RUNNERS SAFETY ADVICE

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Runners and spectator safety and enjoyment of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon is paramount to us at Front Runner Events and as such we’d like to advise you that there will be an increased search regime in place, so please arrive well in advance of the start of the race.  Here are few key pointers to help you be prepared for race day…

  1. Arrive early at your chosen car park (including park n ride) and at the start zone.
  2. Be aware that the bag tent has moved to Museum Green – arrive early to avoid queues.
  3. Bag Checking procedure:
  • All bags must be open ready for inspection – security will check inside bags.
  • Any suspicious items detected, will be immediately reported to the police.
  • All bags must carry the official SHM bag label, NO label means NO bag will be accepted.
  • IF YOU DO NOT NEED A BAG, PLEASE DO NOT BRING ONE!
  1. Listen to the advice of the marshals and event management team for any last minute changes that may occur.
  2. Complete the medical information on the rear of your bib.
  3. If you have a medical condition, please mark a RED X on the front of your race bib.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES & RESTRICTIONS

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SWANSEA HALF MARATHON

The Swansea Half Marathon is to be held on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June 2017 and will require temporary road closures and traffic restrictions to accommodate the event.

Would you therefore please commence the statutory procedures under Section 16(a) of the  Road Traffic Regulation Act 1994 – Special Events Closure, to introduce the following restrictions:

Schedule 1 : Road Closures –  Saturday 19-00hrs to Sunday 19-00hrs

Oxford Street: – from junction of Dillwyn Street to Castle Square.

Whitewalls: – from its junction with Princess Way to rear of Primark.

Union Street: – from its junction with Nelson Street to Park Street.

Nelson Street: – it’s entire length.

 

Schedule 2 : Road Closures –  Sunday  05-00hrs to 14:00hrs

Whitewalls :- it’s entire length

St Marys Square: – from its junction with Whitewalls to Princess Way.

Park Street: – its entire length.

Portland Street: – its entire length.

Plymouth Street: – its entire length.

Singleton Street: – its entire length.

Wind Street: – its entire length.

Castle Street: – its entire length.

Castle Bailey Street: – it’s entire length.

Castle Square: – its entire length.

Caer Street: – its entire length.

 

Schedule 3 : Road Closures –  Sunday  06-00hrs to 14:00hrs

Princess Way: – its entire length.

St Marys Street: – its entire length.

St Marys Square: – to its junction with Princess Way.

St Davids Place: – its entire length.

York Street: – its entire length.

Salubrious Place: – its entire length.

Little Wind Street: – its entire length.

 

Schedule 4 : Road Closures –  Sunday  08-00hrs to 14:00hrs

College Street & Welcome Lane: – its entire length westbound only.

A4067 Oystermouth Road:from its junction with West Way to Alberts Row.

A4067 Quay Parade:from Sainsbury’s Store to Wind Street.

A4067 Victoria Road:its entire length.

 

Schedule 5 : Road Closures –  Sunday  08-30hrs to 14:00hrs

Somerset Place: – its entire length, right turn only.

Wellington Street:its entire length (access to Quadrant Car Park and Tesco Marina via Stop & Go boards)

Kingsway Metro:its entire length.

Dillwyn Street Metro:its entire length.

Picton Lane:its entire length.

 

Schedule 6 : Road Closures –  Sunday as below

A4067 Oystermouth Road 08-00 to 10:50:West Way to Guildhall Road South.

A4067 Mumbles Road 08-00 to 11:15:Westbound Guildhall Road South to Knab Rock.

 

Schedule 7: No Right Turn 08-00hrs to 14:00hrs

Mayals Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road.
Llwynderw Drive onto A4067 Mumbles Road.

Lilliput Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road.
Army Reserve Centre onto A4067 Mumbles Road.
Fairwood Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road.
Alderwood Drive onto Mumbles Road.
Bethany Lane onto Mumbles Road.
Palmyra Court onto Mumbles Road.
Norton Ave onto Mumbles Road.
Norton Rd onto Mumbles Road.
Newton Rd onto Mumbles Road.
Dunns Lane onto Mumbles Road.
Church Park Lane onto Mumbles Road.
Myrtle Terrace onto Mumbles Road.
Village Lane onto Mumbles Road.
George Bank onto Mumbles Road.

