DEMAND for places at the Lloyds TSB Cardiff Half Marathon is almost double that of last year.
The event, one of the fastest growing half marathons in the UK, has seen 5,000 of the 15,000 places already snapped up for this year’s event in record time.
This year the County Times is urging Powys runners to enter the race - and consider raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Deputy editor Mark Lingard is five race into a bid to run 12 half marathons in 10 months - and the bid will end in Cardiff. Reporters Richard Jones and Nathan Rowden and chief photographer Phil Blagg are already signed up.
With the growing popularity of the event, race organisers are urging those considering the challenge to register now to avoid disappointment. Last year the race sold out well in advance of the September registration closing date, and it is likely to sell out even quicker this year.
Event Organiser Rachel Madge said: “This year’s race is proving more popular than ever and registrations are up 78 per cent on this time last year.
“Anyone wanting to take part should register as soon as possible otherwise they risk losing out on a place in Wales’ most exciting running event. We’re expecting places to sell out well ahead of the registration deadline of September 14.
"Runners cannot risk waiting until the last minute to sign up, otherwise we will not have a place for them.
“There is certainly a big buzz already this year around Wales' biggest mass participation event, with runners from all walks of life, from international elites to first time runners, taking on the challenge. The Easter break will be a good time to start training for the challenge and I know many people who are already pounding the streets of Cardiff as the evenings get lighter to get ready.”
The Lloyds TSB Cardiff Half Marathon will take place on 16 October 2011. Register at www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
Registrations close at noon on September 14, or when the course cap of 15,000 is reached.