Join host Tim Rogers and Cardiff Half Marathon 2025 finisher Owen Thomas for a full post-race debrief of one of the UK’s biggest running events. They break down race highlights, runner experiences, training insights, fundraising and performance takeaways from this year’s Cardiff Half.

Whether you ran the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon, supported from the sidelines, or are training for your next big race, this episode delivers everything you need — from race-day atmosphere and course strategy to recovery tips and inspiration for future events.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

If you'd like to run Cardiff in 2026 contact St John Ambulance Cymru about one of their charity entries. You'll need to raise £300 and they will help you every step of the way.

PODCAST NOTES

Keywords Cardiff Half Marathon, running, fundraising, St. John Ambulance, race experience, marathon training, nutrition, race course, community support, running journey Summary In this episode, Tim Rogers speaks with Owen Thomas about his experiences running the Cardiff Half Marathon, his journey as a runner, and his role as Head of Fundraising and Communications for St. John Ambulance Cymru. Owen shares insights into the race course, the challenges of training, and the importance of community support during events. He also discusses his approach to fundraising and how he engages with donors. The conversation highlights the growth of the Cardiff Half Marathon and its appeal to both seasoned runners and newcomers. Takeaways

• Owen has participated in 40 to 50 races over 15 years.
• The Cardiff Half Marathon has grown significantly in size and popularity.
• Owen enjoys the camaraderie of ultra marathons despite their challenges.
• The first half of the Cardiff Half is less spectated but still enjoyable.
• Nutrition stations are well-placed throughout the race course.
• Fundraising can be effective even with a late start.
• Owen raised over £300 for St. John Ambulance Cymru through direct asks.
• The support from spectators is crucial for runners during the race.
• Training for a marathon requires more preparation than a half marathon.
• Owen recommends the Cardiff Half for first-time runners due to its supportive environment.

Titles

• Running the Cardiff Half: Owen's Journey
• Fundraising and Running: A Conversation with Owen Thomas

Sound Bites

• "I love the Cardiff Half. It's a great race."
• "I was quite ambitious with my time."
• "I do quite like the gels."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Owen and the Cardiff Half Marathon 01:54 Owen's Running Journey and Experience 03:19 Race Day Experience and Atmosphere 05:53 Course Overview and Landmarks 08:44 Nutrition and Hydration During the Race 11:10 Fundraising for St. John Ambulance Cymru 15:30 Tips for Effective Fundraising 15:31 Training for Marathons vs. Half Marathons 17:09 Final Thoughts on the Cardiff Half Marathon