 

Schedule 8: Varying Restrictions 08-45hrs to 14:00hrs

Dunvant Place onto A4067 Oystermouth Road – no left turn, no right turn..
Guildhall Road South onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn.
Brynmill Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn.
Sketty Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn/no U-turn.
Ashleigh Road onto  A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn.
Derwen Fawr Road onto A4067 Mumbles Rd – no right turn.
Mill Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn.
Unnamed Rd (The Woodman Public House) onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn.

 

Schedule 9: No Parking Restrictions (Tow Away Zone)  – Saturday 18-00hrs to Sunday 15-00hrs

Castle Bailey St

Castle St

Wind St

Caer St

Princess Way

Kingsway

Oxford St (from Whitewalls to junction with Dillwyn St)

Union St

Nelson St

Somerset Place

Ferry Side

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times

Charity Champion tells us why he’s Running Swansea for Cancer Research UK

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We talk to charity champ Andy to find out why he has vowed to raise as much as he can for the charity that remains close to his heart.  Andy, a keen cyclist only started his journey back to running just 12 months ago, and having never completed a half marathon before, this is a big challenge for him but one he is really looking forward to.

As soon as Andy discovered that Cancer Research UK was a headline charity partner at this years’ JCP Swansea Half Marathon he decided he had to be a part of it.  In just 3 weeks time, Andy will be joining the 6,000 plus strong field of runners on the 13.1 mile course, which takes place in Swansea on the 25th June.

In September 2014 Andy’s family was turned upside down when his mum was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. She received chemotherapy, but sadly passed away in April 2015. Even after the diagnosis of cancer, she remained a very brave woman who tried so hard to beat the disease. She stayed upbeat, resilient and will always be an inspiration to all her family and friends.

Andy said:

      “In my family, it was not just my mum who had to face cancer. I have lost a number of other family members to the disease, including my auntie, grandmother, two uncles, mother-in-law, and brother-in law. My sister and her husband were also diagnosed with cancer but have survived, following treatment. I turned 50 this year and wanted to mark the milestone by completing the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, in memory and in honour of my family and everyone affected by cancer.”

Andy’s aim was to raise £300 initially, but after the overwhelming support he has received, he is hoping to far exceed this figure by race day.  Fundraising plays a tremendous part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and its estimated that over £1 million has been raised for good causes since the race began.  This year is set to be a record-breaking year for charity fundraising and what’s more you can be a part of it too.  You can help be part of the cheering team at Cancer Research on race day, get your own place to run for CRUK or simply donate to Andy’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Reed2017

Andy added:

“It will also be two years since my mum passed away – she was a popular, fun loving woman who tried to live life to the full and had faced many adversities along the way. She suffered from terrible arthritis and other ailments but soldiered on.  So many family members and too many friends have been touched by this disease, I felt it was only fitting that I complete the run for them. Cancer Research UK is a hugely worthy cause, without which my surviving family members may have had a slimmer chance of beating their cancer.” 

If you would like to become a CHARITY CHAMPION and join the likes of Andy to run for Cancer Research UK you can register at:  http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/cancer-research-uk/

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entry is now closed, however charity places for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society will remain open up until the weekend of the event.

The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, and goody bag for all finishers.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

World Record Attempt with a difference at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon

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A team of runners will be making an attempt to break the Guinness World Record at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon.  But it’s not to achieve the fastest record dressed as a fruit as previously attempted in 2015 by Gareth Jones.  This year, the attempt is led by Essex-born Paul Coker, a type 1 diabetic who will be attempting to break the World record for the greatest number diabetics to run a half marathon.

Paul discovered running in 2013 as he trained for a record breaking summit of Kilimanjaro and has since been on a mission.  Paul will be celebrating living with his condition for 40 years this year and is spearheading the campaign to run 40 half marathons in 15 months.  His challenge is in memory of Peter Baldwin, a 13-year old boy from Cardiff, Wales who died from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes after being misdiagnosed with a chest infection.

Paul said:paulcoker2 (1)

“I believe that having a positive attitude toward diabetes combined with the right nutrition and regular exercise have helped me manage my condition.  The story of Peter deeply saddens me and my heart goes out to his family who will miss their son everyday.  There are people who are living with diabetes without even realising it but knowing the signs are very important.  I think that if this campaign can save just one life, my efforts at running 40 half marathons will be worthwhile.” 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which targets and destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas.  Insulin is a hormone, which allows glucose from the blood to enter tissues. When tissues absorb glucose with the help of insulin, they are able to use that glucose to produce energy.

People that live with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin multiple times per day in order to keep blood glucose in the normal range.  There are a number of signs for diagnosing diabetes, which are key to a quick response before complications begin.  These are essential, (and may not all be present to be diagnosed) especially if you had a young child or baby, as diabetes can affect all ages:

  1. Excessive or extreme thirst
  2. Frequent need to use the toilet
  3. Low energy – feeling withdrawn
  4. Weight loss

David Martin-Jewell, director of Front Runner Events said:

“My wife and I have a son who is type 1 diabetic and know the challenges he faces on daily basis.  What Paul is doing is inspiring to others particularly to those who suffer with this condition.  He is demonstrating with his will and determination that anything is possible and that diabetes shouldn’t be barrier to living an active healthy life.

We really hope that Paul achieves this World record attempt, being the first of this kind to have ever happened it will a fantastic outcome and testament to the memory of Peter.”

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entry has now closed, however any T1 entrants who have already registered can join Paul in his attempt by being part of the team, just contact him by email [email protected] and you too can be part of this World Record breaking attempt.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

Chorlton Runner David Wyeth reunites with Swansea Harrier Matt Rees as they get to run side-by-side at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon

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Following the amazing public display and act of kindness by Swansea Harrier Matt Rees at this year’s London Marathon, organisers of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon invite Chorlton Runner David Wyeth to join him at the award wining race.

David Martin-Jewell, managing director at Front Runner Events said:

            “We all felt very emotional watching the footage back of London Marathon and felt it was only right that we offer David and Matt the chance to reunite and experience our race in Swansea.  Matt has completed the Swansea half before but it will be the first time David has visited the city, so we will be sure to give him a warm Welsh welcome.  We are very excited that David is coming to run Swansea and I understand that there will be a number of runners from Chorlton Harriers following him, joining the thousands of others to take on this years JCP Swansea Half Marathon.” 

David Wyeth, 35 from Manchester and probably the most well known Chorlton Runner at the present time adds:

 “I am really excited to have this opportunity to visit Swansea (after what happened in London in April) and take part in such a prestigious event, the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. 

 It will be fantastic to see Matthew again, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to pay tribute to the wonderful act of kindness he showed to help me across the line.  The public response to what Matthew did has been wonderful, particularly as it showcases the reality of what it is like to be part of the running community.  I can just imagine how proud the local community must be in what Matthew did as well as the fantastic achievements of Josh Griffiths the same day.  It will be an honour to meet and run alongside other members of the Swansea Harriers – I see they make quite the habit of winning this event!

 After the disappointment of London, I am hoping to be fully recovered and ready to enjoy this chance to race a Half Marathon.  The course looks fantastic… the only problem is I anticipate I’ll be fighting the urge to slow down to enjoy the incredible scenery!” 

Although David has a good grasp of what the race has to offer for those who don’t; the JCP Swansea Half Marathon is road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entries will close on 26th May.  However charity places will remain open up until the weekend of the event.  The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, and goody bag for all finishers.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to register, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

The Inside Story… From Medic To Running Coach

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We are pleased to be interviewing Ceri-Anne Brown, an ex-army medic from Swansea who took up running almost 8 years ago, as she tells us how she got hooked on the sport that has taken the nation bceri-anne2 (1)y storm.

