As part of the events and activities to celebrate Cyfarthfa200 – the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa Castle – the 2025 Merthyr Half Marathon route will come through Cyfarthfa Park and past the iconic Cyfarthfa Castle.
Supporters and spectators of the half marathon can enjoy activities at Cyfarthfa Park and Castle to celebrate and cheer on the runners as they pass through the park on Sunday 16 March.
Activities will include free crafts and sports (including tennis and football) for children and families, complimentary hot beverages and entertainment. These will take place outside Cyfarthfa Castle from 9.30am to 11.30am. Activities are being delivered by Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery, the Cyfarthfa Foundation, Merthyr Running Club, Active Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Julie’s Castle Tea Rooms, Halo Leisure, and Merthyr’s Roots.
2025 is an exciting year for Merthyr Half Marathon, as it is also the 10th anniversary of the race. The half marathon commences outside The College Merthyr at 10am before making its way directly to Cyfarthfa for a lap of the park, then continuing the usual route using the Trevithick and Taff Trail. Runners are expected to pass through Cyfarthfa between 10.10am and 10.40am.
The race is anticipated to attract around 500 runners, many of whom are fundraising for local and national charities.
The route will cause some temporary changes to the usual traffic routes. Road closures will be in operation on Cyfarthfa Road and Brecon Road from 9.30am to 10.40am and there will be no vehicle access in or out of Cyfarthfa Park between 9.45am and 10.45am.
Jess Mahoney, CEO of the Cyfarthfa Foundation said “The Merthyr Half Marathon is a key event in the town’s calendar. It’s fantastic that this year the route will be bringing runners through Cyfarthfa to mark the castle’s big 200th birthday. We’d love to invite the community to come and join in with cheering on the runners as they make their way through the park, and to take part in our programme of family friendly activities on the day. What’s more, there’s a whole programme of exciting and informative events planned in the coming months to celebrate Cyfarthfa’s 200th year. Check out the Visit Merthyr website to find out more about the ways you can wish Cyfarthfa a very happy birthday in 2025.”
Natalie Williams from Merthyr Half Marathon said “We’re really excited about this year’s half marathon including Cyfarthfa. This will be a great addition to the route, and it will be fantastic for the runners to pass such a wonderful heritage asset in Merthyr Tydfil; celebrating both the castle’s 200th birthday and the 10th anniversary of the half marathon.”