One of Wales’ longest-running races is entering a new era with a fresh look, new route and new race village for 2026.
The Swansea Bay 10k will return for its 45th race on 20 September, following a sold-out event in 2025.
While the route will continue to feature the iconic sweep of Swansea Bay, organisers have announced changes to the course, including a new start and finish line on Guildhall Road South.
Runners will follow the route along Mumbles Road, with a new 5k turning point adjacent to Norton Avenue.
The race will then continue along the promenade before dropping back onto Mumbles Road opposite Brynmill Terrace.
Competitors will finish on Guildhall Road South outside the steps of the Brangwyn Hall, providing a new backdrop for the end of the race.
Once across the finish line, runners will be able to enter a new race village in the Guildhall Rotunda, featuring live music, food stalls, traders and sports massages.
The event has also been given a new brand for 2026, with a modern logo and vibrant blue and yellow colour palette designed to take the long-running race into its next era.
Alongside the main 10k, the event will feature 1k and 3k junior fun runs, a 10k wheelchair race and a mascot race.
Councillor Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Development at Swansea Council said: “For over 40 years, the Swansea Bay 10k has been a staple of our annual events calendar. With over 5000 participants last year, we want to keep the event fresh and exciting for runners.
“We believe the new course will be even better than before, with the Guildhall offering an exciting new backdrop to the race village. Our fresh new look is bold and modern which we think perfectly encapsulates this new era for the Swansea Bay 10k.”
The colours of the 2026 event T-shirts and the new medal designs are due to be revealed on 12 August.
The race has been named Best 10K in Wales at the UK Running Awards for two consecutive years and attracted more than 5,000 participants last year.
Councillor Williams continued: “With the race growing in popularity among both experienced and first-time runners, it’s no surprise it has been named Best 10K in Wales for two consecutive years at the UK Running Awards. After another sold-out year, we’re expecting demand for places to be higher than ever.”
The 2026 Swansea Bay 10k takes place on 20 September. Entries are available through the Swansea Bay 10k website.
