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For the first time ever, runners competing at the Cardiff Half Marathon will be able to catch early trains into the capital to get there before the race starts.

More than 20,000 runners are expected to race in this year’s event, which is happening on Sunday October 6.

Typically, the race’s early start time has meant limited public transport options for those travelling in to Cardiff. This year’s race begins at 10am.

But, Transport for Wales (TfW) has confirmed it has reached agreements with its train crew to put on early morning services on the day of the half marathon.

People travelling to Cardiff from Rhymney will have a service that takes them into Cardiff before 9am – as will those travelling from Swansea, Hereford, Maesteg, Gloucester, Ebbw Vale, Barry Island, Penarth, and Radyr.

However, while TfW has said these services will call at most stations along these routes, it has urged commuters to check online before travelling.

TfW’s Georgina Wills said: “We worked closely with the organisers and our partners in Network Rail and Great Western Railway to put on as many early morning services as we could.

“Good luck to all those taking part and we hope to see as many of you as possible on the day.”

Matt Newman, chief executive of Run 4 Wales, said: “Increasing the Sunday train service on our event day is something we’ve been trying to implement for our runners for several years, so we’re delighted that this convenient and sustainable option is being brought in for 2024.”