Race history

The atmosphere was truly amazing and I had the best day ever. I couldn't have asked for a better day for my first ever half marathon. Thank you Cardiff!.
Polly, 2011

Hanes y ras

The first Cardiff Half Marathon took place in 2003, and it’s been getting bigger and better ever since. The race is in partnership with Barnardo’s, the charity partner, Cardiff County Council, Welsh Government, Welsh Athletics and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Every year the race attracts runners from all over the UK and further afield. It is fast becoming known as one of the top events in the autumn running calendar. The 2011 race attracted runners from all corners of the globe, including many from Europe, the USA, and Australia.

Many celebrities also ran, including actress Connie Fisher, Egghead's CJ de Mooi, S4C's Rhydian Bowen Phillips and Dirty Sanchez’s Mathew Pritchard.

The size of the field has dramatically expanded during the race’s history; from just under 1,500 runners in 2003 to 15,000 in 2011.

The Cardiff Half Marathon is now host to the Welsh Half Marathon Championships, recognising Wales’s best athletes. 2011’s winners were Swansea Harrier’s Philip Matthews and Andrea Whitcombe. Cardiff is also attracting elite runners from abroad. The 2011 race saw two foreign winners for the second time in the race's history. Edwin Kiptoo claimed a course record of 1:03:27, with Alice Mogire the fastest woman, clocking a time of 1:11:26.

Thousands of runners raise money for charity by getting sponsored, with an estimated £1,000,000 raised in 2011. In the race’s history 750 charities and good causes have benefited - a number that increases year on year. Many runners raise money for Barnardo’s, the event’s charity partner.

2010’s race also saw the debut of the Cardiff Family Fun Run. This special one mile run allows children and their families to enjoy running part of the course during the main race and gives the race a carnival atmosphere.

A full marathon was organized alongside the Cardiff Half Marathon from 2002-2006. Previous participants in Cardiff races have included Paralympics champion Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and famous adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

The course has always been predominantly flat, making it ideal for first time runners and professionals alike. The scenery of the route is also incredible and varied, as the course takes runners past historical landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the modern waterfront of Cardiff Bay.

We’d like to thank all the partners, athletes, sponsors and volunteers who make this event possible and help it go from strength to strength every year.