The 5th year anniversary of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon this year will mean joy for all runners as the organisers, Front Runner Events, confirm a new route. Following detailed discussions with City & County of Swansea officials, emergency services and other stakeholders, the new route will begin at Swansea’s world famous Brangwyn Hall.
The changes are being implemented due to the planned development of the City Centre as well as to allow for growth in race participation. Race Director, David Martin-Jewell said:
“With the centre of Swansea at the beginning of a huge re-development scheme, we need to be able to cater for the planned and phased changes as well as continuing to deliver a successful and growing race. As such, we have been working closely with members of the Council’s Highways and Special Events teams to devise this new route that will allow us to continue with the race (alongside the planned works) and give us the opportunity to expand the race for future growth.
The Brangwyn is iconic in our city, and we felt that on our 5th Anniversary it was only fitting to start our race outside this fantastic venue. We are thrilled to be able to make this the new home for the start of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.”
Further changes are also planned, with more entertainment on route, a new location for the finish of the race at Swansea Museum, along with a new race village being held at Museum Green. David added;
“The new changes have resulted in a number of logistical issues we have had to overcome, such as the baggage. We will have articulated lorries at the start that will carry all bags to the finish area. There are also 2 builds for the start and finish areas, so the decision to amend the route is not one that can be taken lightly due to the amount of work that is involved. However, we feel the running dynamic for the runners, will definitely be improved as we are utilising a lot more of Swansea’s wider streets. Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with the public to discuss key areas of the route as we aim to mitigate any issues that may be raised in advance of the race”.
The new route, which removes the return run up Wind St, has made the course flatter, which, the organisers believe will result in even faster times across the entirety of the field.
David further added:
“Now that the route is finalised, we can focus on the running aspects and given that we have removed the return up Wind St, the course is flatter, which should make for event quicker times for the winners, but also for personal bests across the entire field. It really is an exciting time for the race and the fact it’s our 5th anniversary, it just adds to the occasion.”
The new route is as follows:
START: Brangwyn Hall (Guildhall South Road)
St Helens Road
Kingsway
Orchard St
Ivey Place
High St
Castle St
Wind St
Mumbles Road
Promenade (in its entirety)
Trafalgar Bridge
Quayside (SA1)
Millennium Bridge
Prospect Place
FINISH: Adelaide St
More details will be available over the coming weeks and Front Runner Events are advising the public and participants to monitor their website, social media channels and email for future updates. To register your place or find out more about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon that takes place on 24th June 2018, just visit www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk To stay up to date with all the latest news like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #Run5wansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter.
