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What time does the Cardiff Half Marathon Start? Logistics and Road Closures Confirmed for Major 2025 Race By BBC News Wales Correspondent The annual Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon, one of the UK's most significant road running events, is set to commence on Sunday, 5 October 2025, with the main race start time confirmed for 10:00 GMT on Castle Street. The announcement comes alongside detailed logistical plans, confirming the staggered wave starts and extensive road closures necessary to accommodate the 13. 1-mile (21. 1km) route through the Welsh capital. The precise timing for the half marathon has become a critical detail for both the record field of over 27,500 participants and the thousands of city residents affected by the major transport network changes implemented throughout the day. The race, which holds a coveted World Athletics Elite Road Race Label, will see the first athletes leave the starting line slightly earlier than the mass field. The elite wheelchair race is scheduled to begin three minutes before the main start, at 09:57 GMT. This is a necessary safety measure, ensuring the speed of the competing athletes in the wheelchair category is accounted for before the deluge of runners enters the course. The general mass start is subsequently divided into two distinct waves to manage capacity and flow safely over the opening miles. The first wave, comprising the elite runners and those assigned to the white, green, and red timing pens, will start at the primary 10:00 GMT time slot. The second major wave, designated for the blue, purple, and yellow pens, will follow ten minutes later, starting at 10:10 GMT.
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Race organisers have stressed that timing pens will open significantly in advance (from 09:15 for the first wave) and encourage runners to arrive in the Civic Centre area with ample time to navigate security and pen entry. Disruption and Urban Impact: A Full Day of Closures While the race start itself is punctual, the logistical footprint across the city begins much earlier, impacting movement across central, western, and southern Cardiff. Road closures in the central Civic Centre area, where the event village and finish line are located, commenced several days prior to the race weekend to facilitate infrastructure setup. However, the most significant transport disruption for the race route occurs on Sunday morning, with the earliest closures beginning at 04:00 GMT on major thoroughfares like North Road and Kingsway. The closures are necessary to secure the flat, fast course which takes runners past iconic landmarks, including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay Barrage, and Roath Park Lake. Key arteries affected include Duke Street, Cowbridge Road East, and various roads around the Bay area, such as Lloyd George Avenue. While the earliest sections of the course are expected to reopen by midday, many core roads, particularly around the final miles and the Civic Centre, will remain closed until approximately 15:10 GMT. Public transport services are significantly adjusted. Cardiff Bus has published extensive diversion details, with many routes terminating short of the city centre or rerouting via alternative links like Dumballs Road and Bute Street. Speaking on the comprehensive planning, Maria Davies, Head of Event Operations for Run 4 Wales, highlighted the dual challenge of scale and safety. “For an event hosting over 27,500 runners, precision is everything,” Ms.
Davies told BBC News. “The 10:00 start time is the culmination of months of logistical preparation. We understand the road closures represent a temporary inconvenience for some residents, but they are absolutely non-negotiable for the safety of the participants, which is our paramount concern. We urge everyone—runners, spectators, and residents—to check the official road closure maps and public transport changes well in advance. ” A World-Class Event with Community Focus Beyond the logistics, the Cardiff Half Marathon is recognised internationally, solidifying its place in the global running calendar. The event is one of the four UK races to boast the World Athletics Elite Road Race label, ensuring the participation of world-class athletes, particularly from East Africa, who regularly contest course records. Furthermore, Cardiff's inclusion in the prestigious SuperHalfs series—which includes Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, and Copenhagen—underscores its status and attracts significant international participation. The race is also Wales' largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event, raising millions of pounds for charitable causes annually. Dr. Alex Hughes, an urban economic analyst based in Cardiff, suggested the temporary disruption is balanced by the substantial social and financial benefits the event brings. “The economic uplift from a sell-out race of this size is undeniable, drawing international tourists and increasing foot traffic for city businesses,” Dr.
Hughes observed. “More critically, the event acts as a significant rallying point for the community. The 10:00 start transforms the city from a commuter hub into a celebratory venue. The theme for this year, ‘We’re All In,’ reflects not just the runners’ commitment but the entire city’s involvement in hosting such a successful major sporting fixture. ” Outlook As the city prepares for the morning countdown, the final advice for all involved remains clear: early preparation is key. For participants, adhering to the colour-coded staggered starts (10:00 and 10:10) is essential for a safe race. For residents, understanding the closure map and the time-dependent nature of the disruption will ensure smooth navigation around the capital on Sunday, 5 October, as the tens of thousands of runners converge on Castle Street for the 10:00 start. The city is ready to host another global spectacle of endurance and community spirit.
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