General entries for the 2024 Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon have now sold out just four months after going on sale.
It now means that the only way runners who have not yet entered are able to secure a spot for 2024 is through one of the event’s official charity partners, tour operators, via a Welsh Distance Double Ticket or a Team Challenge package.
Founded in 2003, when just 1,500 runners took part, the Principality Cardiff Half has become one of Europe’s largest half marathons and is a part of the SuperHalfs – an international series of half marathons including races in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Valencia.
Demand from overseas runners taking part has grown to unprecedented levels which has helped fuel the early sellout. Around 40,000 people from across the globe are now on a journey to complete the six SuperHalfs to earn themselves a coveted SuperMedal.
International runners have made up more than 10% of all entrants for this year and will be travelling to Cardiff from countries such as Spain, Germany, Denmark and Italy.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at event organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “The Principality Cardiff Half Marathon is a superb event and has become a staple race in thousands of runners’ calendars both at home and around the globe – we’re thrilled so many people have set their sights on completing the race this year.
“Since we joined the SuperHalf Series we’re seeing so many more international runners take to the streets of Cardiff for the 13.1-mile distance, which is fantastic to see.
“Demand is always high for this event and 2024 marks the 7th year of sellout. We can’t wait to welcome all these runners to the Principality Cardiff Half start-line on Sunday 6 October and cheer them around the course.”
The race is extremely popular among those looking to run their first half, chase a PB or fundraise for charity. And with spectacular landmarks, live entertainment and supporter cheer points throughout the course, it certainly is a race to remember.
The NSPCC is Lead Charity Partner of the event and for the second year, the race is also being sponsored by Principality Building Society.
Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to hear that following the success of 2023, all the spaces for the 2024 Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon have sold out in record time. We’re proud to be partners for a second year running of this incredible event that brings communities together and a wide range of fundraising opportunities for charities. Good luck to everyone in their training, we’re looking forward to seeing you on the start line in October.”
Nigel Impey, NSPCC’s Head of Fundraising Wales, added: “The NSPCC is thrilled to be the lead charity partner for the 2024 Cardiff Half Marathon. Every year, people run through Wales’s stunning capital for the NSPCC, raising thousands of pounds to support our work with children and families.
“On average a child contacts Childline every 45 seconds and it costs £4 to answer their call. During the time it takes someone to run the Cardiff Half, trained Childline volunteer counsellors could have answered around 180 calls for help.
“This is why we’re so grateful to the incredible people who have already signed up to run the Cardiff Half for us. Every step you take, and every pound you raise will help us keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
“There’s still time to join #TeamNSPCC and make every step count towards changing children’s lives. We can’t wait to cheer and support you on race day!”
27,500 spaces have been sold in total and while general entries are now sold out, runners can still enter via one of the event’s official charities, including Lead Charity NSPCC and Associate Charity Partners, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research Wales and Mind, to fundraise for a fantastic cause
