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Latest News

2020 JCP Swansea Half Marathon Position Statement

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At Front Runner Events we’re receiving a number of enquiries on our position regarding the 2020 JCP Swansea Half Marathon due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

We’re still planning and working towards delivering this year’s event on Sunday 14th June, and we’ll continue to work on this basis unless it becomes apparent that changes are likely or enforced.

Our advice to you, our runners, who are signed up to #RunSwansea with us this year, is to continue/begin your training plan where possible. In these times of uncertainty running can really help you to maintain calm and ease any anxiousness you may be experiencing and be a welcome escape.

Our friends at Realbuzz have produced this article that shows how exercise can help us relieve stress and anxiety.

We will continue to closely monitor advice from the UK Government, Public Health Wales, the Local Authority, as well as our own medical team in terms of what to expect and what to plan for in the coming months.

If there are any changes, we will of course update you in a timely manner with all the relevant details.

But for now, we’re planning on welcoming you to the start line in Swansea on the 14th June.

Good luck with your training and happy running!

The Front Runner Events Team

17th March 2020
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Winter Training Tips

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With Winter just around the corner, organisers of Wales’ multi-award winning half marathon are ready to help runners get smart and fit for the colder months ahead.

David Martin-Jewell, Race Director of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon says:

“Winter training is an important part of being a runner and keeping up the required levels of fitness to continue taking part in races throughout the year.  There are lots of runners who dread the colder temperatures and shorter hours of daylight but getting out in the fresh air during autumn and winter is good for the mind, body and spirit.  There are lots of ways to combat the winter fatigue and hopefully these tips will encourage everyone to keep up the training or even take up running if you haven’t run before…”

What to wear

It’s cold, wet and dark, what do you wear to run comfortably in these conditions? Brangwyn Hall Start Line

Cold – Layer up with a few light layers, if you get too warm you can take them off and tie them around your waist and put accessories such as gloves/hats into your pockets.

Base layers, long sleeve tops & full-length tights are a must when it’s cold. Important accessories are gloves, head buffs, beanie hat and thicker socks. If you’re not running from home take jogging bottoms and a hoody to leave in the car, something warm to put on while you stretch off.

Wet – A waterproof running jacket will help to keep you dry and in turn will keep you comfortable and warm whilst you get your miles in.

A running cap/visor will be useful to keep rain out of your eyes and a wrist buff or sweatbands are always handy to wipe your eyes. If you aren’t running from home then always have a towel and dry clothes in the car for afterwards. There’s nothing worse than driving home wet and you will get cold quickly.

Dark – If you’re running early in the morning or late in the evening, then a high visibility jacket, vest or similar clothing is essential to make sure you’re seen.

A headtorch is also useful during the darker hours, whilst there may be routes without sufficient street lighting, you may need more than hi-viz clothing to stay safe! Head torches help you see where you’re going but more importantly – they help other road users and vehicles see you. Running in the evening? Even if it’s light when you start, chances are it will get dark during your run – always take high viz & head torch with you.

Hydration

It may be cold and wet outside but hydration is still key before, during and after your training runs.

Even when it is cold and wet you will still sweat, and you will still need to take on plenty of fluid to replace the water your body loses through perspiration. Take a small water bottle with you if it’s a long run, if the run is shorter you can either take a bottle with you or have one ready for immediately after you finish.

Buddy up

During the winter months, not only is it colder but it is darker, try not to run on your own, safety in numbers!

Buddying up is recommended no matter what time of year it is, however, winter conditions can make it more dangerous to be out running alone. Running with a friend will also make for a more enjoyable and productive run as you can encourage and push each other when you get tired.

If you must run on your own – take a phone, let someone know your route & how long you expect to be out for.

If you don’t have anyone to run with, why not join a local running club? There are plenty of local clubs that cater for all abilities. Join in on a session and see how it goes, you will improve your running, training will become easier and you will make new friends all at the same time.

Plan your week

There are many things that can come between you and your run – work and family are the main struggles but sometimes it can be as simple as looking outside and thinking “not today, I’ll run tomorrow instead”. A training plan should be a guide that you use and follow as best you can, but if you can’t do the scheduled Tuesday run because you have other commitments, swap it with a rest day so you still get the planned miles in.

Plan your week, this could be done using a training app on your phone, a calendar you regularly use (hard copy or digital) or you can even print and use one of our training plans – spend some time each Sunday evening to plan all your runs around your commitments for that week. Once the plan is there, print it out and put it up somewhere you will see it each day to remind you of what you need to do.

Try and mix up your runs each week, adding a hill or a few sprints into your run will keep the mind active.

