It’s easy to say that an event is bigger and better this year than it’s ever been, but it’s a phrase which certainly applies to the JCP SWANSEA HALF MARATHON. And rightly so, having been voted the UK’s best half marathon in 2017 & 18 and Wales’ biggest and best summer half marathon. Only this year, thanks to the Covid crisis, it’s been rescheduled, for a second time, to June. Gives you more time to train and prepare after a little lockdown indulgence.
The JCP Swansea Half Marathon starts in front of the iconic Brangwyn Hall, before heading through the City Centre onto Oystermouth Road. From the closed roads you’ll spot the floodlights of St Helen’s Rugby ground. You will then enjoy the stunning views of Swansea Bay as you head towards the village of Mumbles and it’s iconic pier and lighthouse.
You will turn and head back towards Swansea via the flat, purpose-built cycle/walkway alongside miles of sandy beaches. The return leg of the race heading towards the Meridian Tower – Wales’ tallest building provides a perfect opportunity for a PB with a flat, fast promenade guiding you towards Swansea Marina where you will run over the lock bridge in to the city’s newly developed SA1 area before you cross the Millennium Bridge spanning head back towards the finish near to Museum Green.
Obviously, it’s a long run and training is vital. We know it’s still cold outside but winter training is crucial to an event like this. 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…”
The event is about a few things. Achieving something for yourself, the competition, it is a race after all. But crucially, this is a fantastic opportunity for charities to raise some money and, more importantly, their profile.
Organisers have announced Maggie’s Cancer Care as their Charity of the Year. 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 the 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.”
The charity, like most right now, continue to have a difficult time during the pandemic. This amazing team however, continues to provide much needed support.
Maggie Keswick Jencks was a writer, gardener and designer. When she was 47, Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer and five years later, in May 1993, on a visit to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, she was told that it had returned.
After hearing this, Maggie and her husband Charles Jencks were moved to a windowless corridor where they were left to process the news. They discussed the need for somewhere ‘better’ for people with cancer to go, outside of but nearby to the hospital.
Maggie and Charles designed the blueprint for the centres together, enlisting the help of some of their friends from the architectural world. The first Maggie’s opened in Edinburgh in 1996, and they now have centres across the UK and even some abroad
Maggie Keswick Jencks used her own experience of having cancer to create a new type of cancer care. The first Maggie’s opened in Edinburgh in 1996, and they now have a network of centres across the UK and some abroad, including Maggie’s in Singleton Hospital in Swansea.
What we love about the Swansea Half Marathonis that they clearly care for the runners with support and guidance every step of the way. The spectators too are also well looked after with things like BANDS ACROSS THE BAY.
Runners and spectators will be thrilled and entertained by this years line up of bands across the bay. Adding to the electric atmosphere is some of the best music across South Wales which will be heard along the route helping to lift the spirits of the runners, pushing them onwards to the finish line.
Last year everyone ran to the beat of the following bands……
If you’d like to download the Race Guide, just head to their website below. They also have an app for this years event, the link to that is right here. APP
There are lots of ways to take part, from Elite to charity and even helping out as a volunteer. The Swansea Half Marathon at Brangwyn Hall is now running on Sunday 13th June at 10am. If you’d like to sign up and find out more details, go here. MARATHON