Cardiff Half Marathon training plan
A free plan counted back from race day and built for a flat, city course. Answer three questions and see every week before you sign up.
Race daySun 3 Oct 2027
Distance21.1 km
CourseFlat, city
Countdown51 weeks
Entry is by ballot.See how to get a place ↗
Counted back from race day
16 weeks to 3 October
Weekly distance for a runner doing 10–25 km now. Start later and Kyrvo shortens the base phase.
Mon 14 JunRace · Sun 3 Oct
BaseWk 1–8BuildWk 9–12PeakWk 13–14TaperWk 15–16
Personalise this plan
Coaching notes for this course
Flat and fastThe organiser describes the course as predominantly flat and fast, measured by a Grade 1 course measurer, and the race has hosted the World (2016) and Commonwealth (2018) Half Marathon Championships. Your plan leans on steady tempo work and race-pace practice.
Castle to the bayThe race starts on Castle Street in front of Cardiff Castle and heads past the Principality and Cardiff City stadiums to Penarth Marina, across the barrage and through Cardiff Bay past the Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre.
Roath Park and a Civic Centre finishYou head north for a loop of Roath Park Lake before a grandstand finish on King Edward VII Avenue in the Civic Centre. Because it is an October race, your plan covers the summer base and a cooler-weather taper.
EntriesEntry is by ballot
The organiser offers a free ballot for 2027 places, and official charities and tour operators are other routes in. The organiser’s page has the ballot dates and the latest.
Cardiff Half Marathon questions
When should I start training for the Cardiff Half Marathon?
Most runners need 12–16 weeks. Counting back from Sunday 3 October 2027, a 16-week plan starts on Monday 14 June 2027 and a 12-week plan on Monday 12 July 2027. Start later and Kyrvo shortens the base phase.
How do I get a place?
The organiser runs a ballot for 2027 places, and official charities and tour operators offer other places. Check the organiser’s page for the ballot dates. Ballot entries are not refundable, and the organiser does not offer deferrals after a short cooling-off period.
Is Cardiff a good course for a PB?
Many runners think so. The organiser describes the course as predominantly flat and fast and says it has been measured by a Grade 1 course measurer.
Where does the Cardiff Half Marathon start and finish?
It starts on Castle Street in front of Cardiff Castle, with a staggered start from 10:00 am in coloured pens, and finishes on King Edward VII Avenue in the Civic Centre.
Is there a cut-off time?
Yes. The organiser lists a 4-hour cut-off so roads can reopen safely.
Do I need to sign up to see the plan?
No. Answer three questions to see your full plan. Create a free account only if you want to save it and have it adapt.
Is Kyrvo really free?
Yes. Kyrvo is free to use. Any race or kit links that earn us a fee are clearly labelled, and we never sell your data.