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race on fully closed roads that starts outside the iconic Brangwyn Hall and takes in six miles of stunning coastline and idyllic marina on its course.  Suitable to first timers, fun runners, elites and your everyday hero, this simply is a MUST do race for anyone thinking about running a half marathon.  The JCP Swansea Half Marathon race takes place in just 7 months, on 14th June 2020.  To sign up to take part or keep up with the latest news go to:  www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk

Like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter.

12th November 2019
Love1

JCP Swansea Half Marathon Announces Maggie’s Cancer Care as Charity Partner of the Year

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Organisers of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon are pleased to announce Maggie’s Cancer Care as their Charity of the Year for 2020.  The team at Front Runner Events; who host a series of long distance running events in Llanelli and Swansea have been working in partnership with the charity for the last three years at their flagship race; the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

Tash Smith, Senior Events Coordinator at Front Runner Events said: 

“We are thrilled to announce Maggie’s as our platinum charity of the year.  They offer a wonderful service to patients and their families and hope that our partnership will help them continue this great work for many years to come.  We have a fantastic relationship with the team at Maggie’s and we look forward to developing this further over the next 12 months.” 

As some will know; the late Maggie Keswick Jencks founded Maggie’s in 1995 and the centre in Swansea was established in 2011.  Having been fully operational for the last 8 years it currently supports an astounding number of (approximately) 900,000 people in the South West Wales region.

Leanne Jennett, Centre Fundraising Manager said:

“We’re delighted at Maggie’s to become charity partner of the year at the 2020 JCP Swansea Half Marathon.  This is a big event for us, especially with it being local to our centre.  It offers a fantastic platform for fundraising and helps bring in essential funds to the centre.  As a registered charity, Maggie’s relies solely on the generosity of their supporters, through fundraising and donations to help keep the centre open for visitors.”

The team at Maggie’s offer practical advice, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family or friends.  The centres are where users can find advice about benefits, eating well and somewhere you will find qualified experts to provide emotional support; places to meet other people or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea.  The service provided at Maggie’s has been recognised as second to none by the many that it supports.

In 2020 #TeamMaggies will have 100 spaces available for anyone wishing to run for their charity.  Participants don’t need to super athletes to take part as the race is suitable for every ability on its flat and friendly route.  Each runner will be supported by Maggie’s and organisers with race tips, training plans and charity place t-shirts.  So if you fancy a challenge and want to raise funds for Maggie’s contact: Leanne Jennett on 01792 200 001 or email: [email protected] or visit: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/Maggie’s/

The event will take place on Sunday 14th June starting at 10am from the Brangwyn Hall, so there’s plenty of time to set yourself a challenge for next year!  It is a fully marshalled race on closed roads that is flat, fast and on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  The route takes runners through the city along Swansea Bay to Mumbles, and returns through SA1 to finish at Swansea Museum.

30th July 2019
Love1

Family & Organisers Combined Statement

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Following the tragic event that took place at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday 23rd June, whereby a young man was taken to hospital and later died, race organisers are now able to confirm with permission and close consultation with the family that the runner was indeed: Mr Wil Sern Ong, aged 21.  Mr Ong was from Malaysia and studying Environmental Engineering at the city’s University. 

Managing Director of Front Runner Events, David Martin-Jewell said, “Everyone associated and involved with the Swansea Half has been devastated by this tragic loss of life following the event. We are in very close contact with the family and supporting them at this time.

“This was the second time Mr Ong has taken part in our event whereby, he completed the half marathon in 2018.  The news of this has hit the team hard and we are also supporting the crew who were directly involved in the delivery of the event.  The safety of our race participants is of paramount importance to us and we would like to recognise the speedy response by our on-site medics and by St John Cymru Wales, who were at the scene immediately, to give emergency assistance”

A family spokesperson said, “We are so heartbroken by the sudden and tragic passing of Wil Sern Ong. No words could express how sad and painful it is for the family, Church family, English Corner and all those who knew him. He was a brother in Christ, a dear friend and a partner in ministry. His love for Jesus Christ, his passion in serving Him and his desire for others to know Him are the marks of this godly young man.

Wil Sern was a rare gem to find: well versed in God’s word, spiritually matured beyond his years, so full of life, well mannered, helpful and kind. In the short span of nearly 21 years, he had impacted and inspired so many.

A loving son and brother, Wil Sern, a staff sergant of the 12th Kuala Lumpur Boys Brigade, moved to Swansea In 2017 to embark on a new chapter in his life. His Brother said “Wil Sern loved life, the challenge it posed and the excitement of new adventure, learning and experiences. Wil Sern will be missed by so many friends here and back home in Malaysia. It is so sad that this has happened, we will all miss him so much”.

