**Thousands Take Part in Swansea Half Marathon Amidst Coastal Sunshine**
Swansea was awash with colour, energy and determination on Sunday as thousands flocked to the city to participate in the highly anticipated Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon. This annual event, celebrated for its picturesque route and vibrant atmosphere, once again drew entrants from across Wales and the UK, all eager to conquer the celebrated 13.1-mile course.
The race commenced at 9am, when participants gathered at the eye-catching Copr Bay Bridge adjacent to the Swansea Arena. Blessed with dry weather, the runners set off on a fully closed-road course, passing notable city landmarks, including Singleton Park, the iconic Brangwyn Hall, and the historic ruins of Swansea Castle. The route then journeyed along the edge of the scenic Swansea Bay coastline before returning to the bustling finish line by the Arena.
As in previous years, the spectrum of participants was broad: from first-timers experiencing the euphoria of race day to seasoned running club athletes chasing personal bests. The event was not just about individual achievement – many entrants used their stride for good, donning vests and charity colours in support of causes such as Cancer Research Wales, Crisis UK, Prostate Cymru, and Wales Air Ambulance. The sight of hundreds raising crucial funds, many in costume or team kit, added an undeniable spirit of camaraderie to the proceedings.
Spectators, too, came out in force. Families perched along the pavements, supporters waved banners with uplifting slogans, and volunteers managed water stations and route logistics, ensuring every runner felt the city’s full encouragement. The atmosphere was festive, with applause and cheers reverberating from start to finish.
This year also saw the return of the well-received Front Runner City 5 Miler – a shorter, more accessible option which opened the day’s excitement to an even wider range of participants. For the younger generation, there was a family fun run segment, allowing children and parents to experience the delights of running together on Swansea’s streets.
Amongst the outstanding athletic achievements, Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers clinched the men’s title with a remarkable time of 1:03:13, while Natasha Wilson representing Micky Morris Racing crossed the line first for the women, clocking an impressive 1:12:13. In the wheelchair category, Josh Hickinbottom of Coventry Godiva Harriers finished in a swift 1:01:18, further highlighting the inclusivity at the core of the event.
Countless individual stories emerged from the day, underscoring the diversity amongst the runners. Notably, Joe completed the race dressed as a dog to raise money for Guide Dogs UK, and Christine was overjoyed to land a personal best with a time of 1:46. Local clubs showed their support, with the likes of Cornelly Striders well-represented. For many, simply reaching the finish line was a triumph, after months of training and dedication.
The event’s success also owed much to its seamless organisation, with Swansea’s roads expertly managed for safety and smooth flow. Positive feedback from both participants and onlookers reflected the hard work behind the scenes – from marshals to medical staff and sponsors.
As this year’s Swansea Half Marathon draws to a close, the city is already looking forward to next year’s edition. Regardless of times and finishing positions, the sense of accomplishment and community spirit linger long after the final runner collects their medal. For Swansea, it is not just a race, but a showcase of resilience, collective support, and the joy of moving forward – together.