Cardiff Half Marathon 2020 - Half Marathon in Cardiff, UK

Cardiff Half Marathon route

The route takes runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks with beautiful scenery and historic buildings. The predominately flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and elites.

The race starts outside Cardiff Castle and runners then head down past Cardiff City Stadium on the way to Penarth. They take in the glorious Penarth Marina before crossing the barrage and heading to Cardiff Bay. Runners run right through the heart of the bay taking in the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre.

The course then heads towards the north of the city and runners will complete a loop of the beautiful Roath Park Lake before the grandstand finish in the heart of the city at the Civic Centre.

Half Marathon

Start Time: 8:50am

13.1mi

View map and route info

Event Details

What’s Included

Chip Timed Event
Finisher's Medal
Finisher's T-shirt
Marshalled Course
Water Stations
Aid Stations
Post Race Goody Bag

Raceday Logistics

The the first race is the elite wheelchair race which begins at 0950. The mass start will take place at 1000.

The race starts outside Cardiff Castle on Castle Street. The race will finish on King Edward VII Avenue. The race village is at City Hall Lawn outside Cardiff’s City Hall.

Please arrive well in advance of your start time in order to drop your bag.

Spectators

Spectators are more than welcome and help lend to the superb atmosphere of this event.

When watching the race please be aware of the course and stay behind barriers at all times. Crossing points will be managed throughout the course, but when none are available, please take great care in not crossing in front of runners and cross when there are no runners on the road. There are a number of brilliant locations around the route to watch the race, but please take care at all times.

Volunteers

The race relies on volunteers acting as stewards and giving out drinks and medals every year. If you’re not running it’s a great way to ensure the event is a success and helps raise lots of money for charities to continue doing their vital work. If you’re a student it’s also great experience to put on your CV and a fun thing to do with friends. To find out more please email [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

At what time does the Cardiff Half start?

The start time is 9:50am with the mass start at 10:00am

What is the cut-off time for the Cardiff Half?

The cut off time is 4:30min.

What is the minimum age to take part in this race?

The minimum age to take part in this race is 17 years old

When will I receive my race pack for the Cardiff Half?

This will be sent to you in the post 1-3 weeks before the event.

Have a question? Get answers from our team.

Is your question about booking your place? See our Help Center

Meet the organizer

#33

Run4Wales are ranked #33 in the UK out of 275 organizers

Run 4 Wales delivers a series of high profile elite and mass participation sporting events in Wales including the Cardiff Half Marathon, Newport Wales Marathon, VELOTHON Wales, Cardiff Bay Run, Barry Island 10K and the Royal Welsh Trail Running Festival.

Cardiff Half Marathon reviews (16)

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Lucia C 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
I have run this event since 2014. Fantastic crowds. Best part is running across the barrage. Even through the hailstones during the world half marathon. Flat for most of the way, so I get my best times.
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Jo B 3 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great atmosphere, though the crowds getting to the race then the finishing and getting away from the race were somewhat testing 😬 was just for short while though. I wouldn’t recommend this for a person best because there were simply too many runners.
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Sean H 3 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great easy course (well as easy as a flat marathon is), great atmosphere at the event and in town during/after, I did my PB there which I was not expecting/trying to do...Just need to watch out for a steep little hill at mile 12 best know its there and power up it, its not a long one.
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Paul W 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great event for any type of runner. Amazing support all the way round! Already signed up for 2020. 👊👊
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Becky J 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great course and atmosphere as always. Liked the route on back of the medal and T-shirt is a fab design this year. xsmall T-shirt are still too big. The gel stand could be laid out better perhaps on both sides as I always miss it every year.
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Sadie R 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Definitely worth doing and staying over if you can. The atmosphere was electric and the support was superb! Not boring at all so many landmarks ! I think my favourite section was the run across the barrage, absolutely stunning. I wouldn’t say it was flat as there was a very cheeky hill at mile 12 and this didn’t help my time. So no not a P.B course but that is my only criticism. Definitely one for your diary x
S

Stuart W 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Parking was simple and only a short walk away, the bag drop, charity village andvbstart line were a bit hectic but we'll sign posted. A serious lack of toilets but understandable with over 50000 people attending. The course was a lovely route with a couple of small inclines. Marshals & volunteers were awesome, the crowds and support were penominal from start to finish. Finish line was okay as finish lines go, goody bag was reasonable, I like the t-shirt, loved the medal with the course printed on the back. A nice touch and a real winner with me was the free pint and 25% off food at any of the Brains brewery pubs.
I will be back to run the Cardiff half marathon and I would highly recommend it to first timers and PB seekers.
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Lydia K 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
My favourite half so far out of several. Crowds on the whole route. Music. Predominantly flat course taking in the whole city, lots to keep you interested. Easy to get into the city and park. Easy to get into pens. Frequent water stations. Last km slightly downhill which is always nice :) Just brilliant really I'd highly recommend
J

John A 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
2019 was my fourth Cardiff half and it is a race I keep returning to because it has a great atmosphere, is well organised and parts of the course, particularly around Cardiff Bay and the barrage, are lovely. This year the weather held and so the support was incredible, the entire course had people willing you on. Because there are such large numbers, the start is a bit busy and it takes a while to move around the event village and get to your pen, particularly the front ones, as the start approaches. Given the scale of the event, the organisers do a great job. Already signed up for number 5 next year.
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Geraint W 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
This was my 8th half marathon and first time at Cardiff and it is easily the best organised half I've done. The staff and volunteers were amazing and the course takes you on an amazing your of Cardiff. I loved it so much I've already signed up to the double distnace Cardiff half and Newport marathon for 2020!