His aunt said “Wil Sern is such a special boy who would have achieved great things in his life. The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions and we are unable to come to terms with the passing of my nephew”.

“He will be greatly missed, but we take comfort that he is with God. Please remember his family and friends who are greatly affected in your prayers as each of us is grieving differently.”

Friends of Mr Ong have set up a Justgiving/Crowd funding page to assist the family while they are in the UK. All surplus monies will be donated to the Argyle & Rhyddings Presbyterian Church, Swansea.  Please donate to the fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wilsernong

For anyone wishing to make a donation via the church please contact Argyle & Rhyddings Presbytarian Church directly.

We ask that the family’s request for privacy is maintained.

26th June 2019
Love19

Front Runner Events Statement

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At 12:17pm,  during Sunday’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon, a male runner collapsed at the 13 mile point of the event and received immediate medical attention from the St John Cymru Wales’ medics who were positioned at the location. The participant was treated at the scene and transferred to Morriston Hospital, where he later died. St John medics and emergency services dealt with this emergency with great speed and professionalism. Everyone connected with the race is devastated by this incident and our thoughts are with the family of the runner at this very difficult time.

We are in close contact with the family concerned and they have advised us that they do not wish to share any other information at this time. We ask that their privacy is respected.

24th June 2019
Love4

Statement

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We are unable to release any further details at the present time as we are still working with all relevant authorities. The family have requested that we do not release any personal information and we need to honour and respect their privacy at this very difficult time.

We will release more information in due course.

All further press enquiries, please contact MGB ON 01792 460200

24th June 2019
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Statement

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Statement: Swansea Half Marathon 

With regret, we can confirm a participant has died at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday 23rd June 2019. We are working closely with all emergency services into the circumstances of the incident. Our deepest condolences go to their family and friends at this time.

23rd June 2019
Love45

Honour The Half

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Are you facing the challenge with Front Runner Events by signing up to run at one or all of our races? We want you to #BeYourBest as you hit the pavements in training and at our events. We want to help and educate our runners with some race day tips and compulsory rules.

For 2019 we’ve launched ‘Honour The Half’. It’s our way of guiding you through race day so you can #BeYourBest. And if your training takes a hit and you can’t make it to the start line, we will tell you all you need to know.

Nobody wants to be forced to pull out of a race and it’s likely you won’t want your place to go to waste. There’s good reason why we can’t accept late race number transfers. We need to know exactly who is out on the course – especially when something goes wrong.
When a runner gets into trouble we immediately need to know:

  1. Name & Address
  2. Medical History
  3. Next of Kin
  4. Contact Details

We ask that everyone fills in this information on the back of their bib in case of an emergency.

Giving away bibs can put people at risk
In an emergency we’ll only have your information to go on. It’ll be your friends or family we contact and your personal and medical information we use.
We need to know who our runners are on the course so we can help you when you need it. If someone else is running with a race bib meant for you, we won’t be able to help them as effectively as we won’t have their information. If you are running on someone else’s bib, we won’t know you, so you’ll be at risk should something happen.
Run using your bib or not at all, we offer a variety of options should you be no longer able to run. If we find you’ve given away your race bib or you’ve used someone else’s bib, if you run for a running club, we’ll let them know and you will be banned from running any future Front Runner Events.

Be A FrontRunner, Not A Latecomer
Our events have become increasingly popular since our inaugural race in 2014, however, we have to work with relevant authorities to ensure the events are the best they can be. As such we must adhere to rules and guidelines too, therefore, we urge all runners to arrive at least an hour before the start of our races. This will allow you to make as many nervous toilet visits as you need, undertake any pre-race rituals, warm up and mentally rehearse your sprint finish.

Start Pen Problems
Your estimated finish time helps us to put you in the right start pen, if your training is going well you can update your time until the race packs are prepared. Maybe you just want to run with your friends, whatever the reason, you must start in your allocated start pen.
Each pen is specifically sized to allow for the correct number of runners in a designated area. Slower runners in a faster pen could contribute to congestion, which may result in trips and falls and could ruin yours and others race – don’t go in the wrong pen.
If your training hasn’t gone quite as you’d hoped, you are able to move backwards to a slower pen.
Read our Race Rules to learn about our policies and procedures and if in doubt, contact us with any questions.

18th June 2019
Love0
Race Route Return Path From Mumbles To Swansea Marina

Everything You Need to Know for the 2019 JCP Swansea Half Marathon

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Runners, elite athletes, spectators and supporters will adorn the streets of Swansea next Sunday as the biggest race of the year stages its annual event for the City. With only a week to go until the JCP Swansea Half Marathon takes place; on Sunday 23rd June, the City will once again welcome visitors from all over the globe; some of whom will be travelling from as far away as; USA, Brazil, Australia, Singapore as well as plenty of representation from the 4 home nations.

