Swansea will see the return of the much-anticipated race of the year next Sunday as runners will adorn the city’s streets to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. The event’s seventh edition is being held at 8 am on Sunday 17th October 2021 and will be Wales’ biggest half marathon road race since March 2020.
A staggering 28 months have passed since the event was last hosted in the city. Organisers of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the event is delivered safely for all participants despite the additional challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Martin-Jewell, Race Director, said:
“It has been an extremely difficult time for us as event organisers, but we are very excited to finally be able to deliver our flagship event for Swansea. Whilst we have implemented additional protocols to ensure everyone’s safety at our event, we are keen to make sure that our runners still have a great race day experience.”
“As a team of runners, we know what our participants value and expect on race day. Our experience and involvement in other events across the UK over the last 18 months put us in a good position to deliver a quality event that is synonymous with the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.”
As we all have experienced changes in the last 18 months, there are a few to be expected at the event to ensure everyone’s safety. There will be designated hand sanitiser points as well as anti-bacterial wipes and masks available should anyone need them at the start and finish areas. Runner etiquette is encouraged, so giving space and being courteous to others is a must.
Safety first
To help keep people safe, everyone attending the event are strongly recommended to take a lateral flow test within 24 hours before the race start time. Tests can be obtained from your local collection point or pharmacy. Results MUST be negative to attend the event, and all results will need to be submitted to: https://bit.ly/3s2rXKg
Spectators
We all know how important it is to see and hear loved ones cheer runners on, so this year spectators are being asked to head to parts of the course instead of the start or finish zones. This helps avoid congestion in these areas, helps us keep the site sterile for the runners, and the support on the route can help spur runners on when they need it the most.
Reduced touchpoints
To reduce contact and the event’s environmental footprint, runners are encouraged to wear hydration belts/vests on the day. However, if that’s not possible, Brecon Carreg will be providing water at miles 4 and 9.5 (approximately) and the finish, which will be contact-free (collection only) and will be on the course to help recycle all waste generated.
Goody bags
This year, the medal and t-shirt collection will be self-service, but runners needn’t worry as all goodies will be bagged, labelled, and ready as they walk through the finish zone.
Cohort of Runners
Hundreds of runners will participate in this event for good causes, raising awareness and much-needed funds for their chosen charity. With many events being cancelled during COVID-19, charities have suffered tremendously. As a result, many will still be raising funds right up to race day for the event charity partners; Maggie’s Swansea, Cancer Research UK, and Diabetes UK Cymru.
That team spirit won’t be missed this year either, as seven companies take on the Corporate Challenge going head-to-head with reigning winners: JCP Solicitors versus the teams at Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria, Brecon Carreg, Carmarthenshire Actif, Arvato Bertelsmann and Swansea University.
Other keen runners will be supporting their clubs, wearing fancy dress, or even running their very first event! So, this year is set to be something very special to everyone, whatever their reason for taking part!
This also extends beyond the main event, with an elite field that never fails to impress. There’s no secret that some remarkable records have been achieved at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. The current wheelchair record holder Richie Powell gained his title in 2016 and is yet to be beaten in a time of 61:27. The male record was achieved in 2018 by Matt Clowes of Cardiff AAC in a time of 64:43, and the same year Tracy Barlow of Thames Valley Harriers won the female record in 73:50.
Tash Smith, Event Manager, said:
“It’s always fantastic to see such a brilliant line-up of elite runners at our events. I hope that this year will be no different and that the event provides the opportunity for everyone to strive for improved times and a highly competitive field.”
The wheelchair race will start at 7.55 am before the main field of runners, who start at 8.00 am. Runners will begin at the assembly area in St Helen’s, where they will then be walked around to the Start area at the Brangwyn Hall. The route takes runners on fully closed roads through the city and along a magnificent six-mile stretch of Swansea Bay towards Mumbles and back.
Hayley Davies, CEO of JCP Solicitor’s added:
“It will be great to see runners enjoying the beautiful Swansea Bay once again as they put in their best performances. The atmosphere on race day is always electric, and I’m sure this year will be even more special.”
Essential Information
To find out more details on key timings of the event, travel, road closures, and route map, an essential Race Day Guide has been produced and can be downloaded HERE
Road Closures
As a fully closed road event, some road closures will be in place, so residents and visitors are advised to plan their trips in advance. For further details on how it might affect you, CLICK HERE.
