We hope that you are keeping safe and well.

Over recent months Run 4 Wales (R4W) has been working closely with the Welsh Government and Cardiff City Council to understand the potential timeline for the safe return of events in Wales, including the Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon (CHM), which is scheduled for Sunday 3rd October 2021.

Whilst the vaccine rollout in the UK continues to provide cause for optimism, the situation in Wales remains uncertain, with the Welsh Government currently setting a maximum outdoor event capacity of 4,000, including event-related spectators. At present there are also no plans to relax the 2 metre social distancing rules, which provides significant operational challenges for mass-participation event organisers.     

Over recent years the CHM has grown into the 2nd largest half-marathon in the UK, with over 27,000 participants and 100,000 spectators lining the route. An event of this scale requires a significant planning phase and we have now entered the critical period. The Welsh Government’s 21-day review cycle means that R4W cannot predict the prevailing restrictions which will be in force this autumn, so a decision needs to be made now.   

Due to this uncertainty and in agreement with Cardiff City Council circumstances dictate that we must now postpone the 2021 CHM to the spring of 2022.

The health and safety of race participants, their supporters, event volunteers and the Run 4 Wales staff team is at the forefront of our decision making and we hope that you understand the reasons for this outcome.

The Welsh Government continues to work with partners in the events industry and remain hopeful that other events in the Run for Wales portfolio (such as the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run and ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K) can be held within the guidelines this autumn. The rescheduled CHM will now take place on Sunday 27th March 2022. Everyone with a place will be able to use it in the rescheduled event next year with spaces automatically transferred.

The R4W office remains closed because of lockdown restrictions and a reduced staff team are working hard to respond to queries from home. If you have any queries surrounding the postponement, please contact them by email but be aware that it will take us a little longer than usual to respond. They will get back to you as soon as they can and appreciate your understanding and patience.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we all navigate the exit from lockdown and a return to normality. We look forward to brighter days ahead, whilst our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives to COVID-19.