Having joined the army at 16, Ceri-Anne, now 38 and a mum of one, left Swansea to serve her country in Bosnia, Cyprus, USA, Oman, Afghanistan and Iraq.  There, she met her husband Stacey and after serving many years together, they both retired as sergeants back to civilian life, deciding to make Swansea their home.

Keen to hear how she has fell in love with running we interview her in advance of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon that takes place in just 5 weeks time, on Sunday 25th June.

What got you into running?

I left the army in 2008 and decided that I would continue to run however running back then was more about speed.  I decided to try a few local races 5/10ks and naturally progressed onto further distances.  Since then I have run 9 marathons and 3 ultras.

What is it about running that makes you want to get up at 5am and go for a run?

It’s a cheap way to keep fit, you can do it alone or solo, and I get so much from it.  I’ve found it brilliant for dealing with stress, clearing my head, helping me sleep and for general health.

You’ve just become an official coach for your running club Run4All can you tell us why you decided to become a coach?

I’ve come to realise that people use running as an outlet for stress, manage mental health, weight loss, and to build their social circle.  I started with very little help or advice with regards to running so I decided to help others bring out the best in themselves.  I enjoy encouraging people to use running as an outlet for stress relief, reduce anxiety and boost their self-confidence. I want to show people that anyone can run-they just need the confidence to get out the door.

We hear that you are currently coaching approximately 60 runners from your group to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.  Will this be their first long distance race?  And if so, why Swansea?

Yes for most of them they have never dreamt that they would run anything further than a 5k.  Firstly we provided them with a conditioning plan after Christmas to get them back into the right mindset then started them on a half marathon training plan.  Having such a large group of runners has been tricky but thankfully we have other coaches coming to help at our sessions to apply their knowledge and expertise.  In relation to your question “why Swansea” – I believe that to run your first half marathon in your home city is truly something special so this race was one we just had to do.

What tips can you give anyone who is training to run the Swansea Half?

  1. Get yourself good kit.
  2. Commit to the training session that you have planned.
  3. Buildup you mileage gradually.
  4. Join a running group if you can because you will absorb others positivity when running with them as well as building new friendships.
  5. Always wear a smile when running – remember you are doing something great for yourself!

 

ceri-anne3 (1)What would you say to anyone who was considering taking up running?

Don’t fear local running clubs or groups –they have people of all abilities. Our club is a group for everyone from those who have never run right up to those who have represented Wales.   It’s also a lovely way to see the area in which we live.

Finally, what’s your a motto for life?

“Here for a good time not a long time”…and “Never look down on anyone, unless you’re helping them up.”

After catching up with Ceri-Anne we discover that both her and her husband Stacey work full time, and are proud parents to a 7 year old boy.  They both find the time to train regularly, whilst juggling a busy family life.

Ceri-Anne added:

    “Our son loves to watch us in races and runs shorter distances with me.  He is also keen to join a running club when he turns 8.  We feel we are setting him a good example for when he is older as well as being strong role models.”

Ceri-Anne will be joining her fellow running group with a strong team of 89 men and women from Run4All who will be participating at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on 25th June.

The event starts on Oxford Street in the city and offers runners a flat, fast course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entries close in only 1 week on Friday 26th May, so anyone wishing to take part should sign up now to avoid disappointment. Limited charity places will remain available up until the weekend of the event.  The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, and goody bag for all finishers.  Spectators are expected to come out in their droves to line the route and help cheer on those runners at the designated specator zones, which can be found online.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

Alzheimer’s Society Charity Champion gives his reason to Run Swansea

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When Mike Bowring and Jessica Simmons heard that Alzheimer’s Society were one of the headline charity partners at this years JCP Swansea Half Marathon they just had to get involved.  In almost 6 weeks time, Mike and his friends and family will be joining the 6,000 plus strong field of runners on the 13.1 mile course, which takes place in Swansea on the 25th June.

