Transport for Wales will be helping runners taking part in next month’s Cardiff Half Marathon by running extra services timed to arrive in Cardiff in plenty of time for the event.

Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday, 6 October is expected to attract more than 20,000 runners.

However, although the race has always been held on a Sunday morning, the early start time has hampered competitors as there are very limited public transport options for those travelling from outside the city.

Agreements have been reached with Transport for Wales train crews so that earlier services can run from key stations to get people to Cardiff in plenty of time for the start.

Services timed to arrive before 9 am will run from Swansea, Hereford, Maesteg, Gloucester, Ebbw Vale, Barry Island, Penarth, Radyr and Rhymney, stopping at most stations en route, but intending passengers should check before they travel.

To help people get from Cardiff Central station to the event, which starts by Cardiff Castle at 10 am, a customer support operation will be in place.

Cardiff Castle is approximately a 12-minute walk from Cardiff Central station.

Anyone travelling should check their journey details before they travel here.

Essential engineering works between Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr and Radyr preclude extra trains on that route, but Transport for Wales is running extra buses to connect with trains at Radyr.

Engineering work is also taking place on the Vale of Glamorgan line, replacement bus services will run to Barry and Bridgend for connection with trains to Cardiff.

Full details of the extra trains and train and rail replacement services can be found here.

Transport for Wales also ran extra trains for Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off games last March.

“We know how important it is for people to get in on time for the race so we’re delighted to have put this plan in place.

“Good luck to all those taking part and we hope to see as many of you as possible on the day!”

Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery & Events Planning Manager

“We’re so thrilled to be working with Transport for Wales on the provision of extra trains for the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon.

“We’d encourage as many people as possible to utilise these extra services and hope it’s something we can continue into the future.”

Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales