Everything You Need To Know
Find out everything you need to know about October’s Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon.
When is the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon 2022?
The Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon returns to the Welsh capital on Sunday 2 October, reclaiming its traditional autumn date for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the route of the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon?
The route will take runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks. It starts outside Cardiff Castle, past Principality and Cardiff City Stadiums. Runners will take in Penarth Marina, before crossing the barrage and heading to Cardiff Bay past the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre. A loop of Roath Park lake is completed before the grandstand finish in Cardiff’s beautiful civic centre.
What time does the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon start?
It starts on Castle Street from 10am.
What is the theme for the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon?
With a record number of entrants from outside of Wales signed up, the #EinDinas theme for the October 2022 race is a celebration of Wales, with an emphasis on giving runners from outside of Wales a warm Welsh welcome to the capital. The campaign aims to give runners unfamiliar with Wales an introduction to the history, culture, language and cuisine of the country.
Will there be pacers?
There will be HOKA pacers on hand to help you hit your target finish time. They’re a friendly bunch, running with sail flags and aiming for various finish times. Look out for the coloured 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 sail flags.
Are there toilets?
There are toilets at the start of the race, in the Event Village, within the first mile of the race and around the course at all drink stations.
Will water and energy products be provided?
Brecon Carreg will be on hand around the route to supply water, while HIGH5 will supply energy gels. Look out for the Brecon Carreg ploggers and mermaids too. Ploggers will be at the back of the race, collecting litter as they go while the mermaids will be encouraging everyone to recycle their water bottles. The event already has a recycling rate of more than 90% but is keen to do more.
How many people will be taking part?
The race has sold out for the fifth time, just three and a half months after going on sale. More than 25,000 spaces have been sold for the 2022 Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon.
Will there be an elite race?
The event holds a coveted World Athletics Elite Road Race label and attracts some of the world’s fastest athletes. The race will feature its strongest elite field to date, with more nationalities represented than ever before.
Elite runners from Canada, Djibouti, Great Britain, Ethiopia, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway and Uganda are expected to make up tightly contested races in both the men’s and women’s races.
Will there be a wheelchair race?
An elite wheelchair race will take place on Sunday 2 October at 09:50am.
Will there be a children’s race?
The Cardiff Half Junior takes place on Saturday 1 October. A full day of family-friendly activities are planned including a Toddler Dash at 11am and a Future Challengers race at 11:30am for talented young athletes and junior club runners. A family-focussed Fun Run then starts at 12pm. Expect fancy dress, fun and festivities.
How much money does the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon raise for charity?
The Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon is on track to generate its £20 millionth pound in fundraising at the 19th edition of the event this year. Race organisers are urging the public to get behind the event to help it reach this incredible milestone. Over £3 million is raised each year via partnerships with over 90 charities.
Is the event sold out?
The race sold out earlier this summer, just three and half months after entries went on sale. A record number of runners from outside Wales (both across the UK and overseas) are registered to take part this year. To celebrate, organisers will be using the event as a platform to celebrate Wales; showcasing everything that is so special and distinct about Cymru and to offer visitors a warm Welsh Welcome.
Adding to the event’s international appeal, it is now a part of the SuperHalfs – an international half marathon series including races in Lisbon, Prague, Valencia, Copenhagen and Cardiff. It challenges runners to complete the five-race circuit in 36 months in order to earn a ‘SuperMedal’ and other exclusive prizes.
What is the weather forecast?
The long-range weather forecast is predicting perfect running conditions. The day will begin with some light cloud, but sunny intervals and a gentle breeze are expected. Temperatures ae set to peak at 17°.
What is the best way to travel to the race?
Competitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and be aware that some road closures will be in place on the morning of the race.
With so many participants and spectators travelling to the city over the race weekend, one of the most reliable, stress-free and cost-effective ways to travel and avoid congestion is by travelling in advance of race day and making a weekend of it.
Industrial action has been announced on National Rail services on Saturday 1 October, the day before the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon. Strike action by both the ASLEF and RMET unions will mean that train services may be cancelled or severely disrupted throughout the UK, with a very limited service running. Services will also start later on Sunday 2 October.
Timetables are being planned and amended as a result and are due to be made available via the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner on Tuesday 27 September. Runners due to travel by train are being advised to plan ahead and check before travelling and consider alternative arrangements such as travelling by coach. Many services are running from various cities into Cardiff on race weekend, with availability on 1 and 2 October. Additional services will be provided by National Express, Stagecoach and Megabus where possible.
Is there parking?
There will be a park and walk facility at Cardiff City Football Stadium on Leckwith Road, pre-bookable via the event website. To encourage sustainable travel, there will be discounts for coaches and minibuses. There will also be a free bike park in Gorsedd Gardens in front of National Museum Wales.
Find out more about the event at cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
