Ballot introduced for 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon
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.
We’re also offering 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.
Ballot FAQs
Why has a Ballot been introduced?
There has been an unprecedented growth in demand for the Cardiff Half Marathon (the 2025 event sold out completely in a matter of hours), with much higher demand than the number of available spots. As the popularity of the race continues to grow, replacing the first-come, first-served entry process with a Ballot ensures fairness for all, whilst balancing the needs of home runners, charity fundraisers and those from overseas looking to complete the SuperHalfs series.
Introducing a Ballot means those keen to secure a ticket avoid a potentially time consuming and frustrating first-come, first-served ticket launch that sells out within a matter of minutes or hours. It means not having to be online at a specific moment (sometimes needing to wait in a queue), which doesn’t guarantee entry, and means if you’re busy, in a different time zone, or have slow internet, you’re at a disadvantage. The Ballot, drawn at random will ensure fairness, remaining open over a period of several weeks (until Sunday 19 October at midnight), giving everyone keen to take part ample opportunity to register.
What are the chances of being drawn in the Ballot?
This will depend on the number of Ballot entries received. Whilst the popularity of the race has grown significantly, the chances of securing an entry through the Ballot remain high versus well-known ticket lotteries like the TCS London Marathon and Glastonbury Festival.
Are there ways of securing an entry without entering the Ballot?
A number of ‘Skip the Ballot’ options are being offered for those keen to bypass the Ballot and secure an entry immediately. These include:
- Welsh Distance Double – Bundle ticket including entry into the ABP Newport Marathon on 19 April 2026. These are priced at £104 (offering a £12 saving) with 500 tickets available.
- CDF Training Bundle – Bundle ticket including entry into the CDF 10K on 6 September 2026. These are priced at £86 (offering a £6 saving) with 500 tickets available.
- NSPCC Fundraiser – Enter for £40 when pledging to fundraise £300 for our Lead Charity.
- Welsh Athletics Entry – 1,500 spaces, with a £5 discount, have been reserved for members of Welsh Athletics keen to enter the Welsh Half Marathon Championships. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once these are sold out, WA members are welcome to enter the UK Ballot, but these entries will not be discounted.
After the Ballot has been drawn, those unsuccessful will also have the option to secure a space via official race charities and tour operators, or via a Business Challenge package.
When does the Ballot open and close?
The Ballot will open on Thursday 30 September and will close on Sunday 19 October at midnight.
When will Ballot results be announced?
Ballot results will be announced on Thursday 23 October via email. You should receive an email confirming if you have been successful by the end of the day. Those who have been successful will be automatically entered into the event and payment taken upon being drawn. They will receive a payment confirmation email from Let’s Do This.
How much does it cost to enter the Ballot?
It is free to enter the Ballot. You must enter all of your registration details, and payment information – so if you are successful, you will be automatically entered and do not need to take any further action. The UK Ballot Entry fee is £58* and the International Ballot Entry fee is £70*.
*plus registration platform booking fee.
Why is there a separate UK and International Ballot?
A separate UK and International Ballot will operate, with provisions made to ensure sufficient capacity for local supporters of the event as well as overseas runners looking to complete the SuperHalfs series. 1,500 discounted spaces have also been reserved for members of Welsh Athletics keen to participate in the Welsh Half Marathon Championships, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
With overseas participants typically travelling together in small groups, the International Ballot will include the option to enter as a Team of up to three runners. This will not increase your chances of being selected, as only one participant (the lead booker) will be entered into the draw, but if they are successful – they will be allocated entries for everyone on their team. Any participants entered into multiple teams (to increase their chances of selection) will be disqualified.
I’m a member of Welsh Athletics. How do I secure a discounted entry?
1,500 spaces, with a £5 discount (£53 entry fee), have been reserved for members of Welsh Athletics keen to enter the Welsh Half Marathon Championships. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just select the ‘Welsh Athletics Entry’ ticket option on the registration page. Once these 1,500 spaces have sold out, WA members are welcome to enter the UK Ballot (£58 entry fee).
I want to enter for one of the race official charities. How do I go about this?
You can sign up to run for Lead Charity NSPCC as soon as the Ballot opens, just select the ‘NSPCC Fundraiser’ ticket on the registration page. Registration for all other charities will open on Ballot results day (Thursday 23 September 2025), with a full list of charities able to view at https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/charity/running-for-charity-list-of-associated-charities/.
