Cardiff University Cardiff Half Marathon 2026, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Overview
The Cardiff University Cardiff Half Marathon is the largest mass-participation event in Wales and the second-largest half marathon in the United Kingdom. Known for its fast, flat, and scenic course, it attracts over 27,000 runners annually, from elite international athletes to charity fundraisers and first-timers. The 2026 edition continues its partnership with Cardiff University as a civic partner, emphasizing community health and engagement. The race is a member of the elite SuperHalfs series, making it a critical stop for runners aiming to earn the legendary SuperMedal by completing six prestigious European halves.
The race weekend transforms the city of Cardiff into a vibrant sporting hub, featuring an Event Village at City Hall Lawn that hosts live music, food stalls, and a pre-race festival atmosphere. On the Saturday before the main event, the “Junior Races”—including a Toddler Dash and a Fun Run—ensure that athletes of all ages are involved. With a reputation for “Welsh passion” and incredible crowd support, the Cardiff Half provides a world-class experience that combines major-city infrastructure with the intimacy of a supportive local community.
Event Highlights
- Historic Landmarks: Run past the medieval battlements of Cardiff Castle, the modern Principality Stadium, and the elegant Civic Centre.
- Waterfront Views: Traverse the iconic Cardiff Bay Barrage, passing the Norwegian Church and the striking Wales Millennium Centre.
- Roath Park Lake: Enjoy a refreshing loop around the scenic Roath Park Lake before heading into the final stretch of the race.
- Electric Atmosphere: Experience the “Welsh wall of sound” with bands, DJs, and thousands of cheering spectators lining the 13.1-mile route.
Why Attend
Active travelers should attend the Cardiff Half Marathon for its perfect balance of high-performance potential and scenic beauty. The early October weather in Wales is typically mild and crisp, providing ideal conditions for a personal best. It is a premier “runcation” choice because the city center is exceptionally walkable, allowing visitors to explore the world-class National Museum Cardiff or the historic Victorian shopping arcades just steps away from the start and finish lines.
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The event’s professional organization, managed by Run 4 Wales, ensures a stress-free experience for international participants. The inclusion of the race in the SuperHalfs circuit adds a layer of prestige and a global community feel, where you can meet fellow runners from dozens of different countries. Whether you are chasing a fast time on the flat tarmac or raising funds for a meaningful cause, the hero’s welcome at the finish line in the Civic Centre is one of the most rewarding moments in British road racing.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Race Start: The main half-marathon traditionally begins at 10:00 AM, with the wheelchair race starting slightly earlier.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Start at Cardiff Castle / Castle Street; Finish at King Edward VII Avenue (Civic Centre).
- Google Maps Address: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: General entries are allocated via a Ballot system; the 2026 ballot typically opens in late September 2025 and closes in mid-October 2025.
- Admission Type: Individual entries for the 13.1-mile race; charity places and “Skip the Ballot” bundles (e.g., Welsh Distance Double) are also available.
- Ticket Pricing: UK Ballot entries are priced at approximately $75.00 (£58), while International Ballot entries are roughly $90.00 (£70).
- Free Admission: Spectating along the entire course and visiting the Event Village is free of charge.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Charity partners like the NSPCC offer discounted registration fees (approx. $50/£40) in exchange for a commitment to raise a minimum sponsorship amount, usually around $380 (£300).
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Contact Information
- Email: cardiffhalfmarathon@run4wales.org
- Phone: +44 29 2166 0790
- Website: https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/
- Address: Run 4 Wales, Pod 1, Capital Retail Park, Leckwith Road, Cardiff CF11 8EG.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Cardiff Airport (CWL), 15 km from the city center (approx. 25 minutes by taxi or the 304 bus); Bristol Airport (BRS) is approx. 1 hour away via express bus.
- Public Transport: Cardiff Central Station is the main rail hub with direct connections to London Paddington, Bristol, and Manchester; most city center hotels are within a 10-minute walk of the station.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis are plentiful; a ride from Cardiff Airport to the center costs approx. $45.00–$55.00 (£35–£43). Uber and Bolt are also active in the city.
- Parking: City center roads close very early on race day; use the North Road or St David’s shopping center car parks, though “Park and Ride” services from Cardiff City Stadium are highly recommended.
- Other Access: National Express and Megabus provide affordable coach travel into Cardiff Sophia Gardens, which is a 5-minute walk from the start line.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Parkgate Hotel (4-star, 0.4 km from start, elegant luxury near the stadium, approx. $250-400/night); Hilton Cardiff (4-star, 0.2 km, overlooking the Castle, approx. $220-380/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Clayton Hotel Cardiff (4-star, 0.6 km, modern and central, approx. $150-240/night); Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre (3-star, 0.2 km, right at the start line, approx. $130-220/night).
- Budget Stays: easyHotel Cardiff City Centre (Budget, 0.7 km, approx. $70-110/night); Mrs Potts Hostel (Hostel, 0.5 km, quirky and central, approx. $40-75/night).
Reviews
- The organization is flawless; having the race start right next to a castle is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- A very fast course—I smashed my PB here by two minutes! The crowds at the Bay and the finish line are incredibly loud.
- Be prepared for a slight incline at mile 12 through Roath Park, but the downhill finish toward the Civic Centre is pure joy.
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FAQ's
How does the 2026 Ballot system work?
Due to extreme demand, general entries are no longer first-come, first-served. You enter the ballot for free; if you are successful in the draw, your payment is automatically processed and your spot is confirmed. If you are unsuccessful, you can still secure a place by running for one of the event's official charity partners.
What is included in my registration fee?
Your entry fee includes your official race bib with an integrated timing chip, a high-quality finisher medal, and a technical finisher T-shirt. You also have access to the Run 4 Wales app for live tracking by friends and family, on-course hydration and nutrition, and a digital race day program with all necessary logistics.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to participate?
The Cardiff Half Marathon has a two-week "cooling off" period after signing up where you can request a full refund. After this period, refunds and deferrals to the following year are generally not permitted. However, you can officially transfer your place to another runner through the registration system up until a specific deadline, usually about one month before the race.
Are there bags drops available on the morning of the race?
Yes, a large, secure baggage facility is located in the Event Village at City Hall Lawn. You must use the official baggage tag provided in your race pack. It is recommended to drop your bag at least 45 minutes before your wave start time, as the area can become very busy with thousands of participants arriving at once.
Is the course suitable for wheelchair athletes?
Absolutely. The Cardiff Half Marathon is a fully inclusive event with a dedicated wheelchair race that starts just before the main field. The course is almost entirely flat with very few sharp turns, making it ideal for wheelchair participants. There are also specific facilities and access points at the Event Village for para-athletes.
