Travel disruption as 30k expected to take part in Cardiff Half Marathon

There are warnings of travel disruption and road closures as 30,000 runners are expected to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday.

The 23rd edition of the race will see participants run past landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre and the Principality Stadium.

A variety of bands and choirs will perform along the course, providing entertainment for both runners and supporters.

Widespread road closures are in place to accommodate the 13.1 mile (21km) route, with the race due to start on Castle Street at 10:00 BST.

With high demand for the event, it sold out after going to a ballot for the first time last year, and no on-the-day entries will be available.

Cardiff Half is part of the SuperHalfs series, along with Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia and Copenhagen.

Runners are challenged to complete the six races to earn a SuperMedal.

The event also holds a World Athletics Elite Road Race label and will feature competitors from Kenya, Ethiopia, the USA, Australia and the Netherlands.

Former world record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei – the first athlete in history to run under 65 minutes for a half marathon – will headline the women’s field while Gideon Kiprotich is the fastest athlete registered in the men’s field.

Wales’ ex-prop Adam Jones will also be competing and said he would be relying on crowd support to carry him through the final stages of race.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Jones said he decided to take up running after gaining weight and feeling unhappy with his fitness.

“I just put a on a bit of weight last year and I was heavy… I kind of looked at myself and thought, I need to do something about this,” he said.

“I thought I’ll do the Couch to 5K, I’ll have a crack at that, see how that goes. Enjoyed it, got to 5K, sense of achievement, all that sort of stuff.

“Then I thought I’ll do a 10k. So I kind of googled out the Cardiff Half Marathon and it was sort of long enough in the distance, the kind of challenge that I thought, yeah, I’ll have a go.”

Jones said he felt physically ready.

“I think I was good at peace with myself as a rugby player, so I’m hoping I can take that into this,” he added.

The ex-Welsh rugby player said he was looking forward to the experience, adding: “I think for the first half marathon I just want to get round, really.”

What is the weather forecast in Cardiff?

The Met Office forecasts dry running conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 19C on a cloudy day with some sunny intervals.

How do I get to the Cardiff Half?

Transport for Wales said it had added extra train services and had increased capacity to key rail routes into Cardiff to prepare for thousands of runners and football fans expected in the city on Sunday.

The park-and-walk facility often used by runners at Cardiff City Football Stadium on Leckwith Road has already sold out. However, there are a number of car parks available throughout the city, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be a free bike park in Gorsedd Gardens in front of the National Museum Wales for those who wish to cycle to the event.

A map of all the road closures over the weekend can be found here.

How can I watch the race?

The Cardiff Half spectator zones throughout the city will offer the best views to watch the race.

At Castle Street, spectators can watch the runners as they depart the start line, while Corbett Road will offer a great view of the closing stages of the race, which ends at King Edward VII Avenue.

The event organisers recommend heading down to Corbett Road and King Edward VII Avenue from 10:15 BST.

Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure the best vantage point, while those watching the race from home can live-track participants using the Run 4 Wales App.

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