How to Enter the Cardiff Half Marathon

The Cardiff Half Marathon has joined the exclusive SuperHalfs series, making it a must-run for anyone who loves racing on the road. Since its first edition in 2003, the event has grown at an extraordinary rate. Just 1,500 runners took part in the inaugural race, compared with 29,000 starters in 2025. To meet soaring demand, the organisers are introducing a ballot for the first time. But the lottery is not the only way to secure a place.

✓ How do you enter the Cardiff Half Marathon, one of the UK’s biggest half marathons?

A ballot from 2026

With just under 30,000 runners on the start line, the Cardiff Half Marathon is one of Europe’s biggest half marathons. In recent years, the race has fallen victim to its own success, leaving many hopeful entrants disappointed. Demand for places keeps rising, and for the first time in 2026, runners will have to enter a ballot for the chance to start the race. The Cardiff Half Marathon is following the lead of major events such as the World Marathon Majors in London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Sydney. Cardiff’s ballot does have one small twist. UK runners and international entrants are placed in two separate ballots. Registration for the ballot usually opens in October and remains open for several days. The results are announced at the end of October, and those selected have a few days to confirm their place. Entry fees vary according to nationality: UK runners pay £58, while international runners pay £70.

Run for a cause with a charity place

Charity is central to the Cardiff Half Marathon, which works with a large number of partner organisations. The organisers offer a charity entry route, with places allocated exclusively through these organisations. The principle is straightforward and offers a reliable way to secure a race entry. By signing up with a partner charity or organisation, you agree to raise funds, usually between £250 and £300. A £10 registration fee is added to that target. Charities regularly provide a kit including a race shirt and jacket. You may also receive other benefits, such as advice and a dedicated fundraising page. Although this route can make entering the race much easier, charity places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. They are a perfect way to combine running with giving back, often leading to memorable sporting and human experiences.

Tour operators: travel and race in Cardiff

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a lively city where modern life meets a rich historical heritage. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, iconic castle, redeveloped waterfront and expansive urban parks, it is an ideal setting for a race weekend. The Cardiff Half Marathon takes runners past some of the city’s best-known landmarks, through its historic centre, waterfront and cultural districts, all in front of enthusiastic crowds. To make planning the trip easier, the race works with official tour operators offering packages that include a race place, accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities. These packages let runners enjoy the event with minimal hassle, with options to suit different budgets and preferences. Only official partner tour operators are authorised to guarantee these packages; their details are available on the race’s official website.

Take part with your colleagues

The Cardiff Half Marathon offers a Business Challenge for companies, charities and groups looking to enter as a team. Teams of five or more can take part together, with every runner completing the full half-marathon distance. They compete for the title of best company or team, decided on the basis of the five fastest times. Business Challenge entry costs £75 per place, excluding VAT, and includes a race place, event entry, a shirt, a finisher medal and other benefits. The fastest team wins a trophy and a free five-person team package for the following edition. In 2025, almost 79 teams took part, highlighting the appeal of an option that combines sport, team spirit and a shared challenge.

Cardiff joins the prestigious SuperHalfs series

Since its creation in 2022, the Cardiff Half Marathon has been part of the exclusive SuperHal fs series. This international circuit brings together six prestigious half marathons across Europe: Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Valencia, and Berlin. It is an international series with clear similarities to the World Marathon Majors. Runners who complete all six races receive a special SuperHalfs medal. The Cardiff Half Marathon is known for being fast. The men’s course record belongs to Yismaw Dillu in 59:22, while Edith Chelimo holds the women’s record in 1:05:52. World Athletics’ Elite Road Race label guarantees high standards in organisation, safety and timing, making the Cardiff Half one of Europe’s most prestigious.

Entry for sub-elite and elite runners

Although the Cardiff Half Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners, many athletes line up with one goal: raising their arms in victory on King Edward VII Avenue in the city centre. These elite athletes, often travelling from around the world, do not have to enter the ballot. The race organisers have set qualifying standards and entry criteria to give the fastest runners a route into the event.

Criteria for free entry:

Sub-31:00 for 10K or sub-1:08:00 for the half marathon for men
Sub-36:00 for 10K or sub-1:18:00 for the half marathon for women

Criteria for free entry plus accommodation:

Sub-29:30 for 10K or sub-1:05:00 for the half marathon for men
Sub-33:00 for 10K or sub-1:14:00 for the half marathon for women

Criteria for free entry plus accommodation and transport:

Sub-29:00 for 10K or sub-1:03:00 for the half marathon for men
Sub-32:00 for 10K or sub-1:12:00 for the half marathon for women

Applications for elite athletes open in January. Record, win and time bonuses also help attract runners of international calibre.

The Cardiff Half Marathon’s popularity continues to grow, with thousands of runners drawn to the event every year. The ballot, charity places and tour operators are among the different routes that can get you to the start line.

✓ Find all the Cardiff Half Marathon entry details