Spring in your step

Since 2014 the race has attracted a host of international runners and elite athletes to what is widely regarded as one of the flattest and most picturesque courses anywhere in the UK. Quickly becoming a must-run race the Swansea Half was voted Best Half Marathon at the UK Running Awards in 2017 and 2018.

Following the postponement of the 2020 edition 2021 will see the return of thousands of runners to the streets of Wales’ second city.

The race starts alongside the beautiful and historically important Brangwyn Hall and runners head into the city centre for around 3km. The course takes in the remains of Swansea Castle and Wind Street, before turning on to Mumbles Road for a panoramic view of the full sweep of Swansea Bay. Passing local landmarks like the newly-built Swansea Arena, the world-renowned St Helens rugby stadium, the Swansea Jack memorial and the Cenotaph the course heads towards the picturesque village of Mumbles.

Mumbles was home to both Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta Jones and the village comes alive with support for the runners as they head down to Knab Rock and the return to Swansea via the promenade. This 10km stretch of coastline provides a glorious backdrop as the distance counts down towards the finish line. Swansea’s tallest building, the Meridian Tower, dominates the landscape as runners head into the Marina. Passing the Observatory runners take the Trafalgar Bridge to cross the (river) Tawe Barrage and tour the Swansea Marina before returning over the strikingly modernist Sail bridge.

The finish is in the heart of the traditional maritime quarter which established Swansea as a sea-faring city. With beautifully restored buildings lining the streets, Morgan’s Hotel and Exchange Buildings provide the perfect backdrop for this city-to-sea half marathon. With local amenities, dining and entertainment centres all in close proximity to the finish, this half marathon of two halves has everything that runners and spectators might need pre- and post-race.

Runners line up alongside Olympic hopefuls and then follow in their footsteps. Previous winners include Team GB’s Dewi Griffiths and Tracy Barlow, with notable victories for Ireland’s Claire McCarthy, Hannah Walker (England) and Matthew Clowes. Clowes (1:04:43) and Barlow (1:13:50) are the current course record holders. Richie Powell set he wheelchair record (1:01:27) in 2016.

The Swansea Half is the single biggest fundraising event in the city generating around GBP 1m (1.1m EUR) per year for hundreds of charities and good causes.

The route is perfect for runners of all abilities, whether you’re a first-time half marathoner, an experienced club runner, or simply running for fun. The magnificent views, flat course, and roadside supporters cheering your name create a perfect environment for everyone to join in as we ‘Run Swansea’. Find out more and sign up now at: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk