEDAL
From a previous edition.

Not Included

  • Runner photo

  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising support
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

  • Branded running kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Support on the day

    When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

  • Post-race recovery

    Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity โ€“ these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries are closed.

Running the Cardiff Half Marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Cancer

Brainstrust

Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£36.40

Fundraise
£300

Animals

Cats Protection

For a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£250

Mental health

SANE

Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Children

Action for Children

Working to improve life for children in the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£36.40

Fundraise
£250

Children

NSPCC

Every childhood is worth fighting for.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£300

Armed forces

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans

Supporting limbless veterans since WWI.

  • T-shirt
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer

Raise awareness, fund research and save lives.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Epilepsy Society

Transforming the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy and care.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Look Good Feel Better

Services for cancer patients aimed to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£41.60

Fundraise
£450

Heart

British Heart Foundation

Coronary heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer but the BHF is leading the fight against it.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£250

International

CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

CAFOD is there, wherever the need is greatest to ensure that no one is beyond reach.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Mental health

Mind

The mental health charity.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£250

Environment

WWF

Global conservation work to ensure people and nature both thrive.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training days
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Exclusive social group
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£26

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Parkinson's UK

Find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinsonโ€™s.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£300

Disability

National Deaf Children's Society

Dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£98.80

Fundraise
£100

Disability

Mencap

Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15.60

Fundraise
£200

Heart

Cardiomyopathy UK

Providing information and support to sufferers of this incurable disease which could affect anyone of any age.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

No one should have to face cancer alone.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Children

Dreams Come True

Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£250

Children

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

Providing nurses and support to help seriously ill children in the UK.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan

Sign up
£41.60

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Homelessness

Missing People

The only UK charity that reunites missing children and adults with their loved ones.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

DEBRA

Providing care and support to those affected by the painful genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which could affect any one of us.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15.60

Fundraise
£300

Social welfare

Victim Support

Where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£98.80

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Social welfare

Alcohol Change UK

Working to end serious alcohol harm in the UK.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Cure Parkinson's

Here for the cure; working with urgency to find new treatments to slow, stop and reverse Parkinsonโ€™s.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£400

Children

Sands

Saving babies lives, and supporting bereaved families.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Human rights

Stonewall

Working and campaigning to achieve equality for all LGBTQ+ people.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training plan
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event meet-ups
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

  • Age 17 & over
  • 27500 places
  • Entries closed
  • Charity entries open
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post
  • Series discount

Charity place are available from FREE plus sponsorship pledge.

General entries sold out within just four months of going on sale, but you can still enter via one of these charities or with a Welsh Distance Double ticket which means you enter two runs - the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon and the ABP Newport Wales Marathon.