As the event grows from strength-to-strength the race continues to attract some of the best athletes in the UK along with a mass field of seasoned runners, first timers, and locals who keep coming back year after year. And it’s easy to see why – it’s fast, it’s flat, and it boasts a stunning route that our runners simply rave about! Being recognised as the UK’s Best Half Marathon (2017 & 2018), attracting journalists and worldwide TV coverage last year, also might have a little something to do with it!

Cohort of Runners

Hundreds of runners taking part will be raising money for charity, getting into the spirit by sporting their best fancy dress, running with their club, or taking on the Corporate Challenge, where businesses go head to head – simply a brilliant way to encourage team spirit! There will be a total of 18 teams that will be battling it out to be crowned Corporate Challenge Champions.

Charities – Did You Know?

There will be another attempt by a group running for Diabetes UK Cymru alongside 1 Bloody Drop to try to set a new World Record for the most Type 1’s to run a half marathon. The race itself offers a fantastic platform for charity fundraising and many will still be raising funds up until race day for their own causes and the headline charities; Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK Cymru, and Maggie’s Swansea (home of cancer care).

Famous Faces

The race has attracted some famous faces in previous years with the likes of sports personalities; Shane Williams, Ryan Jones, Ian Gough, as well as TV personalities: CJ De Mooi, and Eve Myles gracing the route. This year we can look forward to welcoming the return of Casualty actress; Jaye Griffiths.

Fun Time Fruits Family Dash.

Families will be joining in at the Fun Time Fruits Family Dash. Enabling everyone to experience the thrilling atmosphere of a big sporting event in the city.  Participants will get that finish line feeling when they reach the official finish at Swansea Museum taking in 2K of the half marathon route, before cheering on the finishers of the main event.  Starting at the Brangwyn Hall at 10.15am, taking place once the half marathon runners have crossed the start line. All entries for the Dash will close on the 19th June and bibs can be collected on Saturday 22nd June between 10.30am-4pm at Museum Green and on race day from 7.30am at the Information Point in the pre-event Race Village (sited near the start).

Bands Across the Bay

Runners and spectators alike will be entertained during the race by showcasing some of the best acts in South Wales. A festival atmosphere and fantastic crowd support are expected, as we welcome Welsh singing star Ros Evans to deliver a heart-stirring performance at the start, and runners will be surprised and delighted with performance spots at locations along the route and in the race village at the finish. With everything from rock, rhythm & blues to choirs and drumming groups, each and every one of them will be hoping to motivate the runners, giving them the boost they need to run the distance around the beautiful Swansea Bay.

Pacers

Participating athletes will be pleased to know that there will be a team of Racecheck Pacers at the event.  Their team offers fantastic support during the race, helping to runners achieve their target race time at the event, in the following estimated times: 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.50, 2.00, 2.10, 2.15, 2.20 and 2.30 hours.  Runners simply need to look out for their pacer (who will be wearing a flag) within their designated pen and try to stay with them throughout the race to ensure accurate timing.

Race Village

The post-event race village will be located in Museum Green which is open from 7.30am on race day, and will host; the headline charities, information point, massage tent, cool down area, live music and a selection of food stands and stalls. All bags will be collected near the start area and loaded onto an articulated Owen’s Group lorry where all baggage will be transported to the finish area after the race, so runners just need to look out for signage.  Everyone is advised to avoid bringing a bag, but if they must, ALL bags must be clearly labelled and will be subject to inspection.

The Start

The mass race will start at 10.00am which will allow travellers extra time to get to the starting pens, which are located outside the Brangwyn Hall. The route takes runners on fully closed roads past Swansea castle and along a magnificent six-mile stretch of Swansea Bay towards The Mumbles, with its iconic pier and lighthouse. The wheelchair race will start at 9.55am prior to the main field of runners and the Family Dash will commence at 10.15am.

