Thousands of runners will be taking to the streets of Cardiff in September to send a message of hope and support to those needing a transplant.

They’ll all be taking part in the 24th HSBC Cardiff 10K Run, which takes place on September 7 in support of the Kidney Wales Foundation and its Donate Wales Tell a Loved One campaign.

Last year more than 1,500 people took part in the event, which was first staged in 1985. Since then around 30,000 people have entered either raising money for charity or just for fun making it one of country’s biggest and longest standing 10K runs.

And thanks to its fast, flat course the HSBC Cardiff 10K is open to runners of all fitness levels and abilities and perfect for those looking to set a new personal best time or run their first ever 10K.

S4C presenter and Kidney Wales trustee Amanda Protheroe Thomas joined fellow Welsh TV star Alex Jones and 13-year-old Robert Edwards, from Dinas Powys, who has been waiting more than two years for a kidney transplant to help launch this year’s Run.

She said: I’m so excited about taking part in the Run again this year. It’s such an exciting day and a great way for runners and families to join together to help raise money and have fun at the same time.

Over the years the HSBC Cardiff 10K has attracted a stellar line-up of stars including Wales very own Olympic legend Dame Tani Grey-Thompson and more recently Kenya’s World Championship bronze medallist Ernest Kimeli who holds the race record of 28m32secs.

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and Donate Wales campaign, said: The HSBC Cardiff 10K helps raise vital, life-saving funds to support the thousands of families across Wales affected by kidney failure.

This year’s route will mirror last year’s hugely successful run starting in Sophia Gardens and taking in many of the city’s most picturesque landmarks.

It will also raise awareness of the desperate shortage of organ donors we have in Wales. In the last five years 150 people have died waiting for a transplant. By encouraging more people to talk about their organ donation wishes and join the Organ Donor Register more lives can be saved.

All entries receive a free race pack including a Donate Wales running T-shirt, while those that finish the event are awarded a medal and goody bag.

For younger runners and families there is the ever-popular HSBC Cardiff 2K Run, which takes place on the same day. Last year more than 500 families took part. Entry for this year’s event is just