Crowds stretched along the route of the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon in Wales on October 1, 2023. Celebrating the event’s 20th anniversary, the Welsh capital welcomed 27,500 runners and a bumper edition of the race which originally started in 2003.
Matt Newman, CEO of event organiser, Run 4 Wales, said “Cardiff has really turned out for us today – so many runners crossed the finish line reported that the crowds right around the route were amazing.
“And it’s this brilliant atmosphere – among the runners, our volunteers – the extra milers – and our spectators that makes people want to come back year after year.
“Marking our 20th anniversary this year was always going to special and we were pleased to welcome Welsh bands on stage in the event village and play host to the brilliantly entertaining Principality Rainbow Roundabout in Roath Park with Pride Cymru for the first time ever. And of course, it was just fantastic to see the sheer numbers of runners today.”
The Cardiff Half is Wales’ largest mass participation event and raises around £3m for good causes each year. Large teams of fundraisers represented a number of charities including the NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society, Mind, Prostate Cancer UK, Shelter Cymru and founder of the event Barnardo’s.
In 2023, Principality Building Society got on board as title sponsor. Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality, said “Congratulations to everyone who made this year’s Principality Cardiff Half Marathon such a success, to the runners and their months of dedication, and the volunteers and supporters who lined the streets and cheered them home.
“The atmosphere was incredible. We’re really proud to have sponsored this great event, and are delighted to say that we will continue to sponsor this event in 2024.”
Cardiff is one of five Superhalf events – the European series of half marathon races – and a record number of runners from overseas participated in 2023.
