Extra train services and increased capacity have been added to key rail routes into Cardiff on Sunday 4 October, as Transport for Wales (TfW) prepares to welcome thousands of runners and football fans to the city.
Cardiff is expected to welcome over 27,500 runners and thousands of supporters for the Cardiff Half Marathon, before Wales take on Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in the UEFA Nations League.
Working in partnership with Run 4 Wales and building on the feedback from last year’s event, TfW has put on additional services and extra capacity on key routes into Cardiff to make sure runners get to the start line in time.
Additional services will run throughout the day including a direct 22:44 service post-match to North Wales from Cardiff following the Wales v Denmark fixture.
To keep passengers moving safely, a queuing system will be in place at Cardiff Central, while Cardiff Queen Street will remain open throughout the day.
To ensure platform safety, Cathays station will close from 11:00, remaining open for accessible access only.
Georgie Porter, Head of Events Planning and Delivery at Transport for Wales said: “We’ve listened to feedback from last year and put extra services, extra capacity and extra staff in place to help everyone get to Cardiff on time.
“For those running the Cardiff Half Marathon, we wish you all a big pob lwc! If you’re coming into the city as a spectator, consider travelling a little later in the morning to help ease early demand for runners.
“The city centre is expected to be busy, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel.”
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Transport for Wales to make it easier for participants and supporters to travel to this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon by public transport.
“Extra train services on race day is a fantastic offering and will help so many runners travel to Cardiff with ease, while also encouraging more sustainable journeys.
“The Cardiff Half brings tens of thousands of people together in the heart of the city, so helping people leave the car at home and travel by train is an important part of our commitment to creating a more accessible and environmentally responsible event.
“We’re really pleased to see this partnership with Transport for Wales continue to develop and look forward to exploring more ways we can work together in the future to make our events more connected and sustainable.”
TfW colleagues will also have a stand at the Runners Village near Cardiff City Hall throughout the day to offer travel advice, engage with runners and spectators, and support the event atmosphere.
Passengers are advised to check journey times and additional services via the TfW app or website and to allow extra time, as Cardiff city centre will be significantly busier than usual.
