The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of the largest road races in the UK, attracting thousands of runners and spectators to the Welsh capital. While the atmosphere is electric, the event also brings significant road closures and heavy congestion. And with this year expecting a record number of participants, it’s sure to be a challenging day for drivers coming into the area.
Here’s a full guide to help you plan your journey, find parking, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Key information about the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon
When is the Cardiff Half?
The Cardiff Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, 5 October 2025. Runners will set off in the morning, with the event continuing into the early afternoon.
How many people take part?
More than 27,500 runners are expected to take part, making it the second-largest half marathon in the UK after London. Tens of thousands of spectators line the streets, so congestion is expected across the city.
What’s the route?
The 13.1-mile course is designed to showcase Cardiff’s most famous landmarks. It begins at Castle Street in the city centre and ends near the Civic Centre. Key points along the route include:
- Cardiff Castle
- Cardiff Bay and the Wales Millennium Centre
- Roath Park Lake
- Principality Stadium
- Cathays Park
Race timings
- Elite wheelchair athletes start from 10:00am
- Elite runners and mass start follow shortly after
- Roads reopen gradually, with most closures lifted by 3:00pm
Major road closures and timings
Large parts of central Cardiff will be closed to vehicles during the race.
- City Centre (Castle Street, North Road, Boulevard de Nantes) – Closed from early morning until mid-afternoon
- Cardiff Bay – Closures around Lloyd George Avenue and Pierhead Street during the late morning
- Roath & Cathays – Sections closed until early afternoon while runners loop through the residential areas and parkland
- Finish area (Civic Centre & Museum Avenue) – Restricted until around 3:00pm
You can find full details on road closures and timings via Cardiff Council’s roadworks and closures updates.
Best parking options for the Cardiff Half
Driving into Cardiff on race day is possible, but parking near the route will be extremely limited. Pre-booking a space is the safest way to secure affordable, convenient parking.
Why pre-book parking:
- Guarantees availability – Avoid arriving to find full car parks
- Saves money – Advance bookings can be cheaper than on-the-day rates
- Flexibility – Options include JustPark driveways and private off-street spaces outside closure zones
Where to park:
- West of the city centre – Spaces near Pontcanna and Canton, within walking distance but away from closures
North Cardiff – Parking near Cathays station offers good train links into the city - Cardiff Bay – Pre-book spaces outside Lloyd George Avenue to avoid heavy restrictions while staying close to the action
If you’d rather avoid city-centre driving altogether:
- Park & Ride – Cardiff operates Park & Ride services from locations such as Leckwith Stadium and Pentwyn, with shuttle buses into the centre
- Public transport – Trains and buses will be busier than usual, so plan extra time
- Cycling or walking – A good option for local residents; footpaths and cycle lanes remain open and unaffected by road closures
Final tips for drivers on race day
- Check road closure maps in advance via Cardiff Council
- Allow extra travel time for diversions and congestion
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for live updates
- Book parking early to secure the best spaces before demand spikes
By planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy race day with less stress — whether you’re supporting runners, spectating in Cardiff Bay, or simply trying to get around the city.
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