On Sunday 5th October 2025, the city of Cardiff was filled with energy and anticipation as over 27,000 determined runners set their sights on running 13.1 miles across the capital. This is the 22nd year the race has taken place in Cardiff and, once again, it proved to be extremely popular, with places selling out within 12 hours of the registration opening. Over 29,000 people signed up to take part, setting a new record for 2025.
This year’s race also attracted the largest ever number of international runners, with people travelling from across the globe to participate. Amongst the lively crowd was #TeamCardiff, Cardiff University’s fundraising team, which included over one-hundred Cardiff University alumni, students, and staff members. #TeamCardiff was running for a variety of admirable causes to raise funds for Cardiff University research, supporting neuroscience, mental health, and cancer research. The team raised a remarkable £30,000, an amount to be incredibly proud of.
This is the second consecutive year where #TeamCardiff has raised £30,000 or more. The funds will go towards supporting the next generation of cancer and neuroscience researchers, helping to advance discoveries and “develop treatments for a range of cancers, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia”. I spoke to Professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, a professor from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture (and Dean of Research Environment and Culture), who participated in this year’s race.
Speaking about her motivation to run the Half Marathon, she said: “I have been running regularly (and slowly) for many years, and I find it very motivating to be signed up for a race... after initially failing to get a place for this year’s half, I kept my eyes open for any last minute exchanges and finally managed to get a place in August. For me, running a half marathon is a massive physical and psychological challenge—but also a fun way of being part of something bigger.” It is no surprise that the event is so popular, and the buzz of the day was only amplified by a variety of bands, DJs, and choirs who helped to provide entertainment for both the runners and their supporters. The scenic route included running past some of Cardiff’s most famous landmarks, including the Principality Stadium and the Welsh Millenium Centre, and luckily storm Amy did not impact the day!
With many of the #TeamCardiff runners motivated to take on the Half Marathon due to personal reasons, like fundraising in celebration or memory of loved ones, the comradery and supportive atmosphere was warmly received. Speaking about the atmosphere of the day, Karin said: “I absolutely loved the atmosphere. I find it really moving that the whole city comes out to support the runners, and at times the crowd noise was deafening!
It really helps to take your mind off your exhaustion and painful legs when people are shouting your name, waving signs, handing out sweets and playing music—and it’s especially touching that the crowds are coming out for us ordinary, slower runners.” Karin commented that she hadn’t taken part in the Cardiff Half Marathon for about a decade, but had noticed that in the last 10 years, it has become “a massive event” and is “keeping her fingers crossed” to take part in the event again next year. At #TeamCardiff’s cheer station, situated at mile 8, #TeamCardiff received an extra boost of encouragement as friends, family, and the Cardiff University Brass Band came together to raise the runners’ spirits. Even the Cardiff University mascot, Dylan the Dragon, made an appearance to show his support!
This was bound to give them the extra push needed to conquer the final 5 miles to the finish line. Physiotherapy students from the School of Healthcare Sciences also showed their support by providing free post-race massages to exhausted runners.