Frequently asked Questions

Below is a list of FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions), we realise that athletes have lots of questions and comments, which may not be answered below. If this is the case please contact our event administrators with your queries at cardiffmarathon@raceahead.net

Q.  Why are the race finishing times taken from the gun and not from the chip ?

A.  Official rankings are taken from gun times because the event is a race.  As such all competitors must run the same course under the same conditions.  This means all participants must start at the same time, thus experiencing the same weather and environmental conditions.

If chip times were used it would be a time trail.  Participants would be able to start when they wishes.  Someone who started 1 hr later would potentially have better weather conditions and might have less people around them, which may provide an unfair advantage.

Q. How far is a half marathon?

A. The half marathon is 13.1 miles or in metric 21.1km

Q. Can I walk part of the way?

A. Yes

Q. What happens if I cannot finish the race?

A. We will have medical points along the route. If you are just too tired we will have vehicles to get you back to the start /finish area

Q. How old must I be to compete?

A. The minimum age is 17 yrs of age on or before the day of the race.

Q. Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?

A. Yes. Each runner will be able to store one bag in Cardiff City Hall. Please do not leave any valuables in your bags as we are unable to accept liability for anything lost or stolen.

Q. Can I run in fancy dress?

A. Yes, we like to encourage lots of fancy dress participants – they help to raise the fun element of these races.

Q. I don’t want to raise money for Barnardo’s, can I raise money for another charity?

A. Please contact your chosen charity to obtain sponsor forms etc from them.

Q. Do I have to raise money for a charity or good cause?

A. No, it is not compulsory – it is entirely up to you.

Q. I don’t live in Cardiff and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?

A. No certainly not. There will be marshals on all major road junctions and the route is covered by cctv cameras

Q. What do I get for my money?

A. - A fantastic, well organised race.
- Pre Event – Event Booklet, Runner Number and Timing Chip
- Post Event – A medal on a Ribbon, Lucozade Sports Drink, Prince's Gate bottled water, Goody Bag, a certificate which you can download from the website on the PHOTOS page.
- During Event – Prince's Gate bottled water at regular intervals, and plenty of encouragement.
- Also if you have supplied your mobile telephone number, you will receive texts post event with your times.

Q. Where can I find more information?

A. If you live in South Wales there will be regular updates in the South Wales Echo, however all competitors are encouraged to keep checking this web site as new information will be added continually until race day. If you still cannot get an answer to your question just send us an email.