I want to enter a Team through the Ballot, how do I go about this?
With overseas participants typically travelling together in small groups, the International Ballot will include the option to enter as a Team of up to three runners. This will not increase your chances of being selected, as only one participant (the lead booker) will be entered into the draw, but if they are successful – they will be allocated entries for everyone on their team. Any participants entered into multiple teams (to increase their chances of selection) will be disqualified.
There is no team entry option for the UK Ballot, but spaces will be available via our Business Challenge packages for corporate teams.
Why do I have to enter my payment details?
Those successful in securing a space via the Ballot will be automatically entered into the event (and payment for their entry taken). Taking payment card details with Ballot applications allows for a seamless registration process, and funds are only taken from successful entrants at the time of the draw. No funds are taken from unsuccessful ballot entrants.
I have just entered the ballot, but the entry fee looks like it has already been taken?
When entering the ballot, you’ll be asked to provide payment details to cover the entry fee (and any optional merchandise). Your bank may request you to authorise this payment in order to complete your entry, but no money will be taken from your account at that stage. Please ensure you have sufficient funds available at the time of the ballot draw. Account activity may appear differently depending on your bank, so if you have any questions, please contact your bank directly.
I’ve just spotted that my card will expire before the ballot is drawn? Can I change the card details?
Once your ballot entry has been submitted, you cannot update your payment card details. To use a different card, you would need to withdraw your current entry and re-enter the ballot with the new details. If you wish to withdraw, please email us at cardiffhalfmarathon@run4wales.org, including your full name, date of birth, and postcode so our customer services team can locate your entry. Withdrawal requests must be submitted before the withdrawal deadline (Friday 17 October at 4pm).
I’ve realised I can no longer take part in the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon, can I withdraw from the ballot?
To request withdrawal from the ballot, please email us at cardiffhalfmarathon@run4wales.org and include your full name, date of birth, and postcode so our customer services team can locate your entry. Your request must be submitted before the withdrawal deadline (Friday 17 October at 4pm).
How do I know if I have been successful in the ballot?
All ballot entrants will receive an email confirming whether or not they have been successful. We aim to notify you shortly after the ballot is drawn, and no later than the end of the day on Thursday 23 October. Don’t forget to check your junk mail box too.
I’ve been successful in the ballot, what’s next?
If you are successful in the ballot, you will automatically be allocated a place and are bound by the event’s terms and conditions. Please note that the two-week cooling-off period outlined in the terms and conditions does not apply to ballot entries, so only enter if you are certain you wish to take part. You may withdraw from the ballot up until 4pm on Friday 17 October.
I have been successful in the ballot. What if I need to withdraw my entry?
As per our terms and conditions, Ballot entries are non-refundable (with limited exceptions, including major health issues and pregnancy). Participants no longer able to take part do have the option to gift their space to another participant, free of charge, up until our entry changes deadline, typically around 6 weeks before the race. You’ll find more details at https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/event-info/transferring-your-entry/. Once withdrawn your space cannot be reinstated.
What happens if I am unsuccessful in the Ballot?
There are still several ways of securing a space in the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon, including via official race charities and tour operators, or via a Business Challenge package.
If any of the ‘Skip the Ballot’ ticket options (including the Welsh Distance Double / ABP Newport Marathon Bundle or CDF Training Bundle / CDF 10K Bundle) remain available, these are also an option. Only 500 of each bundle will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When will I be able to enter using my SuperVoucher?
If you have a SuperVoucher code, purchased at www.superhalfs.com – you will be able to use this from Ballot results day (Thursday 23 October 2025) to enter the 2026 race. You’ll find instructions and an entry link at https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/event-info/superhalfs/superhalfs-voucher-charity-entry/.
I am trying to complete the SuperHalfs series, what if I am repeatedly unsuccessful in the Ballot?
The 60-month limit has also now been removed, so no deadline – no stress. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and if you’re stuck, we’re here to help. Special support has been introduced for runners who have been unable to complete a SuperHalfs race for a period of two years. You’ll find more information on the FAQs page of the SuperHalfs website.
Alternative entry options also remain, including via official race charities and tour operators, or via a Business Challenge package.
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