Records were broken at the 2025 Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon – not only was it the largest event yet but a new course record was set in the men’s race.
The 22nd edition saw more than 29,000 people register to take part – with the highest ever number of internationals.
Despite the windy conditions, spirits remained high with a huge mix of elites to charity fundraisers focusing on their goals to cross the finish line with pride.
Runners were taken on a sightseeing tour of the city with the course taking in the iconic landmarks within the Welsh capital including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, barrage, Norwegian Church and Wales Millennium Centre.
The event attracted a strong elite field with a new course record of 59:22 set by Yismaw Dillu in the men’s race.
The Ethiopian marked his half marathon debut in style as he shaved more than seven seconds off the previous record set by Leonard Langat back in 2019.
“It was my first time running the half marathon so I am very very happy to win the race and set a new record,” said Dillu. “It was very windy but I felt strong and I am so pleased to win.”
Miriam Chebet defended her crown and was five seconds quicker than she was 12 months ago taking the tape in 1:06:36.
“I was ready for this race, especially after I won last year, I wanted to win again,” said Chebet.
Callum Hall and Mel Nicholls were the first to cross the finish line in the men’s and women’s wheelchair races.
The theme for the event this year was ‘We’re All In’ – a celebration of community and connection, shining a light on the strength we find in running together and the bonds that carry us to the finish line.
From coming together on the start-line to more than 500 volunteers and thousands of spectators cheering the runners around the course – running this year’s half was a collective celebration which is why ‘Together, we go further’ was included on this year’s race t-shirt provided by title and technical sponsor, Oysho.
As always, the people of Wales came out to give a warm Welsh welcome to this year’s runners and the atmosphere in Cardiff was electric. Over 50 cheer stations were around the course this year including the popular Principality Rainbow Roundabout, a collaboration between Principality Building Society and Pride Cymru, giving runners a boost in between miles 10 and 12.
2025 also saw the highest ever number of internationals – with over 4,000 entrants taking part in the SuperHalfs, challenging themselves to complete a series of half marathons in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia, to earn themselves a SuperMedal.
Alongside them were runners fundraising for the R4W Charitable Foundation as well as the 100 Club – an initiative set up by Run 4 Wales whereby it donates 100 free spaces into the event for people to use as a vehicle to improve their health and wellbeing.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive of event organisers, Run 4 Wales, said: “It was another great day in the Welsh capital and it was so wonderful to see all of this year’s runners out on the course having a good time.
“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and partners for making this year’s event possible and of course our amazing team of Extra Milers.
“We look forward to welcoming participants back to Cardiff again in October 2026, when we get to do it all again.”
The Cardiff Half Marathon will return on Sunday 4 October 2026. Due to the rise in popularity a ballot system is operating for the first time to give everyone a fair chance of securing an entry. The ballot will close on Sunday 19 October with results of the ballot being announced on Thursday 23 October.
To enter the ballot visit: www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/take-part/register/
