Global charity running partner extends SuperHalfs deal beyond 2027, raising £1M+ and expanding access to sold-out races
Demand for Europe’s leading half marathon series has surged to record levels, with more than 150,000 runners now registered to complete the SuperHalfs, as global charity running partner realbuzz renews its exclusive multi-year partnership with the series from 2027 onwards.
The milestone reflects a broader boom in endurance running across Europe, with half marathons emerging as one of the most accessible and popular race distances. With all six SuperRaces now moving towards operating ballot entry systems due to unprecedented demand, realbuzz is playing an increasingly critical role in enabling access for runners through charity places.
In 2025 alone, realbuzz recruited thousands of runners across the SuperHalfs series, collectively raising in excess of £1.2 million for charitable causes. The company projects this will grow to more than £2 million in 2026, underlining the scale and momentum of charity-led participation within mass running events.
In 2025, an average of 38% of finishers were registered for SuperHalfs. Early 2026 figures already exceed 60%, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing participation challenges in global running and signalling the arrival of a new ‘ballot era’ for half marathons.
As demand continues, charity entry programmes are becoming a significant route into major events. realbuzz connects runners to official charity places across SuperHalfs, supporting them with fundraising expertise, training plans and global campaign infrastructure.
Nick Hollowood, Chief Commercial Officer at realbuzz, said: “The rapid growth of the SuperHalfs reflects a global running boom but also a fundamental shift in how runners access the world’s most in-demand events. With ballots now the norm, charity places have become a vital pathway.
“Renewing our exclusive partnership with SuperHalfs beyond 2027 allows us to scale that impact even further, helping more runners secure places while delivering meaningful funds for charities worldwide.”
The SuperHalfs challenge invites runners to complete six leading European half marathons – Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia – earning the official SuperMedal once all six races are completed.
Since its launch, the series has attracted a global community of runners seeking a structured international challenge that combines travel, personal achievement and purpose-driven participation.
Sasho Belovski, Managing Director of SuperHalfs, said: “SuperHalfs has grown into a global movement, connecting runners through some of Europe’s most iconic races. Realbuzz has been instrumental in that growth, not only by helping runners access sold-out events but by unlocking significant fundraising for charities. A renewed partnership ensures we can continue to expand both participation and impact in the years ahead.”
Among those taking on the challenge this year is realbuzz ambassador, runner and PT, James Stirling, who is completing the SuperHalfs via a charity place. James is available for interview, alongside a range of realbuzz runners including first-time half marathon participants and international runners travelling across Europe for the series.
With participation continuing to rise and destination races growing in popularity, industry observers expect SuperHalfs and charity-led entry models to remain key drivers of global running trends.
