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You, our runners, make our events, so we want to ensure you get the rewards you deserve for taking part!

That’s why, at the beginning of the year we launched a NEW loyalty reward programme.  So that by your particpation at our events, whether it’s running or volunteering, you’re rewarded!

How it works…

• Every time to enter one of our events you will earn 50 runner reward points.
• Volunteers can also earn 50 race maker reward points.

Redeeming points:

When you have earned…

• 150 points will earn you 10% off your next Race Entry.
• 200 points will earn you 15% off next Race Entry.
• 250 points will earn you 30% off your chosen 100% Recycled Tech T-Shirt.
• 400 points will earn you Free Entry into a race of your choice.

So the more you run or volunteer your time, the more you’ll earn! What a great incentive to stay fit, enjoy taking part or cheering on your fellow runners – it’s a win, win!

When it comes to redeeming your points it couldn’t be easier! When you’ve reached your chosen amount just head to your Front Runner Events/Eventrac account and hit REDEEM.

It might be to the first official day of summer but that doesn’t mean you have to STOP running! There’s no doubt about it, running in the heat is hard, but we want to raise awareness and share our tips with you to help you train smart!

Running in the heat is harder and that’s a fact, this is because of an increase in your core body temperature. Blood is diverted away from muscles to the skin to help aid cooling, resulting in less oxygen going to your muscles.

Some tips for coping in the heat:

HYDRATION: Drink water little and often

• Pour water OVER you as well as drinking it to help aid your body to cool.
• Electrolyte drinks should be drunk as well as water to help avoid cramps.
• Drinking an electrolyte slushy (sports drink in the freezer over night) 10-20 mins prior to start of the race has been shown to help reduce core body temperature during the race by 2 degrees.

SLOW DOWN: Be honest with yourself and listen to your body. Don’t expect the same cadence as on a cooler day. Your body will try and pace you during your run if it is hot. Your body is already doing much more than usual in the heat to try and keep your core temperature down.

Heat stroke occurs when there is a failure of this mechanism – don’t ignore it!

You may have a time in mind that you want to achieve in your training or upcoming race,  but when it’s hot try not to chase your watch, listen to your body instead.

CLOTHING: Lightweight clothing, avoid cotton and choose a vest if you have one. Consider a visor rather than a hat as this allows some heat to escape from your head.

REHYDRATION: Adequately re-hydrate with electrolytes and salty snacks if needed.

TRAINING: It might be obvious, but make sure you train during the cooler periods of the day such as early morning or evening. If your schedule is difficult to fit your runs in, make sure you run in shaded areas with plenty of tree cover to keep you cool. Try to avoid the hottest part of the day when possible and keep them shorter during hotter periods!

Once again, there were incredible finishing times achieved at this year’s Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday (11 June 2023), with the course record being broken once again by Omar Ahmed.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the event including our top finishers across all age categories! The top 3 are listed below followed by age category winners and family fun run winners.

Top 3 Female Finishers Awards Ceremony (pictured left to right): David Martin-Jewell (managing director, Front Runner Events), Clara Evans (2nd place), Lucy Reid (1st place), Charlotte Dannatt (3rd place), Professor Keith Lloyd, (Executive Dean and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Swansea University).

FEMALE WINNERS

Top 3 Male Finishers Awards Ceremony. Pictured left to right: David Martin-Jewell (managing Director, Front Runner Events), Seyd Ghafari (2nd place), Omar Ahmed (1st place), Alexander Bampton (3rd place), Professor Keith Lloyd, (Executive Dean and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Swansea University).

MALE WINNERS

Top 3 Wheelchair Finishers. Pictured left to right: David Martin-Jewell (managing Director, Front Runner Events), Gary Cooper (2nd place), Richie Powell (1st place), Rob Smith (3rd place), Professor Keith Lloyd, (Executive Dean and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Swansea University).

WHEELCHAIR WINNERS

CORPORATE TEAM WINNERS: TBC.

FAMILY FUN RUN

BOYS: 1st: bib number 4, 2nd: bib number 29, 3rd: bib number 53

GIRLS: 1st: bib number 5, 2nd: bib number 28, 3rd: bib number 60

Female Winner Lucy Reid

Congratulations to our category winners.

FEMALE AGE CATEGORY WINNERS:

Male Winner Omar Ahmed

MALE AGE CATEGORY WINNERS:

Well done to everyone who took part, you did yourself and your club proud! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon in 2024 as we celebrate #10YearsRunning!