Key Timings:

  • 07:30: Race village open
  • 07:30: Baggage lorry open near the Brangwyn Hall
  • 09:00: Road closures commence
  • 09:30: Runners enter start funnels at Guildhall Road South
  • 09:50: Baggage drop off closes
  • 09:55: Wheelchair athlete race begins
  • 10:00: Mass race starts
  • 10:15: Fun Time Fruits Family Fun Dash Starts
  • 11:00: Wheelchair winner of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon expected
  • 11:03: Male Winner Expected
  • 11:12: Female Winner Expected
  • 12:00: Winners Presentation
  • 14:00: Last Runner Expected
  • 16:00: Event closes

Race Day Guide

This features all the need to know information about the event, including safety notes, how to get into the city, road closures, and route map.  Anyone wishing to know more can download their copy via the website: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk

 

Download & Track

This year the organisers have launched an official JCP Swansea Half Marathon App available to download on the Apple and Android stores.  Branded as the one-stop shop for information whether you’re running or simply supporting its packed with all your need to knows.  Best of all, you’ll be able to track your loved one’s live, and check all race results at the touch of a button. To download yours just head to: http://ow.ly/6jRN50uAcP4

 

Road Closures

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a fully closed road event, and as a result there will be road closures for the duration of the event so residents and visitors are advised to plan their trip well in advance. For further details on road closures across the city please check the website http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/travel-parking/

 Title Record Holders

There’s no secret that there are some pretty impressive record times achieved at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and the current title holder’s include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wheelchair Record Holder (2016):  Richie Powell: with a record time of 61:27
Male Record Holder (2018): Cardiff AAC; Matt Clowes with a record time of 64:43,

Female Record Holder (2018): Thames Valley Harriers; Tracy Barlow time of 73:50.  Organisers expect to see an equally strong field of elites at this years race, with rivalry and competition at its best.

Team Behind The Scenes

The organising team behind the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, Front Runner Events, continues to work with their founding sponsor and Title Partner JCP Solicitors and long-term partners that include; Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria and Race Nation.  The event hydration partner remains to be the Welsh favourite Brecon Carreg, and nutrition partner Eat Natural.

 

To stay ahead of all the news as it happens like the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf or follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #BeYourBest on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram.

14th June 2019
Love1

Support At Maggie’s Centres Are Second To None As Patient Vows To Give Back To The Place That Helped Him

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As some will know, Maggie’s Cancer Care was founded in 1995 by the late Maggie Keswick Jencks, and the centre as we know it today; was established at Swansea in 2011.  Having been fully operational for the last 8 years it currently supports a network of approximately 900,000 people in the South West Wales region.  The service provided at Maggie’s has been recognised as second to none by the many that it supports.

The team at Maggie’s offer practical advice, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family or friends. They are places to find advice about benefits, eating well and somewhere you will find qualified experts to provide emotional support; places to meet other people or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea.

We take time out to talk to Paul Iskander; a patient and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor; as he tells us why Maggie’s is so important to him.  

Paul, from Bridgend tells us:

“As a two-time Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor (originally Stage 1 in 2008 and Stage 3 in 2017: age 22 and 31 respectively), Maggie’s Swansea has been one of the key charities that myself and my carers have benefitted from.

“At Maggie’s Swansea, the activities, support and classes available, in addition to the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, have both benefitted myself and those around me immensely. It’s helped me continue to drive towards the light at the end of a long tunnel and return to a normal productive lifestyle quicker than I could have imagined.”

As a result, Paul has decided to raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Care; a lead charity partner to the upcoming JCP Swansea Half Marathon on 23rd June 2019.   Maggie’s became a charity partner to the race 3 years ago, which has raised much-needed funds for the centre to continue its important work.

Paul added:

“As someone who only really took up running as a means of trying to help return to fitness back in April 2018…. the improvements it has made have been scarcely believable! So much so, that I’m ready and lucky enough to be able to give something back. 

“The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is very fitting event considering my experience and recovery. It’ll be satisfying and emotional running past Singleton Hospital and Maggie’s, where all 12 chemotherapies, bone marrow biopsy, consultations, appointments, as well as a full week stay as an inpatient took place. So please donate a little to support a local charity so that it can continue to help people with cancer, their families and friends through one of life’s most grueling experiences.”

To find out more about Maggie’s Swansea, how you can donate or even register to secure your race place at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon contact: Leanne Jennett on 01792 200 001 or email: [email protected]  Places are limited to the multi-award winning race and must be secured by the 19thJune, so if you are considering on joining #TeamMaggies atthe JCP Swansea Half Marathon go to: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/maggies/

The event will take place on Sunday 23rdJune starting at 10am from the Brangwyn Hall.  It is a fully marshalled road race on closed roads that is flat, fast and on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  The route takes runners through the city along Swansea Bay to Mumbles, and returns through SA1 to finish at Swansea Museum.

Volunteers from Maggie’s will also be supporting runners at the event with cheers of encouragement along the route, and to greet them at the race village near the finish line.  The charity and organisers are urging everyone to support the event in their own way whether it’s; cheering, volunteering, taking part or gifting a donation, everybody can make this event something special for Swansea.

5th June 2019
Love0

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