The 21st edition of the Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon is set to take place in the Welsh capital on Sunday, 6th October 2024. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, with over 29,000 participants registered across the weekend’s races, including a record number of international runners.
Key Details
- Date: Sunday, 6th October 2024
- Start Time: 10am
- Location: The race begins on Castle Street, Cardiff
- Event Theme: ‘A Race For Everyone’, celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of Cardiff’s community
- Registration: All race entries are sold out, with no on-the-day registrations available.
The Route
The course showcases Cardiff’s most iconic landmarks, starting outside Cardiff Castle. Runners will pass both Principality and Cardiff City stadiums before heading through Penarth Marina and crossing the barrage. They will then pass Cardiff Bay landmarks such as the Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre, loop around Roath Park lake, and finish in the scenic civic centre.
Inclusivity and Participation
The 2024 theme, ‘A Race For Everyone’, aims to make the event as inclusive as possible. Organisers have been working with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, encouraging runners, volunteers, and spectators from all walks of life. This year’s race hopes to highlight Cardiff’s vibrant diversity, making it one of the most welcoming cities in the UK.
Race Day Logistics
- Pacers: Pacers with sail flags will be in each starting pen, helping participants aiming for times ranging from 1:30 to 4:00.
- Toilets: Facilities will be available at the start line, the Event Village, and along the course.
- Water and Energy: Brecon Carreg will provide water throughout the course, while HIGH5 will offer energy gels. Lucozade will be available at mile 9 and the finish line. ‘Ploggers’ will also be present, collecting litter along the route.
Elite and Wheelchair Races
The Cardiff Half is a World Athletics Elite Road Race, attracting some of the world’s fastest runners from countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan, Tanzania, and Australia. The elite wheelchair race will start at 9:50am, with athletes such as Jade and Callum Hall leading the men’s and women’s fields.
Children’s Races
The Cardiff Half Junior events take place on Saturday, 5th October, featuring family-friendly activities, including a Toddler Dash, Future Challengers race, and a Fun Run. Highlights include fancy dress, festivities, and activities hosted by NSPCC.
Fundraising and Charitable Impact
Over £3 million is raised each year through partnerships with over 120 charities. The race is part of the SuperHalfs, an international half marathon series that includes races in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, and Copenhagen, encouraging participants to complete the six-race circuit over 60 months to earn exclusive prizes.
Travel and Parking
With road closures in place, participants are advised to plan ahead. For the first time, Transport for Wales is offering early morning train services on race day, allowing runners to arrive in time for the start. Pre-booked parking is available at Cardiff City Football Stadium, and there’s a free bike park in Gorsedd Gardens for those cycling to the event.
Entertainment and Atmosphere
A lively atmosphere is guaranteed along the 13.1-mile course, with entertainment from drummers, samba bands, brass ensembles, and choirs. The Principality Rainbow Roundabout, a fan-favourite from last year, returns with performances from drag acts between miles 10 and 12. Spectators are encouraged to gather along Castle Street, Corbett Road, and King Edward VII Avenue for the best viewing spots.
What Runners Receive
All finishers will be awarded a commemorative medal and t-shirt. Notably, over 3,000 runners have opted out of receiving a t-shirt, with the fulfilment fee being donated to a Climate Action Fund supporting sustainable projects across Wales. Since its inception, this initiative has raised over £38,000 for environmental causes.
Spectator Zones and Support
Spectator zones are located along key points of the route, including Castle Street and Corbett Road. Tiered terraces on King Edward VII Avenue offer prime views of the finish line. Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure the best vantage points.
Organisers and Future Vision
The event is organised by Run 4 Wales (R4W), a not-for-profit charitable trust. In 2023, R4W partnered with London Marathon Events to broaden the diversity of participants and inspire more children to become active. R4W continues to invest event surpluses into grassroots sports and community projects.
Final Information
Runners can track participants in real time using the Run 4 Wales app, which also offers route maps and race day updates. The Event Helpdesk will be open from 7:30am on Saturday, 5th October, and from 7am on race day.
For more details, visit cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk.
