Race day excitement for the Cardiff Half Marathon is starting early with a series of official race week experiences set to take place across the city.
Dubbed the Cardiff Half Full Send, as the city is going all out and all in on the celebrations, a variety of pop-up affiliated events and activities will be on offer with the likes of St David’s Cardiff, wagamama, High5, Wales Millennium Centre and Studio Tarw all getting in on the action.
From yoga classes to shakeout runs, walking tours and sauna sessions, there is so much to get involved in as well as deals and offers to take advantage of.
For the first time from the 25 September to 5 October there will also be ‘The Start List’ in St David’s Cardiff – a runners’ wall with each participant’s name on, so be sure to take a picture when you spot yourself.
Here’s what else Cardiff Half fans can expect:
Monday 28 September
- Start the week strong with a strength session at Studio Tarw, designed to get you moving and ready to tackle the 13.1-mile distance on the weekend.
Tuesday 29 September
- Head to Wales Millennium Centre for a relaxing yoga session between 5.30-7pm followed by the big reveal of the 2026 finisher’s medal.
Thursday 1 October
- Get your carb load in at wagamama in its Cardiff Library venue where you can screen print your own Cardiff Half-inspired tote bag between 4-7pm. The first 50 people will be able to secure their screen printing spot with 20% off food on a first come first serve basis. After this, runners can then get a free regular juice and 20% off food.
Friday 2 October
- Kick off the weekend with the ultimate shakeout run from High5. The fun and social 3.5K run (taking place at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm) is designed to loosen legs and get you pumped. There will also be free samples, merch and more, so make sure to book on to secure your spot.
- Menter Caerdydd will also be hosting a walking tour of the city with a Spanish, English and Welsh speaking guides for people to learn about Wales’ rich history, language and culture.
Saturday 3 October
- A second series of High5 shakeout runs will take place after Cardiff Half Junior (at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm) and more walking tours from Menter Caerdydd will be on offer. Make sure to book your spots onto these as spaces are limited.
- Listen to a selection of Welsh music on the stage in the event village on City Hall lawns from 10am thanks to Tafwyl. Alaw’r Taf, Curiad, Static Inc and Mac are all set to perform throughout the day.
- Welsh Athletics will be hosting a Lead the Change Education Workshop as part of its Own the Night campaign to empower people to speak up, offer help and decrease the likelihood of violence occurring against women or girls.
Sunday 4 October
- On race day Tafwyl will be soundtracking the day on the event village stage with Penbleth, Cadog and Aleighcia Scott set to perform.
- Once the race is done, runners can enjoy a 55-minute sauna session for just £10 at Hikitalo’s recovery sauna session. Expect wood-fired heat, cold plunges and a chance to reset.
Don’t forget to visit Gower Brewery in the event village to celebrate across the weekend. Their bar will be open from the Friday.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “Full Send brings a fantastic energy to the Cardiff Half Marathon race week and is a great example of how we’re continuing to make the event about much more than what happens on the start line.
“Our Cardiff Half Full Send activity gives people another opportunity to get involved, challenge themselves and connect with the wider community. We’re very much looking forward to adding to the buzz across the city during what is always a special weekend of running in the Welsh capital.”
Alongside the official events there will be a range of deals and offers available at restaurants and retailers within St David’s:
- Kin and Ilk will be offering a free drink when runners show their Cardiff Half finishers medal
- Banana Tree will be giving away a free meal to runners
- TGI Fridays will be offering a free mocktail or glass of prosecco with any main meal purchased
- Clogau will be joining in the with celebrations by offering a 13.1% discount to any Cardiff Half participant who presents their race medal between Sunday 4 October to Sunday 11 October 2026
Helen Morgan, Centre Director at St David’s Cardiff, added: “Cardiff Half Marathon is such an exciting time in the city, and we’re delighted to get involved with the Full Send celebrations.
“The Start List is a fantastic way to celebrate those taking part in the race, before enjoying some of the exclusive treats on offer from our brands like Kin + Ilk, Wagamama, Banana Tree, and TGI Fridays.”
