Race history

First ever half marathon – course was great. Excellent organisation thoroughly enjoyed and will be back next year!
Holly, 2009

Hanes y ras

The first Cardiff Half Marathon took place in 2003, and it’s been getting bigger and better every year since. The race is organised by children’s charity Barnardo’s in partnership with Cardiff County Council, Welsh Assembly Government and Welsh Athletics.

Every year the race attracts runners from all over the UK and further afield and it is fast becoming known as one of the top events in the autumn running calendar. The 2009 race had over 40 international runners travelling to Cardiff including entrants from the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Kenya.

The size of the field has dramatically expanded during the race’s history; from just under 1,500 runners in 2003 to over 7,750 in 2008. 2009’s race was a sell out, with 11,000 runners signing up, and an estimated 18,000 spectators. The number of runners has grown year on year and is on track to achieve over 20,000 runners by 2012.

Runners are encouraged to raise money for charity by getting sponsored and the amount raised grows rapidly each year. In the race’s history over 170 charities and good causes have benefited and this number is continually increasing. Almost half the runners registered for the 2009 Cardiff Half Marathon event were also raising sponsorship money for their favourite charity or good cause.  

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 and fast, making it ideal for runners trying to achieve their personal best. The scenery of the route is also incredible and varied, as the course takes runners through the Civic centre of Cardiff, past historical landmarks such as Cardiff Castle, before cutting along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and through the greenery of Bute Park.

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.