Mike’s grandmother; Jennie Marion Davies, or Mam Jam to her family was a Sister at Neath General Hospital.  She devoted her life to caring for others, and even up until a couple of years ago she would be busying herself around her ward ‘helping to care’ for other patients.  However, Jennie was diagnosed with dementia 17 years ago and she is the reason why Mike and Jess decided to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mike, a staff team member of Ysgol Bae Baglan said:AS

“My family and I had to watch a strong, caring and beautiful woman succumb to the terrible disease that is dementia. I feel like I lost my grandmother many years ago.  My partner Jessica and I decided that we wanted to give back to the charity that supported my family and who help millions of people who are affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly.  Last year, we decided to take part in a few challenges with the hope of raising £500 for the Society. This escalated from 3 or 4 events to 23! These included obstacle course runs, half marathons, triathlons and marathons.” 

The amazing efforts of Mike and Jess over the last year has enabled them to cover a distance of 517 miles in all 23 events – further than travelling from Swansea to Paris!  Both of them have achieved things they never thought possible, with the most memorable events being the Memory Walk, which they completed as a group with extended family.

Both Jess and Mike work at Ysgol Bae Baglan, in Port Talbot where they have organised a number of events to raise funds to the society.  Mike added:

“We think it is important to help younger generations understand dementia and we hope that we can inspire others to do what they can to help.  Jess is hoping to volunteer with the charity at the Swansea Half Marathon to help support runners – I can vouch that the Society’s cheer points definitely give a much-needed boost.

 I will be running the event with several friends and family members, all of whom feel inspired by what Jess and I have done so far and want to help us in our campaign.

 Of all of the events so far, I feel that the Swansea Half Marathon will be the stand out event for me. I will be so proud to be running the course in my Alzheimer’s Society jersey alongside not only my friends and family, but with thousands of other people, knowing that we all hope for a day where dementia no longer pulls families apart.”

The duo have set up a Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/MikeAndJess), where anyone can donate.  So far they have raised a total of £1473.

If you would like to become a CHARITY CHAMPION and join the likes of Mike and his friends to run for the Alzheimer’s Society you can register at: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/alzheimers-society/

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entries close in only 2 weeks. However charity places for Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK will remain open up until the weekend of the event.

The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, post race massage and goody bag for all finishers.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

JCP Swansea Half Marathon Wins GOLD Officially Becoming The UK’s Best Half Marathon!

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After being shortlisted for the last two years, and winning silver in 2016, this year, the race that has captured the attention of the running community scoops Gold in the “Best Half Marathon” category at the 2017 UK Running Awards.

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon was awarded gold after receiving the most votes by runners at the only independent awards ceremony that celebrates the best of running and its culture.  The event took place at Indigo in the O2 on Thursday (20th April) where Tash Smith, Race Co-ordinator was presented with the trophy from the BBC’s Mike Bushell, in front of a room full of A-list names from the running and sports industry, making the award the most sought after and coveted amongst races across the UK.

running awards goldRace Director David Martin-Jewell said: “This is simply incredible, I still consider our race to be new on the scene and to win this after such a short existence is absolutely amazing! On behalf of the entire team, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has voted for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and helped us bring Gold back to Swansea and making us the Best Half Marathon in the UK. It is an honour for us to win this and it is a testament to just how much our race means to our runners, the people of Wales and beyond.”

“We receive fantastic support from our runners and volunteers a like, without which, we would not have such a successful race, nor have the ability to win against some very big and well established races. This award is a fantastic platform for Swansea as a race destination, raising the profile of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on a national level, which I hope will help elevate the profile of the race even more.”

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon takes place in only 9 weeks on Sunday 25th June 2017 on fully closed roads. The flat, fast course is perfect for beginners, first time half marathon runners and charity runners, whilst also attracting a large elite field from Wales and beyond to #RunSwansea. Race entries are open and public places cost only £28 for affiliated athletes and £30 for non-affiliated runners, which includes a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, post race massage and goody bag for all finishers. A total of 8,000 places are available with 85% of spaces already taken, there is no better time to register your place than now.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

Mums A Go-Go As Mothering Sunday Marks Countdown To The JCP Swansea Half Marathon

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It’s hard to believe that Mothering Sunday this week will mark almost 12 weeks until the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 25th June.  There have been mums, step mums, and grannies who have laced up over the years to #RunSwansea and 2017 is set to see many more mums taking part in this Award winning race.

