Transport for Wales Announces Extra Services for Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon
Transport for Wales Announces Extra Services for Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon
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Transport for Wales (TfW) will run additional train services next weekend to support the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon, with more than 25,000 runners and thousands of spectators expected to descend on the capital on Sunday 5 October.
The operator is putting on earlier services from key locations including Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Barry Island, Penarth, Hereford and Newport to help participants arrive at the city centre start line in good time. The race begins at 10am near Cardiff Castle, around a 12-minute walk from Cardiff Central station.
The move builds on customer feedback from last year’s race, when extra capacity was introduced for the first time. TfW says it has gone further this year to meet growing demand and ensure journeys are as smooth and comfortable as possible. Post-race services will also be in place to help runners and spectators return home quickly.
Engineering works taking place on the Maesteg, Ebbw Vale and Rhymney lines mean some passengers will need to use replacement bus services. TfW says these have been scheduled to ensure connections into Cardiff in time for the race start. A full breakdown of train and bus options has been published on the company’s website.
Customer support teams will be deployed across the network to assist travellers and manage crowds at Cardiff Central and other busy stations.
Georgie Wills, TfW’s Customer Delivery & Events Planning Manager, said: “We saw how much of a difference extra services made to people attending the race last year, so we were keen to build on that and make sure runners could get to the start line with ease again this time around.
“Once again, we’ve worked closely with the race organisers, Network Rail and GWR to put together a plan that gets early morning services running from key locations.
“Taking the train straight into the heart of Cardiff is still the easiest and most stress-free way to arrive, so no need to worry about parking or lifts.
“Best of luck to everyone taking part. We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard!”
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at race organiser Run 4 Wales, said: “We’re so thrilled to be working with Transport for Wales on the provision of extra trains for the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon.
“The extra services went down extremely well last year, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to offer even more options to runners for getting to this year’s start line more sustainably.
“We’d like to thank TfW for continuing to work with us on this and we encourage as many people as possible to utilise these extra services.”
The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of Europe’s largest road races, attracting tens of thousands of competitors and supporters. The event provides a major boost to the local economy, filling hotels, restaurants and shops across the city. TfW says it is committed to ensuring public transport can play its part in the smooth running of the day.
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