By Bryana Francis
Copyright walesonline
Run 4 Wales has announced a huge change for its 2026 race after this year’s event sold out in a record-breaking 12 hours. The news comes just days before tens of thousands of runners will take to the streets of the capital for the 22nd edition of the race on Sunday, October 5 Due to “unprecedented growth in demand” they have announced they will replace the current first-come, first-served entry process with a ballot. The ballot will be similar to those seen in other big running events like the London Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon. It will be the first time the Cardiff Half has offered places through a ballot system. Race organisers said they made the decision to ensure fairness and balance local runners, charity runners and those completing the SuperHalfs series. Here is everything you need to know about how the ballot will work. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here. Next year the Cardiff Half Marathon will be held on October 4, 2026. It will be open from Tuesday, September 30, until midnight on Sunday, October 19. Those hoping to secure a spot can enter the ballot through the Cardiff Half website. Everyone who has entered the ballot will receive an email with the results on Thursday, October 23. Tickets through the UK ballot will cost £58. No money will be taken out before your space is secured but you must sign up with your payment details so your spot can be confirmed if you are successful. If you are entering through the international ballot it will cost £70. However, you can try and increase your chances by ticking the option to apply for a team of up to three other runners to travel to the event in small groups. Race organisers have reassured runners they think the chances of securing a spot through the ballot will still be high, with much higher chances than other well-known ticket lotteries, such as those for Glastonbury Festival and the London Marathon. However, ultimately it will depend on how many enter the ballot during the 11-day window. There are several “skip the ballot” options for runners who want to make sure they secure entry immediately. Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, said: “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.”
