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Cardiff Half Marathon 2027 ballot opens as organisers expect another surge in demand

Thursday, 1 October 2026 10:01

By Nathan Spackman

Runners hoping to take part in the 2027 Cardiff Half Marathon can now enter the ballot for a chance to secure a place in next year's race.

Organisers Run 4 Wales have opened applications for the ballot ahead of the event, which will take place on Sunday, 3 October 2027.

The ballot system, introduced following unprecedented demand for entries, is designed to give runners an equal opportunity to secure a place without the pressure of joining a virtual queue when places go on sale. Entry into the ballot is free and will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 18 October, with successful applicants set to be announced on Thursday, 22 October.

Last year's event attracted demand far beyond the number of places available, reinforcing the Cardiff Half Marathon's reputation as one of the UK's most popular road races.

Matt Newman, Chief Executive of Run 4 Wales, said organisers are anticipating another strong response.

He said: "This is the second year we've run the ballot at the Cardiff Half Marathon and, once again, we're expecting demand into the race to be high.

"We made the choice to go to ballot after the 2025 race sold out within a matter of hours, to help make the process of securing a space as fair as possible. Last year, we had five times the demand for the number of spaces available as the race becomes increasingly popular among runners around the world."

As with previous years, separate UK and International ballots will operate to ensure spaces are allocated fairly between domestic runners, overseas participants and charity fundraisers.

A standard UK entry will cost £59 for successful applicants, while international entries are priced at £70. Overseas runners will also have the option to apply as groups of three, allowing successful groups to secure places together.

For those unwilling to leave their place to chance, organisers have also released a limited number of "skip the ballot" entry options.

These include a partnership with the NSPCC, where runners can guarantee entry for £40 by committing to raise £300 for the charity. Welsh Athletics members will also have access to 1,500 discounted places on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other options include the Welsh Distance Double, which combines entry to the Cardiff Half Marathon and the ABP Newport Marathon; the CDF Training Bundle, which includes the Cardiff Half and the CDF 10K; and a new Welsh Half & Half package, which combines entry to the Cardiff race with the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon.

The Cardiff Half Marathon has grown into one of Wales' largest mass participation sporting events, attracting tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the capital each year while raising millions of pounds for charitable causes.

Those wishing to enter the ballot or secure one of the skip-the-ballot options can do so via the event website.

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