DSC_3489The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a fully accessible race and welcomes runners and athletes of all abilities to #RunSwansea.  Besides mums and grannies, the event has seen a fantastic field of wheelchair athletes, disabled buggy runners, a blind runner with his guide and of course the family dash which is open to all ages.

Anyone contemplating taking on the challenge of a half marathon will quickly realise that 12 weeks is a critical milestone.  This is where you can literally go from being a couch potato to a half marathon runner – so long as you do the training NOW!  That said, you must stick to the plan that suits you, so here are some great tips from the race organisers to help you get ready for THE MUST-DO race this June…

  1. If you haven’t run before don’t worry – start out by walk, jog, walk jog and build up your time or distance until you can comfortably jog/run 5k, Park Run is an excellent way of doing this!
  2. Download a running app such as the MYASICS training app which will work out your training schedule that fits into your lifestyle and build you up to become race ready.DSC_4045
  3. Try and stick to your plan! If you don’t feel like getting out there try to buddy up with someone you know – the team incentive is definitely the way to go, or even try training at a different time of day! Work out what’s best for you, but try to make sure you don’t miss a training session.
  4. Cross train – Cross-training can improve your fitness, help with injury prevention and you will see a difference in your running fitness as a result. Try yoga, swimming, cycling, elliptical trainer, or even weights to help strengthen your legs and core.
  5. Nutrition & hydration – Staying hydrated is an essential part of running, not just on race day but also during your training. It is possible to over-hydrate so drink to thirst, replacing lost fluids with small sips of water over a period of time. Make sure you fuel your runs sufficiently, what works for one person is different for someone else, work out what to eat during your training to ensure you fuel correctly before, during and after Race Day.

If you haven’t already entered to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, now is the perfect time to do so!  Registration is quick and easy and you can sign up by going to: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk You can also keep up to date with news, training advice, One-Mile Wednesday campaign and more by following their pages via Facebook.com/swanseahalf or Twitter @Swansea_HM or Instagram @swanseahalfmarathon       

JCP Swansea Half Marathon announce partnership with ASICS

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Global sports giant ASICS have confirmed that they will continue supporting the JCP Swansea Half Marathon for a 4th consecutive year. The sports brand has been associated with Swansea’s biggest road race, since its inaugural event in 2014.  ASICS have previously provided spot prizes to athletes on race day as well as supporting runners with their training through Q&A sessions, talks, and mobile app.

ASICS UK Marketing Manager, Cathy McGinnis, said:

 ASICS is delighted to continue supporting the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. We are proud to be a part of a race that has quickly become a key event in the UK running calendar and are looking forward to supporting the runners in their journey to race day.”

Front Runner Events Managing Director, David Martin-Jewell, organiser of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon said:

“We are extremely pleased to continue our relationship with ASICS for the 4th consecutive year. It demonstrates the success of what we have created with the Swansea Half that we are able to continue to attract and work with the worlds leading running brand. We are looking forward to continuing and building on our relationship with ASICS to bring additional benefits to our runners.”

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 25th June 2016 on fully closed roads and continues to be a firm favourite amongst the running community. The flat fast course is perfect for beginners, first time half marathon runners and charity runners, whilst also attracting a large elite field from Wales and beyond to #RunSwansea.

The partnership for 2017 with ASICS will mean that prizes will be offered to category fields on race day, and anyone who has registered to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, will be entered to WIN a pair of ASICS trainers.  Anyone who has not yet entered can do so by visiting: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk entry costs just £30 (plus BF).  When entering, don’t forget to like the Swansea Half and ASICS Facebook pages or follow us on Twitter @Swansea_HM or @AsicsUK

The competition will be open until the 31st March and winners will be notified and publicised on social media following the closing date.  So don’t delay enter TODAY!