CARDIFF University has replaced Lloyds Bank as the main sponsor for Cardiff Half Marathon after Lloyds decided not to renew its deal after five years.
The race, on October 2, has been renamed Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon in honour of the new sponsor.
The university is giving free spaces to runners who raise funds for cancer research or dementia and mental health research at Cardiff University.
Matt Newman, chief executive of Cardiff Half Marathon organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “This is another exciting landmark in the growth of the Cardiff Half Marathon.
“Cardiff University is one of Wales’ most recognisable institutions and is known around the world for its ground-breaking research into health.
“At Run 4 Wales we have a strong commitment to helping improve the health and well-being of the nation, as well as engaging and giving back to the local community.
“Cardiff University are the ideal sponsor to help us grow in these areas.”
Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Cardiff Half Marathon, an event that is now established as one of the most popular mass races in the UK.
“We are the leading provider of medical and healthcare training in Wales, and our academics are tackling some of the most pressing health-related challenges facing society today.
“Our involvement with the race will enable us to work even more closely with our communities to bring about positive changes to people’s health.”
Tim Lewis, spokesman for Welsh Athletics, said more details on the 2016 event will be released soon. Cardiff Half Marathon is the second most popular half marathon in the UK with more than 16,000 runners.
- This year’s race is on October 2 and anyone registering before April will get discounted entry.
