Cardiff Bay was abuzz with excitement over the weekend as the annual Cardiff Triathlon drew together a vibrant mix of participants and spectators. The popular event brought the city’s waterfront to life, with hundreds of athletes tackling the trifecta of swimming, cycling and running, while thousands cheered from the sidelines.
This year, once again organised by the team from Always Aim High, the triathlon cemented its reputation as one of the highlights of Cardiff’s sporting calendar. With adrenaline running high and the sun breaking through the clouds, both seasoned competitors and determined first-timers gathered early at Roald Dahl Plas, the heart of the event’s bustling race village.
The standard triathlon commenced with a bracing 1,500-metre swim in Cardiff Bay’s historic docklands. The calm waters belied the challenge awaiting those in wetsuits, as competitors jostled for position and supporters roared encouragement from the embankments. For many athletes, simply reaching the far shore represented a major personal triumph.
Once back on dry land, racers quickly transitioned to the cycling stage. The bike course, designed for speed with its flat terrain, consisted of four laps of 10 kilometres each along cordoned-off city roads. Cyclists began in front of the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, pedalled along James Street and Ferry Road, cut through the Cardiff International Sports Village precinct, and snaked beside the River Ely before looping back to headquarters. The city’s architectural landmarks, including the Senedd and the Millennium Centre itself, provided an atmospheric backdrop for the action.
The closing challenge was a 9km run through some of Cardiff Bay’s most picturesque sights. Athletes raced past the Norwegian Church and along the scenic cycle trail, before looping back with vistas of the Pierhead Building and the Barrage, culminating in a spirited finish at the Millennium Centre. The route’s variety ensured plenty for both runners and onlookers to savour, and the enthusiastic crowds injected an extra burst of motivation for tired legs nearing the finish.
With multiple race categories taking place throughout the day, the event showcased remarkable personal achievements. Notably, Robin Jones prevailed in the demanding Legend Triathlon, recording an impressive time of 40:20:12, while Abbey Van Dijk led the women’s category with a finishing time of 4:38:05. The Sprint Triathlon saw Jordan Clarke emerge victorious in 1:01:50, and Matt Grantham and Nina Morris-Evans took the top spots in the Standard Triathlon Open and Women’s events, respectively. These results reflect an impressive level of competition and endurance among the participants.
The event’s smooth operation owed much to the efforts of countless volunteers, whose work behind the scenes guided competitors and entertained visitors. Many families and friendship groups turned out to support loved ones, their presence adding to a community feel that has become fundamental to the event’s identity. Even some canine companions got involved, lending a sense of fun and camaraderie to the proceedings.
Not every moment was without drama, as a few competitors were spotted dealing with mid-race setbacks such as punctured tyres or equipment adjustments. Such incidents only underlined the resilience and determination on display, with athletes and volunteers alike quick to offer assistance and encouragement.
Gallery images from the day captured the full spectrum of emotions: nerves at the starting line, the relief and elation crossing the finish, and spontaneous celebrations among both athletes and their supporters. Scenes of stretching routines, last-minute kit checks, and families waving personalised signs reflected the unique blend of tension and excitement characteristic of endurance events.
In sum, the 2025 Cardiff Triathlon was a vibrant demonstration of sporting spirit and community togetherness in the Welsh capital. The event’s growing popularity suggests that it will remain a fixture for Cardiff’s summer calendar for years to come, inspiring locals and visitors alike to push their limits and celebrate collective achievement.