Free World Half Marathon places

Five hundred amateur runners are to be given the chance to run the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships, Cardiff 2016, for free. As part of the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) 'Athletics for a Better World' social responsibility programme, 500 entries worth almost £30,000 have been purchased to be distributed free of charge. They will be offered to Welsh communities traditionally excluded from such opportunities and to enthusiastic new runners who would use the experience of training for and completing Cardiff 2016 to improve their health and well-being. It is part of the IAAF, event organisers Run 4 Wales and title sponsors Cardiff University's commitment to promote running as an accessible physical activity that can improve long-term health. IAAF President Lord Seb Coe, commented: "In 2014 the IAAF launched its social responsibility programme, 'Athletics for a Better World' to develop and promote athletics all around the world while inspiring social change. "We are delighted to be partnering with the Local Organising Commitee and Cardiff University title sponsors of the IAAF Cardiff World Half Marathon Championships. This is a unique opportunity for 500 people to discover what running is and to inspire them to continue their sporting activity.