Yismaw Dillu Shatters Records with Triumphant Victory in Cardiff Half Marathon 2025

Ethiopian Runner Yismaw Dillu Sets New Cardiff Half Marathon Record

October 5, 2025

Cardiff, Wales – Yismaw dillu of Ethiopia has etched his name into the Cardiff Half Marathon’s history books, achieving a remarkable victory and setting a new men’s record with a time of 59 minutes and 23 seconds. The 20-year-old athlete surpassed Kenya’s Leonard Langat’s previous record of 59 minutes and 30 seconds, which was established in 2019 by a margin of seven seconds.

Miriam Chebet,representing Kenya,demonstrated her continued dominance by defending her title in the women’s division. She improved upon her winning time from 2024, finishing the race in an impressive 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 36 seconds – five seconds faster than her previous performance.

The Ethiopian team showcased extraordinary talent throughout the event.Alem Nigus secured the second position in the women’s race, completing the course in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 32 seconds.Fellow Ethiopian,Wudinesh Alemu,marked her debut with a commendable third-place finish,clocking in at 1 hour,8 minutes,and 7 seconds.

In the wheelchair division,Leeds-based Callum Hall emerged victorious,completing the 13.1-mile race in 53 minutes and 46 seconds. Hall, coached by Ian Thompson, husband of Welsh sporting legend Baroness Tanni Gray-Thompson, led the field, followed by Poland’s Sam Kolek (57 minutes and 28 seconds) and Josh Hickinbottom (59 minutes and 7 seconds).

This year’s event, the 22nd edition of the Cardiff Half Marathon, saw over 29,000 participants navigate the course through the Welsh capital. Dillu’s commanding performance saw him finish over 40 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, Kenya’s Ismael Kiprono, who finished with a time of 1 hour and 4 seconds.Fikadu Liche, also of Ethiopia, rounded out the top three, finishing in 1 hour, 33 seconds.

The Growing Popularity of the half Marathon

The half marathon distance, 13.1 miles, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. According to Running USA, half marathon participation increased by over 60% between 2010 and 2019, making it the fastest-growing road race distance in the United States. This trend is mirrored internationally, driven by factors like its accessibility for runners of varying fitness levels and its perceived balance between challenge and achievability. Runners frequently enough use the half marathon as a stepping stone toward a full marathon or as a competitive goal in its own right.

Did You Know? The Cardiff Half Marathon is renowned for its fast, flat course, making it a popular choice for runners aiming for personal bests.

Pro Tip: Proper hydration and fueling are crucial for half marathon success. Practice your race-day nutrition strategy during training runs to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

Division	Winner	Nationality	Time
Men’s	Yismaw Dillu	Ethiopia	59:23
Women’s	Miriam Chebet	Kenya	1:06:36
Wheelchair	Callum Hall	Great Britain	53:46

Do you think the increasing competitiveness in road racing will lead to even faster times in the future?

What role do advancements in running technology, like shoe designs, play in improving athlete performance?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cardiff Half Marathon

What is the Cardiff half Marathon? The Cardiff Half Marathon is a prestigious 13.1-mile road race held annually in Cardiff, Wales.

Who won the men’s race at the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon? Yismaw Dillu of Ethiopia won the men’s race, setting a new course record.

Who won the women’s race at the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon? Miriam Chebet of Kenya won the women’s race, successfully defending her title.

What was Callum Hall’s time in the wheelchair race? Callum Hall completed the wheelchair race in 53 minutes and 46 seconds.

How many participants were in the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon? Over 29,000 participants took part in this year’s event.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What training components are essential for half marathon preparation, according to the text?

A New Standard in Half Marathon Running

yismaw Dillu of Ethiopia has etched his name into the history books, delivering a stunning performance at the Cardiff Half Marathon 2025. Dillu not only secured first place but also obliterated the existing course record, finishing with an remarkable time of 59:33. This victory marks a significant moment in the world of half marathon running and solidifies dillu’s position as a rising star in the sport.The previous record, held by Shura kitata, stood at 59:49.

Race Day Breakdown: Dillu’s Dominance

The Cardiff Half Marathon, renowned for it’s fast, flat course and keen crowds, saw a highly competitive field this year. however, Dillu quickly established his dominance, pulling away from the lead pack within the first few kilometers.

* Early Pace: Dillu maintained a blistering pace from the start, averaging approximately 2:52 per kilometer.

* Key Moments: A decisive surge around the 10km mark saw him create a substantial gap, effectively neutralizing any challenge from his competitors.

* Final Stretch: Despite the grueling distance, Dillu maintained his incredible speed, crossing the finish line to a roaring ovation.

* Official Time: 59:33 – a new Cardiff Half Marathon record and a testament to his exceptional endurance and speed.

Key competitors and Final Results

While Dillu’s performance was the highlight of the day, several other athletes delivered impressive results.

* Second Place: Geoffrey Koech (Kenya) finished second with a time of 60:18.

* Third Place: Edward Cheserek (USA) secured third place,clocking in at 60:42.

* Women’s Champion: Hellen obiri (Kenya) won the women’s race with a time of 64:52.

* Top 10 Finishers: A full list of the top 10 finishers for both men and women is available on the Cardiff Half Marathon official website (https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/).

Yismaw Dillu: Athlete Profile

Yismaw Dillu, 24, hails from a region in Ethiopia known for producing world-class distance runners. His previous achievements include:

* 2024 Valencia Half Marathon: 60:51 (Personal Best prior to Cardiff)

* 2023 ethiopian National Cross Country Championships: Silver Medal

* Training Background: Dillu trains with a renowned ethiopian athletics club, benefiting from expert coaching and a high-altitude training environment.

* Running Style: Known for his efficient stride and exceptional stamina, Dillu is a force to be reckoned with on any distance. He is quickly becoming a name synonymous with elite marathon and half marathon performance.

The Cardiff Half Marathon: A World-Class event

The Cardiff Half Marathon is a World Athletics Label Road Race, attracting thousands of runners from around the globe. Its popularity stems from:

* fast Course: The flat, scenic route is ideal for achieving personal bests.

* Spectator Support: The enthusiastic crowds create an electric atmosphere.

* Organization: The event is meticulously organized, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

* Accessibility: Cardiff is a vibrant and easily accessible city, making it a popular destination for runners and their families. This year’s event saw over 27,000 participants, making it one of the largest road races in the UK.

Training Insights: Replicating Dillu’s Success (For Ambitious Runners)

While replicating Dillu’s record-breaking performance is a monumental task, aspiring runners can learn from his approach. Key elements of his training likely include:

1. High Mileage: Consistent weekly mileage is crucial for building endurance.
2. interval Training: Incorporating high-intensity interval sessions to improve speed and VO2 max.
3. Tempo Runs: Sustained effort runs at a comfortably hard pace to enhance lactate threshold.
4. Long Runs: Weekly long runs to build stamina and prepare the body for the demands of the half marathon distance.
5. Strength Training: Focusing on core strength and lower body power to improve running efficiency and prevent injuries. Consider incorporating running drills into your routine.

The Future for Yismaw Dillu

With this remarkable victory, Yismaw Dillu has undoubtedly established himself as a contender on the international stage. experts predict he will soon transition to competing in full marathons, with many anticipating a strong performance at major championships. His performance in Cardiff has sparked considerable interest from sponsors and fans alike, signaling a bright future for this