The ballot for the 2027 Cardiff Half Marathon, set to take place on Sunday 3 October, is now officially open, offering runners a chance to secure a coveted spot in the popular race.

Prospective participants can enter the free ballot for just over two weeks, with entries closing at midnight on Sunday 18 October. The results of the ballot will then be announced on Thursday 22 October, according to Nation.Cymru.

Understanding the Ballot System

The ballot system was introduced to provide an equal opportunity for all runners to gain entry, addressing the high demand that saw the 2025 race sell out within hours. Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, noted that last year’s event experienced five times the demand for available spaces, making the process as fair as possible.

There are separate UK and International Ballots to ensure a fair allocation of spaces. While entry into the ballot is free, a successful UK entry will cost £59, and an international entry £70. International runners have the option to apply as a group of three; if one member of the group becomes successful in the ballot, all in the group will be accepted, with payment for these places taken to confirm registration.

Alternative Entry Options and New Travel Partnership

For those who prefer not to rely on the ballot, a limited number of “skip the ballot” options are available. These include:

• NSPCC Fundraiser: Entry for £40, with a pledge to raise £300 for the charity.
• Welsh Athletics Entry: 1,500 discounted spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring a valid affiliation number. Once these sell out, runners must use other entry methods.
• Welsh Distance Double: Entry into both the 2027 Cardiff Half Marathon and the ABP Newport Marathon for £108, offering a £10 saving compared to individual entry.
• CDF Training Bundle: Combines entry for the 2027 Cardiff Half and CDF 10K (on 5 September) for £87, a £7 saving compared to individual entry.
• Welsh Half & Half: A new option for this year, including entry into the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon and the 2027 Cardiff Half for £103, saving £10 against general entry into both.

Beyond these, other registration options, such as charity entries, Tour Operator, and SuperVoucher spaces, will become available after the ballot results are announced.

Further enhancing accessibility, Marathon Tours & Travel has been named the Official Travel Partner of the Cardiff Half Marathon starting from 2027. This partnership will see them provide travel and accommodation options, alongside guaranteed race entry through travel packages for those unable to secure a place via standard channels, as reported by endurance.biz.

The Cardiff Half Marathon, organised by Run 4 Wales, attracts over 29,000 runners annually, including thousands of international participants. It holds the distinction of being the UK’s only race in the SuperHalfs Series, a global circuit that includes events in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Valencia.

Matt Newman expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome Marathon Tours & Travel on board as our Official Travel Partner from 2027. Their expertise in running travel and their existing involvement with the SuperHalfs Series makes them a fantastic fit for the Cardiff Half.” Brendan Fox, Managing Director at Marathon Tours & Travel, added, “We’re delighted to be partnering with the team at the Cardiff Half Marathon and helping bring runners from across the UK and around the world to Wales.”

To enter the ballot or explore skip the ballot options, runners can visit the official Cardiff Half Marathon registration page.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: When is the 2027 Cardiff Half Marathon scheduled?
• A: The 2027 Cardiff Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 3 October.
• Q: How long is the ballot open for?
• A: The ballot will remain open for just over two weeks, closing at midnight on Sunday 18 October.
• Q: What is the cost of entry if successful in the ballot?
• A: A successful UK ballot entry costs £59, while an international ballot entry costs £70.
• Q: Are there ways to guarantee entry without entering the ballot?
• A: Yes, there are limited “skip the ballot” options available, including charity places, Welsh Athletics discounted entries, and bundle packages with other races. Marathon Tours & Travel will also offer guaranteed entries via travel packages.