Cardiff Half Marathon 2026
More than 29,000 participants are signed up for one of Europe’s largest half marathons, taking runners past Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Penarth Marina and Roath Park before a city-centre finish.
One of Wales’ Biggest Sporting Events
Cardiff takes to the streets for race weekend
The Cardiff Half Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday 4 October, with more than 29,000 participants signed up to run through the Welsh capital.
Organised by Run 4 Wales, the event has grown from a field of just 1,500 runners in 2003 into one of Europe’s largest half marathons and Wales’ biggest mass-participation and multi-charity fundraising event.
The race attracts club runners, first-time half marathoners, international visitors and elite athletes, while thousands of spectators line the course to support runners throughout the city.
The Route
Cardiff landmarks from castle to bay
The Cardiff Half is known for a predominantly flat, fast course that combines major city landmarks with waterfront scenery and parkland.
City Centre & Penarth
The race starts outside Cardiff Castle before heading past the Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium towards Penarth Marina and the Cardiff Bay Barrage.
Cardiff Bay & Roath Park
Runners continue through Cardiff Bay past the Norwegian Church, Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre, before looping Roath Park Lake and returning to the Civic Centre finish.
Race Weekend
Junior races and family events start on Saturday
The Cardiff Half is now a full race weekend. On Saturday 3 October, Cardiff Half Junior brings a series of children’s and youth races to the Civic Centre before the main half marathon takes place on Sunday.
Saturday Junior Races
The programme includes a Toddler Dash, Future Challengers races and a Fun Run around Cardiff City Hall.
Sunday Half Marathon
The elite wheelchair race starts at 9:57am, followed by the main half-marathon waves from 10:00am.
Event Village
The main Event Village is on Cardiff City Hall Lawns, with race information, facilities and activity around the Civic Centre.
A Major International Race
World-class racing and the SuperHalfs series
Cardiff hosts elite men’s, women’s and wheelchair races alongside the mass field. The event also hosts the Welsh Half Marathon Championships and carries a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label.
Cardiff is part of the SuperHalfs series alongside Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Valencia. Completing Cardiff earns runners another stamp towards their SuperHalfs journey.
Spectators & Travel
Planning a day in Cardiff
Spectators can watch from locations around the route, with particularly recognisable sections through the city centre, Cardiff Bay and Roath Park. The official Run 4 Wales app also provides live participant tracking on race day.
Race weekend brings major road closures and very high visitor numbers. The organiser recommends allowing plenty of time to reach the city and suggests travelling by train where practical. The official 2026 Park & Walk allocation is already sold out.
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Explore What’s On in WalesEvent information checked September 2026. Race timings, travel arrangements and spectator information can change, so check the official Cardiff Half Marathon website before race weekend.