The 23rd edition of the Cardiff Half Marathon delivered massive moments on Sunday, drawing an incredible crowd of approximately 30,000 runners to the Welsh capital for a historic day of racing.
From elite record-breakers to high-profile sporting legends stepping out of retirement comfort zones, this year's event proved why it remains a marquee fixture on the global running calendar.
## Record-Breaking Elite Performances
The international elite field brought serious pace to the 13.1-mile (21km) course, which kicked off on Castle Street.
Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei stole the headlines by setting a phenomenal new women's course record with a time of 1:05:40. Jepkosgei, the first athlete in history to run under 65 minutes for a half marathon, fended off competition from Ethiopian runners Wede Kefale and Tigist Tesema, who claimed second and third.
In the men's elite race, Gideon Kiprotich crossed the finish line first with a time of 59:43, holding off 2025 winner Yismaw Dillu and Bahrain's Jonah Rutio. Meanwhile, the wheelchair divisions saw Poland's Sam Kolek triumph in the men's event, while Mel Nicholls secured victory in the women's race.
## Star Power and Local Passion
Beyond the elite competition, the sell-out event featured plenty of famous faces tackling the route past iconic landmarks like the Principality Stadium and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Former Wales football star Aaron Ramsey and ex-welsh rugby international Adam Jones both laced up their running shoes. Ramsey admitted the course had some "tough parts coming up those hills," but credited the electric crowd support for pushing him through.
Jones, who took up running after focusing on his fitness following his rugby retirement, successfully completed his first major challenge after starting with the Couch to 5K program.
## What's Next for the SuperHalfs Series
As part of the prestigious SuperHalfs series—which also includes Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, and Copenhagen—Cardiff continues to attract international long-distance enthusiasts looking to earn the coveted SuperMedal.
With high demand forcing the event to use a ballot system for the first time, organizers have already opened the ballot for the 2027 race, signaling an even bigger turnout ahead for the Welsh capital.
