ORGANISERS of the Cardiff Half Marathon said they wanted to expand the event so it can rival the world-famous Great North Run.

Ministers pledged £75,000 to help turn it into one of Europe's top road races with the aim of attracting 20,000 runners by 2012 and raise more money for the event's charity, Barnardo's Cymru.

The flat course through the city centre and Cardiff Bay has become a popular hunting ground for personal bests.

A record 11,000 people will start the race on Sunday, 40% more than last year, with thousands of supporters expected to line the streets.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "The Cardiff Half Marathon has the potential to become a world-class major event and has grown from strength to strength since it started in 2003.

"With our sponsorship and support worth £75,000 spread over the 2009, 2010 and 2011 events, the event is moving on to the next level, as the record race numbers for the coming weekend demonstrate.

"Running has never been more popular with people of all ages putting on their trainers and running for health and fitness.

"I hope that the great spectacle of 11,000 people pounding the streets of our capital city will inspire many more people to take up the sport and train for next year's Cardiff Half Marathon.’’ Barnardo's Cymru head of fundraising Steven Fedor said: "The Cardiff Half Marathon is not only the largest race in Wales but also the largest multi-charity fundraising event, having raised valuable funds for over 170 different charities and good causes to date.

"With the valued support of our partners the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Council and Welsh Athletics, our goal is to attract the World Half Marathon Championships to Cardiff and Wales in the future.’’ Former 400 metres runner Jamie Baulch will start the race at the civic centre and Mr Morgan will present the winners' medals.