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The half marathon is an excellent trail run for new runners and veterans alike. You'll enjoy mountain views, woodlands, forest, and great camaraderie as you explore a range of trails and countryside paths. The highest point is the Garth mountain, the real star of the film The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came down a Mountain (sorry, Hugh!). The last couple of miles finish in a flat nature reserve where you'll be rewarded with plenty of birdlife and squirrels darting around you.
This event is part of the Radyr and Morganstown Festival, with proceeds going to local charities. The route will be fully marked, with two checkpoints to help you on your way. The route is not easy; the winners came in at 1hour 45 minutes in our first race, however, don't be put off by the challenge. Our sweepers walked the entire route well within the cut of times, and we will do everything we can to get you around.
A full description of the route is provided.
The marathon has approximately 1,300 meters of climb, taking in the half marathon route and adding an additional 13.1 miles of trails. This course is described by past runners as "beautiful and brutal". A gpx file and map will be provided.
The winner's time is normally around 3hrs 30m so please expect to be out for longer than you would for a road marathon.
A full description of the route is provided,
Note: The half course will be fully marked. The marathon route will require self-navigation, though there will be marshals at critical junctions to support you.
Race Details
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Marathon race start: 8:00am
Registration: 6:00am to 7:30am
Half marathon race start: 9:00am
Registration opens: 7:45am to 8:30am
There will be a kit check at registration – no kit, no entry. Full kit list information is available.
The venue for the race is:
Cardiff Harlequins RFC
Diamond Ground
Forest Farm Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 7JN
Costs
Half marathon: £40
Marathon: £50
Aid stations and refreshments
There are 2 checkpoints with water and light refreshments for the half marathon.
There are 3 checkpoints with water and light refreshments for the marathon.
Cut offs
For the half marathon, cut offs allow for approximately 2.5mph progress.
Race Start: 9:00
CP1 cut off: 11:10 (5.35 miles)
CP2 cut off: 13:00 (10 miles)
Race finish: 14:30 (13.6 miles)
For the marathon, there will be an overall time limit of 8 hours for the full marathon route. This equates to roughly 3.25mph.
CP1M cut off: 10:15 (7.5 miles)
CP2M cut off: 11:30 (11.5 miles)
CP3M cut off: 14:00 (19.5 miles)
Race finish: 16:00 (26.3 miles)
Travel
We encourage the use of public transport. The venue is very well served by the local train services. Radyr Train station has very regular services to and from Cardiff Central. The venue is about 5 minutes’ walk from the railway station.
If you're driving, please consider car sharing. There is ample parking at the venue.
Facilities
There are changing rooms and showers at the venue.
Navigation
Half Marathon
The course will be marked and should not require map reading or navigation skills. However, due to the length of the race, and wishing to keep the ‘exploring’ feel of being in the countryside, runners should expect some stretches where there may be less signage. However, there will be signs at junctions and pathway choices.
Despite the best laid plans, some runners may still lose their way.
For that reason, please download What 3 Words. If you need to call the team for some directions, being able to give your exact position will help us get you back on track!
The race contains 2 checkpoints with water and light refreshments. The race will be fully supported by a professional medical team.
Marathon
The course will follow the route of the half marathon for the first three miles, which will be well marked. After this, there will be three circular sections that veer away from and then rejoin the same route as the half. Where the half route is well marked, the marathon sections will be not be marked though we will have marshalls at critical junctions to help you on your way.
There will be maps and brief description for the sections that are not on the half marathon route. There will be an expectation on runners to be able to navigate, partly because despite best efforts, we cannot check the whole route for sign damage on the morning of the race.
A map and gpx file will be provided with the marathon route.
