Yismaw Dillu Smashes Course Record at Cardiff Half Marathon 2025
Ethiopia’s Yismaw Dillu delivered a stunning performance to win the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon, setting a new course record in the process.
The 20-year-old crossed the finish line in 59 minutes and 23 seconds, shaving seven seconds off the previous record of 59:30 set by Kenya’s Leonard Langat in 2019.
In the women’s race, Miriam Chebet of Kenya successfully defended her title, clocking 1:06:36—five seconds faster than her 2024 winning time. Ethiopia’s Alem Nigus finished second in 1:07:33, while debutant Wudinesh Alemu completed the podium in 1:08:08.
Dillu dominated the 22nd edition of the 13.1-mile (21 km) race through the Welsh capital, which saw over 29,000 participants take to the streets. He built a commanding lead early and finished more than 40 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Ismael Kiprono (1:00:05), with fellow Ethiopian Fikadu Liche taking third place in 1:00:34.
The top British finisher in the men’s race was Jake Smith, who placed 10th in 1:02:49, while Charlotte Taylor led the British women, finishing seventh in 1:12:30.
TOP RESULTS MEN'S HALF MARATHON
| POS. | NAME | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yismaw Dillu | 59:22 |
| 2 | Ismael Kiprono | 1:00:04 |
| 3 | Fikadu Liche | 1:00:33 |
| 4 | Benard Murkomen | 1:00:47 |
| 5 | Stephen Kimutai | 1:01:31 |
| 6 | Mao Ako | 1:02:22 |
| 7 | Abe Gashahun | 1:02:23 |
| 8 | Albert Kangogo | 1:02:26 |
| 9 | Tisa Admasu | 1:02:46 |
| 10 | Jake Smith | 1:02:49 |
TOP RESULTS WOMEN'S HALF MARATHON
| POS. | NAME | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miriam Chebet | 1:06:36 |
| 2 | Alem Nigus | 1:07:32 |
| 3 | Wudinesh Alemu | 1:08:07 |
| 4 | Esther Chemtai | 1:08:08 |
| 5 | Misgane Alemayehu | 1:09:35 |
| 6 | Meritxell Soler | 1:11:00 |
| 7 | Charlotte Taylor | 1:12:30 |
| 8 | Natasha Wilson | 1:12:57 |
| 9 | Tracy Barlow s | 1:14:25 |
| 10 | Florence Kiplagat | 1:14:28 |