General entries are OPEN for only £30  (£10 off general places in commemoration of #10YearsRunning (limited to the first 2,000 entrants). 

Anyone wishing to apply for an elite place CLICK HERE.

Anyone interested in being a pacer CLICK HERE.

Pacing Team

Thousands returned to the streets of Swansea to participate in the ninth edition of Wales’ biggest summer half marathon today. The annual event which is a favourite amongst the running community far and wide was a spectacle, with spectators and supporters cheering runners along the route and at the finish to witness all the glory.

After Swansea University Fellow, Lowri Morgan and rugby legend Ryan Jones, set the participants on their way, the fun runners set off, making it a truly family event for all abilities.

Family Fun Run

Ryan Jones, MBE said:

“It was fantastic to see all the runners take part at today’s event, many of which were raising funds for charity, including those who were “making strides for mental health”. The initiative is something very close to my heart and it was an honour to be part of it and run with everyone at #TeamSwansea.”

Wales former international rugby union player, Ryan Jones, MBE.

Over 4,000 registered to take part in the Swansea Half Marathon, which is now sponsored by Swansea University, along with long-standing partners at JCP solicitors, Matthews & Co accountants and HMT Sancta Maria. Managing Director of Front Runner Events, David Martin-Jewell, said:

“It is always inspiring to see our participants lining up at the start and watching them cross that finish line. Whether it’s their first event, a personal challenge, or raising money for charity, everyone has their own reason to run, and it’s a privilege for us to help make that possible.”

Pictured left to right are: 2nd Place Wheelchair winner Gary Cooper, 1st place winner Richie Powell and 3rd place winner Rob Smith.

Wheelchair winners

The elite field remained competitive as always, with wheelchair record holder Richie Powell retaining his 2016 record, and finished the race in an impressive 01:02:26. He was closely followed by Gary Cooper in 2^nd place coming in at 01:02:28 and Rob Smith finishing 3^rd in 01:07:37.

1st place winner and course record holder: Omar Ahmed.

Top Male Finishers

Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers smashed his previous winning time and set a new course record in 1st place at the men’s race in a time of 1:02:53. 2nd place was taken by Seyd Ghafari, in a time of 1:06:16 and in 3rd place was Alexander Bampton of Highgate Harriers achieving a time of 1:06:57.

1st place female winner, Lucy Reid.

Top Female Finishers

The women’s race was equally competitive, and 1st place went to Lucy Reid of Tonbridge AC in an impressive 01:14:22. 2nd place went to Clara Evans of Pontypridd Roadents AC in a time of 01:16:01 and 3rd place went to Charlotte Dannatt of Camberley & District AC in 01:16:22.

Mass start.

Other keen runners turned up in their droves, many of which were wearing vests to represent their club and lots in fancy dress too! Hundreds of charity runners were present, raising awareness and much-needed funds for their chosen charities, including the official charities partners at Maggie’s Swansea and Cancer Research UK.

Workplace teams also went head-to-head to win the title of the Celf Corporate Challenge, which has historically been won by the ever-strong team at JCP solicitors.

Swansea University Run Team “Making Strides For Mental Health”

David Martin-Jewell added:

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in today’s event. From the participants to the volunteers, staff and crew, and last but not least, our sponsors and event partners. The people of Swansea made it a day to remember and we can’t wait to see what next year brings!”

The 10^th edition of the Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, 9 June 2024. Entry to the event has opened and to commemorate #10yearsrunning organisers will be honouring £10 off general entry prices, so the first 2,000 entrants will be able to snap up their place for only £30!

To follow the event pages click on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us in your social posts #RunSwansea #BeYourBest.

Endurance athlete and Welsh presenter, Lowri Morgan

Swansea University Honorary Fellow, endurance athlete and presenter, Lowri Morgan has shared her advice with us so that you can #BeYourBest this Sunday as you take on the 2023 Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon…

The days ahead

The last few days before the half marathon is all about relaxing, rejuvenating, carbo-loading and looking forward to a great race, so remember to stick to your taper plan! This will help you avoid being over-trained and fatigued and keep you fresh and limber for race day. On race day, after you are warmed up, get some dynamic stretching in and clear your mind. Try to keep your body relaxed and free of tension

Prep your gear

You don’t want to be frantically running around at the last minute trying to get everything together. Now is the time to make sure your gear is clean and ready to go. Wash it in plenty of time and write a checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you might need. Inspect what you plan on using and check for any holes or loose seams that need sorting before race day. Don’t wear new clothes on the day. (I did this and ended up with friction burns!) Also, make sure you check the weather forecast as well – do you need to bring more layers or spare clothes? Also, make sure your tech is charged up and ready to go!

