Entries for the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon will be offered via a Ballot for the first time.
With unprecedented growth in recent years, and much higher demand than the number of spaces available, the Ballot will give everyone a fair chance at securing an entry for next year’s race on Sunday 4 October.
The 2025 edition sold out within hours of its launch last October, driven by extraordinary global demand. Since then, interest has only continued to grow, fuelled by a surge in the popularity of running across Wales, the UK and beyond.
While many runners were unable to secure a place for 2025 despite attempting to register on launch day, the introduction of a ballot system will ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to gain entry – without the pressure of being first in the queue. The ballot will be free to enter and remain open for just over two weeks, closing at midnight on Sunday 19 October.
A UK Ballot and International Ballot will operate, ensuring sufficient capacity and a fair allocation of spaces for home runners, charity fundraisers and those from overseas looking to complete the SuperHalfs series. There will also be a guaranteed allocation of discounted spaces for members of Welsh Athletics keen to compete in the Welsh Half Marathon Championships.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive commented: “We’re so proud of the incredible growth of the Cardiff Half Marathon, which has grown into one of Europe’s largest half marathons and now attracts participants from all over the world to our capital city.
“The pace of last year’s sell out took us somewhat by surprise, with the demand compared to the rush to get a ticket for Glastonbury Festival or the TCS London Marathon!
“While interest in the Cardiff Half Marathon increases each year, the chance of gaining a place through the ballot is still high, so we’d encourage everyone who wants to run next year’s race to apply. We’ve also introduced a few ‘skip the ballot’ ticket options, for those loyal local supporters who join us year on year!”.
How will the Cardiff Half Marathon ballot work?
- The Ballot opens on Tuesday 30 September, with those keen to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon 2026 encouraged to enter via Let’s Do This before it closes on Sunday 19 October at midnight: https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/register/
- A UK Ballot entry costs £58, but entering the Ballot is free and only those successful in securing a space will be charged. Entrants must complete a registration form and payment pre-authorisation, so if they’re successful their ballot entry will be automatically confirmed.
- An International Ballot entry costs £70 and includes the option to apply for a team of up to three runners, to facilitate overseas participants looking to travel to the event in small groups. This will not increase their chances of being selected, with only one participant (the lead booker) entered into the draw. If they’re successful, they will be allocated entries for everyone on their team, but any participants entered into multiple teams (to increase their chances of selection) will be disqualified.
- Results of the ballot will be announced on Thursday 23 October, alongside the opening of other registration options, including charity entries, Business Challenges, Tour Operator and SuperVoucher spaces.
Organisers will also offer a limited number of ‘Skip the Ballot’ options for those who want to secure their space for 2026 as soon as possible:
- Welsh Distance Double Bundle – entry into the 2026 Cardiff Half and ABP Newport Marathon on 19 April. Tickets are priced at £104, a £12 saving vs individual entry into both events.
- CDF Training Bundle – entry into the 2026 Cardiff Half and CDF 10K on 6 September. . Tickets are priced at £86, a £6 saving vs individual entry into both events.
- NSPCC Fundraiser Ticket – those keen to run for the race Lead Charity the NSPCC can enter for £40 (an £18 saving), when pledging to raise £300.
- Welsh Athletics Entry – 1,500 places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for Welsh-affiliated athletes, with a £5 discount. Once these have sold out, Welsh Athletics members will still be able to enter the Ballot or secure one of the other ‘Skip the Ballot’ options.
