This year’s Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon is taking strides to ensure it represents the Wales of today – by encouraging people of all ages, running abilities and backgrounds to get involved.
While thousands get behind the Cardiff Half each year, event organisers Run 4 Wales want to celebrate and shine a spotlight on what makes the Welsh capital one of the most welcoming places in the UK – the diversity of its people.
To ensure this year’s race reflects that, it has announced that the theme for 2024 will be ‘A Race For Everyone’.
It is working to ensure the 21st edition of the event on Sunday 6 October will be its most inclusive yet. The team will be looking to engage with people from a diverse range of demographics – across different ages, genders, religious beliefs, ethnicities, sexualities and disabilities – to get involved as runners, volunteers and spectators, ensuring there is something for everyone on the day.
The Cardiff Half Marathon has grown into one of the largest and most exciting road races in Europe and this year has sold out in record time.
It’s set to be its biggest ever with over 27,500 spaces secured by a mix of participants taking part, ranging from elite and club athletes looking for a fast time, to those completing the 13.1-mile distance for the first time while raising money for charity.
However, there is still a chance for runners to get involved as Run 4 Wales is once again launching its 100 Club initiative – to coincide with this year’s race theme.
The scheme aims to diversify the sport and break down barriers some may experience in mass-participation events. Everyone who gets involved in the 100 Club is united by one common goal – to reach the finish line and overcome hurdles that not every runner has to face.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “Run 4 Wales believes in the power of mass participation and its ability to improve the mental and physical health of the nation by inspiring people to take up running and make positive life changes.
“Whilst the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon attracts runners from all walks of life, there is more that can be done to ensure the race represents the Wales of today – and our popular 100 Club initiative is one of the steps we’re taking to achieve this.
“Since the event joined the SuperHalf Series, we’re now also seeing a record number of entrants from overseas, so we’re hoping our 2024 campaign can highlight how welcoming both the Cardiff Half and the Welsh capital are – showcasing that it really is for everyone.”
Last year’s event also saw title sponsor, Principality Building Society, and Pride Cymru work together to bring the vibrant Rainbow Roundabout to the Cardiff Half for the first time.
Principality shares Run 4 Wales’ commitment to its social agenda and following the positive response from both runners and spectators – particularly in LGBTQ+ community – they are looking to further build on the initiative from last year.
Commenting on the sponsorship Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “It is such an honour to sponsor a race that holds such meaning to those taking part. Anything that we can do to help bring people closer to reaching their goals, we are glad to support. We know that this race is special to people for a variety of reasons, and we are proud to play such an important role. Good luck to everyone!”
Run 4 Wales is asking people to get in touch and nominate themselves, someone else or a group with their reasons on why they should be part of this year’s 100 Club.
Those selected to join will receive:
- A free entry into the sold out 2024 Principality Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 6 October
- A free 100 Club technical t-shirt, to wear whilst training and on event day
- Access to a closed social media support group, to engage with others taking part, ask for advice or share progress
- An invite to a pre-race training event, including a talk with a running expert – an opportunity to ask questions and participate in a guided training run
- A VIP start line experience on race day, including access to an exclusive Cardiff Castle start wave
- A free one-month trial with run coaching app Coopah, which offers instant personalised and adaptable training plans, access to coaches and more
Entries close on 19 July.
