The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon will return for its landmark 10th anniversary event this weekend.
Starting from outside Swansea Arena, underneath the iconic Copr Bay bridge the elite wheelchair race will commence at 8.55am before the main field of runners at 9.00 am, closely followed by the brand-new Front Runner City five miler at 9.15am and the Freedom Family Fun Run at 9.20am.
The mass participation event, which has welcomed more than 45,000 participants since 2014, and has inspired thousands more to take up running and improve healthy lifestyles. With an estimated £6.5 million having been raised for charity, it’s clear this event is one of the biggest single-day fundraising events in 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 thrilled to celebrating our landmark 10th anniversary Swansea Half Marathon, alongside our partners at Swansea University. We expect race day to be the greatest festival of running we have staged to date.
“This year will be the first time we have staged a city five miler event that will offer a rare chance for runners to participate in this shorter race on closed roads through the city and over that iconic Copr Bay bridge.
“2024 will also see our biggest field of wheelchair athletes in our race history and we are excited to be levelling up the prize fund for all athletes in the half marathon, making it a competitive event for all abilities.”
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 charity of the year, Maggie’s Swansea and the official charity partners.
Team spirits will also run high as local businesses will take on the Corporate Challenge going head-to-head with staff from Castell Howell, Actif Sport & Leisure, Morgan Marine, H3 group, Swansea University, Gravells, and Freedom Leisure.
Tommy The Turtle will be the official start of the Freedom Family Fun Run and fitness instructors from the LC will be warming up the fun runners to get them ready to take on the 2K race.
Others will represent their running clubs, donning fancy dress, taking part in their very first event or every event since the race began. 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 #RunSwansea by 08.30am. Leading the race will be the official vehicle, provided by Gravells, the top of the range all-electric Kia EV9.
What is the race route?
The races start at the Copr Bay bridge near the LC and Swansea Arena, before heading towards Singleton campus. Participants will loop back towards the historic Brangwyn Hall, through the City Centre, passing Swansea Castle whereby the five miler runners will turn near St Mary’s Church to head over the new bridge to their finish.
The half marathon route continues 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.
Where can you spectate?
Spectators are encouraged to come out and enjoy the day. There are several cheer zones on the route, but here are a few extra places you can watch your loved one below:
• Start/Finish Area (near the LC & Swansea Arena)
• Singleton Campus.
• Castle Square.
• Mumbles Road (near the Secret).
• Sketty Lane.
• Norton, Mumbles.
• Blackpill.
Everyone who lives, works or will be visiting Swansea on Sunday 9th June are urged to plan ahead.
What roads will be affected?
To ensure the safety of participants and spectators road closures are essential. As a result, several roads will be affected throughout the city, so make sure you plan ahead! The traffic plan for the event and car parks are shown here .
If you prefer to go car free there are several Santander bicycle docking stations across Swansea just download the Santander Cycles App to find your nearest station and bike availability.
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, charities, refreshments, 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 after the finish to celebrate with a post race beverage or two from Gower Brewery.
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 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 three-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.
Shiko – located at the Brangwyn Hall.
Mums The Word Choir – located at Castle Square.
Abertaiko – located at Sketty Lane.
The Limes – located at The Secret.
To stay ahead of all the news as it happens by following the pages on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us in your social posts #RunSwansea #BeYourBest. For more information ahead of race day head to: https://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk
[Lead image: Front Runner Events]
