This October’s Cardiff Half Marathon – marking the tenth anniversary of the race – is capturing the public’s imagination. Over 5,000 people have signed up to run, with people inspired to take part and get their own medal in an amazing year for sport.
With the growing popularity of the event, race organisers are urging runners to register now to guarantee their place on the start line. Last year the race sold out all 15,000 places in early August, leaving thousands disappointed.
The Cardiff Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 14 October, will also be valid as the Welsh Half Marathon Championships and the grand finale of the Run Wales Series, attracting elite runners from Wales and all over the world. To be eligible to participate, all athletes must be registered with Welsh Athletics and have undergone the eligibility process.
The first three Welsh men and women to cross the line who are registered with Welsh Athletics and eligible will qualify for Welsh Championship medals. Their running time and records will also be published on the Welsh Athletics website and on Powerof10.
The very best runners and club teams in the UK will be able to claim free entry to this year’s event, where a top prize of £1000 is up for grabs.
Male runners who are capable of a sub 70 minute time, and women who are capable of a sub 80 minute time, are eligible for free entry. To claim this, runners should fill in the elite entry form (PDF) as well as the regular entry form (PDF). Entries must be submitted with evidence that you are capable of running a quick time. All elite runners’ entries must be posted.
To mark the race’s tenth anniversary, the first ten male and female finishers are eligible for a cash prize. The new prize structure is as follows:
1st male/1st female: £1000
2nd male/2nd female: £600
3rd male/3rd female: £500
4th male/4th female: £400
5th male/5th female: £350
6th male/6th female: £300
7th male/7th female: £250
8th male/8th female: £200
9th male/9th female: £150
10th male/10th female: £100
There are also age category voucher prizes for master male and female runners, and a gift voucher available for the first wheelchair finisher. The age categories include:
Male 40-44 Female 35-39
Male 45-49 Female 40-44
Male 50-54 Female 45-49
Male 55-59 Female 50-54
Male 60+ Female 55+
New for the 2012 race are team prizes for running club members. Teams of 3 to score will win the £150 first prize, with £120 and £90 for 2nd and 3rd teams respectively. Positions are added and the lowest score wins the prize.