From road closures to taking part – all you need to know about this weekend’s Swansea Half Marathon

Excitement is building as the city prepares to welcome athletes from all over the UK and further afield as Wales’ biggest Summer half marathon event returns this weekend.

The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon will take place this Sunday (11^th June) from outside Swansea Arena, underneath the iconic Copr Bay bridge. The wheelchair race will start at 8.55 am before the main field of runners, who will take to the streets at 9.00 am, closely followed by the family run at 9.10am

The race is expected to host a field of up to 5000 participants that will run from the city to the sea on one of the most breath-taking half marathon courses in the country. The 13.1 mile route showcases the spectacular Swansea Bay on a mostly flat route through the city.

The event organised by the Front Runner Events team is delivered with the help of crew members and volunteer race makers. 

David Martin-Jewell, Managing Director said: “We are excited to be staging the ninth edition of the Swansea Half Marathon alongside our new headline partners at Swansea University. This year will see our biggest field of wheelchair athletes in our race history and strongest female elite line-up to date. There have been several measures introduced this year which has helped make the event more sustainable and inclusive than ever before, which we hope will lead the way for running events going forward.”  

“We are thrilled to be helping Swansea University make strides for mental health in our community and look forward to seeing all those running for charity and good causes on the day.”

Cohort of Runners

Many will participate in this event to raising awareness and much-needed funds for their chosen charity. With many still raising funds right up to race day for the charity partners at: Maggie’s Swansea and Cancer Research UK, as well as the affiliated charities of Cancer Research Wales, Llamau, Crisis, Morgan’s Army and Hospice of the Valleys.

Team spirits will also run high as local businesses will take on the Celf Creative Corporate Challenge going head-to-head with reigning winners at JCP Solicitors.

Others will join together to represent their running clubs, donning fancy dress, taking part in their very first event or every one of the previous eight in the race history! Joining #TeamSwansea will be Welsh Rugby legend Ryan Jones, alongside many more who are making strides for mental health. 

The Start

Being prepared and planning your arrival to the start area ahead of the event is essential. Runners are encouraged to plan their travel to and from the event and car share if you can. Participants should be parked and ready to run by 08.30am.

What roads will be affected?

As a closed road event there will be several roads affected throughout the city, so make sure you plan ahead!

The A4067 Oystermouth Road will be closed Westbound from junction with Princess Way to West Way from 8pm on Saturday 10 June until 3pm on Sunday 11 June.

The A4067 will be closed in both directions from Quay Parade outside Sainsbury’s to the Oystermouth Road junction with West Way between 8.15am and 3pm on Sunday 11 June.

The B4290 St Helen’s Road will also be closed between 8.15am and 10.45am on Sunday 11 June, along with the Kingsway, Christina Street, Bellevue Way, Princess Way, Orchard Street, and High Street.

The A4067 Oystermouth Road and Mumbles Road will be closed between West Way in the city centre and Newton Road in Mumbles between 8.30am ands 12.30pm on Sunday 11 June.

There will also be ‘tow away’ no parking zones on High Street, St Helens Road, Castle Bailey Street and Castle Street on Sunday.

For a full list of road closures and timings take a look at the organiser’s site here.

What is the race route?

The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon starts at the Copr Bay bridge in front of the iconic Swansea Arena, before heading towards Singleton campus. Participants will loop back towards the historic Brangwyn Hall, through the City Centre, passing Swansea Castle returning towards the Waterfront Museum.  The route then heads out towards the mumbles with the pier and lighthouse in view, where runners will enjoy the stunning vista of Swansea Bay before returning to the road at Brynmill Lane to the finishing straight at Swansea Arena. 

Essential Information

A Race Day Guide that includes all the key information about the event has been produced and includes safety information, route, traffic plan and car parks.

There’s an official APP too where you can follow your loved one on the Predicted Race Tracking and check out race Results.

What Are The Key Timings?

• 07:00: Race Village, and Baggage Open
• 08:00: Road closure commences
• 08:30: Starting pens open – Runners MUST be parked & heading to start area
• 08:45: Bag drop closes
• 08:55: Wheelchair race starts
• 09:00: Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon Race Starts
• 09:10: Family Fun Run starts
• 10:00: Wheelchair winner expected
• 10:02: Male winner expected
• 10:11: Female winner expected
• 11:00: Winners presentation takes place
• 13:00: The last finisher expected
• 14:00: Event Closes

What’s Happening At The Race Village? 

The village is located at Museum Green and will be open to athletes and spectators from 07.00am. Here participants will find the information point, refreshments, entertainment stage, toilets and that all important massage tent! So don’t forget to get your FREE pre-race massage courtesy of Gower College (open from 8am) and head there to after the finish to celebrate with a post-race beverage or two from Gower Brewery and listen to the tunes from Subterrania from the stage!

How Will I Get My Race Number?

The majority of runners will have received their bib prior to race day. The contains the timing chip that will provide your finishing time, so try not to bend the bib. This MUST be secured to the front of your t-shirt/vest and the timing chip will activate as you cross the start line. There will be a limited number of spare bibs available at the Information Point the day before the race between 10am-3pm, however, there is a charge for a replacement if damaged or lost. PLEASE NOTE– Runners must NEVER wear someone else’s race number, by doing so you are putting yourself at risk should a medical emergency occur.

What are the assembly points?

There will be one single holding area, which will be split into the 5 race number colours (based on estimated finishing time). Particpiants must head to the area signposted by race number colour, please note participants will not be able to move forward a pen, but can move backwards.

Will there be a bag drop?

Yes, the bag drop will be situated at the LC, but runners are encouraged to only use the bag drop if essential and only one bag per person is permitted. Participants are urged not to bring, store, or leave valuable items and check they have everything they need before drop off. All bags should be securely closed, and the baggage band looped around the handle, before handing it in.

What female friendly facilities will there be?

There will be dedicated women only toilets located within the event village, alongside the usual unisex toilets and urinals. Free period products, including tampons and towels, will be supplied in women only toilets and the information point should you require them. There will also be a private breastfeeding area in the race village, just ask at the info point where to find it.

Will There Be Pacers?

Participants will be pleased to know that there will be a team of race pacers offering support to help runners get their pacing spot on. The pacers will run the race in the following estimated times: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:15 and 3:30 . The pacers will be on the course wearing flags with the estimated finish time on them. Look out for the pacer within the start pen and try to stay near to them throughout the race.

Where Are The Toilets & Water Stops?

Runners are encouraged to drink plenty of water within the week before the race and bring a personal water bottle or hydration vest to the event. However, there will be Brecon Carreg hydration points on the course at approximately 3-mile intervals. Runners are encouraged to drink what they need, tip the rest out and dispose of it in the recycling zones to help the volunteer crew. Toilets are located at the start area and at various points on the route.

Will There Be Entertainment?

Yes, there will be entertainment on route and on a stage in the race village to help create that running festival feel and keep runners motivated! The line-up will include:

Ros Evans – Soprano at the start line.

Mums The Word Choir – located near Swansea University campus.

Swansea Rock Project – located at Blackpill.

Abertaiko – located at Sketty Lane.

Turnpike Road – located at Ripples.

Subterrania – located on stage at Museum Green.

Safety

Runner’s safety is a priority! If any participant has a known medical condition, they’re advised to mark the front of their race number with a RED X and complete the medical information on the reverse. Should a runner need medical assistance during the race please stop, rest, and tell the nearest race maker, or ask another runner to tell them on your behalf. There will be St John Cymru medical stations located along the route and at the finish.