Wow – what a total! RSPCA fundraisers have raised an incredible £25,000 by pounding the pavements in one of most iconic half marathons in Europe.
This year 109 runners took part in the well-supported Cardiff Half Marathon – which marked the charity’s largest-ever presence.Thirteen runners were from the DVLA in Swansea – who have chosen the RSPCA as its official charity of the year.
And RSPCA cheerers and photographers also turned up to support the runners to help capture the atmosphere at the special event.
The Cardiff Half Marathon has grown into one of the UK and Europe’s largest half marathons and is Wales’ largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event. A total of 10,500 runners took part this year – meaning more than one percent of those taking part did so for the RSPCA
Hannah Myers, Fundraising and Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Wow! We are utterly gobsmacked with the support and success of our runners at the Cardiff half this year.”To have our largest presence was one thing, but to raise a massive £25,000 for animals is just amazing. We’d like to thank all our amazing runners, supporters, cheerers and anyone who donated – we are incredibly grateful.”
Joining Team Animal for the half marathon was RSPCA National Media Manager Chris O’Brien (pictured above), who completed the race in a fantastic time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 57 seconds.
“The Cardiff Half Marathon has taken off so much as an event, and it was amazing to be involved; and to see the RSPCA’s growing presence as part of our commitment to Welsh cultural life,” said Chris.”Running a half marathon in sub two hours was something I could only have dreamed of a year ago, or really at any other stage in my life; so I am really chuffed all the training and healthy eating paid off – and the support of everyone along the route, including the fantastic RSPCA cheerers, gives you such a boost on the course.
“But events like this aren’t only a great way for people to fulfil their fitness goals. They also provide a critical income stream and awareness platform for local, national, and international charities – and it’s amazing that more than £25,000 has been raised for the RSPCA through our involvement.
“I am so grateful to everyone who donated to me personally, and sent support – and to everyone along the route who gave a whoop or cheer for the RSPCA, and the work the charity does for every kind.”
Rising levels of animal suffering and growing numbers of large-scale rescues – has led the RSPCA to have record numbers of animals in its care.
So far this year, RSPCA frontline officers are dealing with an average 410* ‘multi-animal’ incidents across England and Wales – involving 10 or more every single month – an increase on 2025 which was a record breaking year.
In Wales there have been 241 between January and August – and last year the annual total was a staggering 344. In Cardiff there have so far been 16 incidents and last year there were 23.
It means that hundreds of animals need homes today. The RSPCA urgently needs kind and caring people to adopt and foster, as they continue to rescue animals from cruelty and neglect – across Wales and beyond.
This Adoptober potential animal adopters can visit the RSPCA website so the charity can help find you a perfect match.
