Thousands returned to celebrate Wales’ biggest summer running festival at the 10th anniversary event of Swansea Half Marathon, sponsored by Swansea University.
Almost 5,500 people registered to participate the milestone event that takes you on an incredibly scenic route from the city to the sea! Others were keen to make history at the inaugural Front Runner Events city 5 miler and families enjoyed the Freedom Leisure 2K Family Fun Run.
The annual event which is a firm favourite amongst the running community was a spectacle, with spectators and supporters cheering runners across the route and at the finish to welcome their loved ones and see those records being set.
After Swansea University Fellow, Lowri Morgan and rugby legend Ryan Jones, set the participants of each race on their way, Tommy The Turtle helped warm up all those taking part in the Freedom Leisure Family Fun Run.
Photo credit: Sophie Lewis
Ryan Jones, MBE said:
“It was incredible to watch all the participants taking on their own challenge in this milestone event. It is always humbling to see people of every ability reach such incredible feats of achievement. I am proud to be supporting the half marathon and “making strides for mental health” with Swansea University, which saw almost 200 runners join #TeamSwansea.”
Photo credit: Arron Price
The event was hailed a great success, with some incredible personal records being and achieved on this flat and fast course. Managing Director of Front Runner Events, David Martin-Jewell, said:
“We are thrilled with today’s event and all those who took part to celebrate for our 10th anniversary race. It is always inspiring to see our participant’s lining up at the start and watching them cross that finish line, and this year was no different! Every person has their reason to run, whether it’s raising money for charity, running their first event, or every event since the race began, you helped make today a truly memorable experience for us all!”
“We were also excited to have staged our very first 5 miler race along with the Freedom Family Fun Run. These additional events have helped us create a festival of running for all abilities and made it a truly historic day for all. Our thanks go out to our sponsors at Swansea University along with our partners at Matthews & Co, HMT Sancta Maria, Brecon Carreg, the LC and our vehicle partners at Gravells.”
Records Set At The City 5 Miler
Photo credit: Arron Price
New kids on the block won the 5 miler with Ben Williams setting the record at 27.41, fllowed by Sam Milligan in 29.28, and finishing third place was Stuart Crees in 33.23. In the female team, Chloe Hartley-Green, only 15 years old took first place in 34.55, followed by Hannah Brown in 37.48 and Lara Schandlinger in 40.20.
Wheelchair winners
Photo credit: Arron Price
The elite field remained competitive as always, with the 2024 wheelchair records set by Josh Hickinbottom finishing first at 01:05:47, followed by Gary Cooper in 2nd place coming at 01:08:29 and Steve Montgomery finishing 3rd in 01:10:06.
Top Male Finishers
Photo credit: Arron Price
Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers won 1st place in the men’s race in a time of 1:03:02. 2nd place was taken by Welsh favourite Dewi Griffiths, in a time of 1:03:41 and in 3rd place was Dean Williamson achieving a time of 1:07:55.
Top Female Finishers
Photo credit: Arron Price
The women’s race was equally competitive, with 1st place going to Swansea Harrier Emily Marchant in an impressive 01:17:42, what an achievement from her as race ambassador. 2nd place went to Sioned Howells in a time of 01:19:47 and 3rd place went to Alice Kelly in 01:19:50.
Other keen runners turned up in their droves, many of which were wearing vests to represent their club and lots in fancy dress too! Hundreds of charity runners who were raising awareness and much-needed funds for their chosen charities, including the official charities partners at Maggie’s Swansea.
There were two Guinness World Record attempts including the fastest siblings and fastest siblings with a parent (to run a half marathon). Workplace teams also went head-to-head to win the title of the Corporate Challenge and winners will be announced tomorrow, along with all age categories.
Photo credit: Sophie Lewis
David Martin-Jewell added:
“We would like to thank everyone who took part in today’s event to celebrate a decade of running. From the participants to the volunteers, staff and crew, and last but not least, our sponsors and event partners. The people of Swansea made it a day to remember and we can’t wait to see what next year brings!”
To join in on next year’s events taking place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. Entry has opened and those super early birds can snap up their place for as little as £21 for the 5 miler and £30 for the half, but you’d better be quick because prices are set to rise next week! Secure your place at the city 5 milers, half marathon or family fun run go to: swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk
To follow the event pages click on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us in your social posts #runswansea #10yearsrunning.