Keep thinking POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Nothing weighs you down more than negative thoughts. If you haven’t done so yet, plan out your mental race strategy. If music is you go-to when struggling, prepare you running playlist. Think of your favourite mantra, visualise how you’ll deal with negative thoughts during a race, how to handle pain during the later miles, and work through any race details. I always remind myself of my “why’s”.  Whatever your reason for facing this challenge, remind yourself of the reasons you signed up in the first place. 

Nobody plans to fail, they just fail to plan

Read the race instructions thoroughly and check what you’ve got left to do: where do you pick up your race pack and when is it open? Do you need bring anything to pick it up? How are you going to get there and back? Are there any transport concerns, such as railway works? Is there a gear drop? Are there any rules and restrictions, for example no headphones? What is the weather forecast? Where do you need to be on race day morning and by what time? Confirm any meetings or social activities you will have before, during, or after the race with Swansea University. 

Get your nutrition right

By now you should have trained with what you want to use on race day, so don’t try any new gels or bars now. Stick with what works best for YOU. Make sure your biggest meal is two nights before the race, not the night before. If you race on Sunday, fill up on Friday with a little bit of extra carbohydrates, and keep the final 24 hours lighter to avoid being bloated. Aim to spread your fuelling in the final 2 days – getting in high quality carbs every 3 hours or so. Your body will find it easier to digest and store this!

Sleep Well

Clear your schedule the week before the race to give yourself the best chance of getting several nights of good sleep. Sleep is when the body rebuilds and restores muscles. Think of sleep as part of your sports training. Eliminate any late-night plans and avoid early-morning ones as well.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine after noon, and spicy sleep-disturbing foods.  Don’t worry about being wide-eyed and worried all night before the race. Many people toss and turn the night before the race and make it through just fine. The second-to-last night of sleep before the race is more important.

Hydrate right

Start hydrating well days before the race, but don’t overdo it. Extra water can leave you feeling more tired as your body tries to manage the extra fluid – the best way to approach this is to drink little and often throughout the day, aiming to hit 3-4 litres. 

Keep to your plan

Now is not the time to try new things – stick to your plan, don’t try any new foods, clothes or sports nutrition, and make sure you’re following your training plan. Don’t try squeezing in sessions you may have missed, and on race day, don’t worry about being nervous. As a broadcaster and runner, I have met and interviewed many world-class runners and every runner feels the nerves on race day. Embrace the Adrenalin! But most importantly, enjoy the occasion, the camaraderie and the event. Don’t stress out if something doesn’t go to plan, (I always go into a race with a Lan A, B and C!) Be flexible, roll with the punches and remember to smile. Apparently smiling makes you run faster!

Good luck!

All your need-to-know information about running the

2023 Swansea University 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 (11th 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 breathtaking 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 #RunSwansea 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 traffic plan for the event and car parks are shown HERE and the full list of roads affected can be found 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. To download your copy, and find further event details CLICK HERE. There’s an official APP too where you can follow your loved one on the Predicted Race Tracking and check out race Results to download the APP CLICK HERE.

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, beach clean team, 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 08.00am) and head there after the finish to celebrate with a post-race beverage or two from Gower Brewery and listen to the tunes from Streetwise and 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). Participants 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 the women-only toilets and at 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. There will of course be the ploggers and NEW beach clean team who will be there to collect and recycle any discarded bottles. Toilets are located at the start area and at various points on the route (as shown on the map in the race day guide).

Will There Be Entertainment?
Yes, there will be entertainment on the 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.

Streetwise – located on the stage at Museum Green.

Subterrania – located on the 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.

Team Behind the Scenes
The organising team at Front Runner Events, continues to work closely with their valued team of volunteers, dedicated sector heads and event partners who all help deliver an event Swansea can be proud of. The team are proud to work in partnership with their headline sponsors at Swansea University, renowned for being one of the top universities in the UK. Along with, long-term partners at JCP Solicitors, Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria and Celf Creative (sponsors of the corporate challenge). The event delivery partners include Brecon Carreg and Kind Snacks UK.

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