The city welcomed visitors from all over the world as Wales’ favourite road race of the summer returned with a bang at the 8th edition of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.
The sun was shining, and conditions were near perfect for the 4,000 runners who took to the streets to #RunSwansea. Participants were able to enjoy the closed road event that took them over a 13.1 mile route that boasts one of the flattest and most scenic coastal half marathon events in the UK.
Headline sponsors and CEO of JCP Solicitors, Hayley Davies set the runners on their way from the start line at the city’s newest cultural venue, Swansea Arena. She said:
“Today marks a very proud moment for us at JCP as we look back at our history as the founding sponsors of the Swansea Half Marathon, which took place for the very first time back in 2014. It is always a fantastic event that brings an electric atmosphere and an abundance of people to our city centre. Helping contribute to the local economy and enjoying everything Swansea has to offer from the city to the sea.”
The JCP Swansea Half Marathon was last held in October 2021, almost 8 months to the day. Traditionally held in June, the delayed event was a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but today marked the first time it had returned to its rightful place in the Summer since 2019. Managing Director of Front Runner Events, David Martin-Jewell, said:
“We are thrilled with the turnout at today’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon. It’s always exciting to see our runners line up at the start line, especially as we return with near-normal race experience for all. The event is more than just a race it’s about bringing people together to share their challenge and help them achieve their goals. It’s about teamwork, raising funds for charity, offering volunteer opportunities for people in the city and supporting our running community. We look forward to an even bigger and better Swansea Half in 2023!”
Hundreds of charity runners took part in the event for good causes, raising funds for their chosen charities, including the event charity partners; Maggie’s Swansea, Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research Wales, Llamau, and Shelter Cymru. Runners fundraising pages will remain open for a few weeks yet so anyone wishing to donate, still can.
The elite field was as a competitive as ever, with both female and male records smashed, whilst Richie Powell retains his place as the wheelchair record holder. This year he took 1st place, which was followed by Ron Price in 2nd.
Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers smashed the male course record by 42 seconds, coming in first place at 1:04:01. 2nd place was taken by Philip Sesemann of Leeds City AC, in a time of 1:04:07 and in 3rd place was Ollie Lockley achieving a time of 1:04:31.
The women’s race was equally competitive, with the record being beaten by Natasha Cockram of Micky Morris Racing Team who achieved first place in 1:12:48. 2nd place went to Naomi Mitchell of Reading AC in a time of 1:15:11 and 3rdplace went to Danielle Nimmock of the City of Norwich AC in 1:16:36.
Seven companies took on the Celf Corporate Challenge, which was the first time the creators of Celf have sponsored the challenge. There was some stiff competition as the teams at Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria, Brecon Carreg, Nation Radio, Nathaniel Cars and Arvato Bertelsmann were unable to beat off the team at JCP Solicitors.
The organising team behind the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, Front Runner Events, continues to work alongside an amazing team of volunteers, dedicated sector heads and event partners who all help deliver an event Swansea can be proud of. The team continue to work closely with the founding sponsors, JCP Solicitors and partners at Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria, Celf Creative, Nathaniel Motor Group, Nation Radio, Brecon Carreg and Kind.
Runners will be keen to know the entry is already open for the 2023 event, which is set to take place on 11th June 2023.
