People across the city are getting the last of their training and practice runs in this week before the ever-popular Swansea Bay 10k returns on September 18. Around 4,500 runners are expected to take part in the main race this year, with scores more set to take part in the children's races and Elite Wheelchair race.
Whilst the event was suspended in 2020 due to lockdown regulations, it made a triumphant return last year with a restricted number of 4,000 runners. Whilst the limit is back to normal this year, the event will be slightly different to previous years as there will be a one-minute silence at 11am, before the runners on the main race begin, to honour Her Majesty the Queen following her death last week.
This year's race is the 41st Swansea Bay 10k to take place and will take competitors from the Recreation Ground on Mumbles Road to Oystermouth Square in Mumbles and then back along the Prom to Brynmill Lane, before runners will make a final turn back along Mumbles Road to the finish line at the Recreation Ground. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
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Member of Swansea Council, Robert Francis-Davies, said: “The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k has become a key part of Swansea’s event calendar. The race is one of the best of its kind in the UK and I know that this year it’ll take place in a respectful way.
"As well as elite runners, many other people of all ages will take to the course to raise money for so many worthwhile causes, conquer fitness challenges and beat personal bests. There’ll be a lovely, family-friendly atmosphere."
"We’re keeping the road closures to a minimum and we’ve been keeping in touch with those who might be affected by them," he added. "They’re a necessary safety measure for an event of this size and we thank everybody for their understanding."
Here's everything you need to know about the event, including race times, road closures and parking restrictions:
Please note, this year's event is fully booked, organisers say, so people who have not registered already are not able to sign-up to take part on the day.
Race times and starting locations
Explaining what participants can expect at the start of the race, Swansea Council said: "Participants will need to make their way to Mumbles Road where they will be organised into waves, based on their predicted finish time. Participants should assemble for the race no less than 10 minutes prior to the race start. Race numbers must be secured to the front of race tops, and runners must complete the medical form on the back. Race numbers must not be folded or cut."
During the race, runners are asked to "obey the directions of all event officials or course marshals," whilst after the race runners must "move through and out of the funnels" once they have collected their water and medal, Swansea Council said.
All of the races will take place on Sunday, September 18 2022. Here's the starting time and location for each different race:
- 1km run (age seven and under) - start at 9.15am at the 10k start/finish line
- 1km run (age eight to 11) - start at 9.30am at the 10k start/finish line
- 3km run - start at 10am, Sketty Lane Car Park
- Elite Wheelchair - start at 10.55am, Mumbles Road starting point (approx. 30m east of the Cenotaph)
- 10km run - start at 11am (after a one-minute silence for the Queen), Mumbles Road starting point (approx. 30m east of the Cenotaph)
Spectator locations
Spectators are welcome to watch the action, but are asked to spread out along the whole length of the route, rather than crowd in one place.
Parking
There will be free parking in the Recreation Ground and Lacrosse Field near St Helen’s Rugby Ground, and front and side of the Guildhall. Overflow spaces are located at the Civic Centre West Car Park.
"Please help organisers by arriving early as the car parks are well used and traffic builds up close to the main event car park," Swansea Council said. If using a SatNav to guide you to the area, the best postcode to type in is: SA2 0AU.
Road closures
Large parts of Mumbles Road will be closed before, during and after the Swansea Bay 10k to all cars and other vehicles (except for emergency vehicles):
- Mumbles Road will be closed in both directions from the traffic lights at the Slip near St Helen's Rugby Ground and the bottom of Sketty Lane. This part of the road is expected to be closed between 7.30am and 4pm, and will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe, following the removal of event equipment and infrastructure.
- Mumbles Road will also be closed to westbound traffic between the bottom of Sketty Lane to Mayals Road . Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted up Sketty Lane at this point. These restrictions will be in place from around 10.30am to 1.30pm
- Mumbles Road will also be closed in both directions between the bottom of Mayals Road and West Cross Roundabout from around 10.30am to 1.30pm. The road will re-open on a rolling basis as soon as it is deemed safe after the last runner and safety vehicles pass.
- Mumbles Road will also be closed to westbound traffic between West Cross Inn Roundabout and Oystermouth Square from around 10.30am to 1.30pm. The road will re-open on a rolling basis as soon as it is deemed safe after the last runner and safety vehicles pass.
- Residents living along Mumbles Road will be unable to gain vehicle entry onto parts of the road between around 10.30am and 3.30pm.
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Bryn Road will have parking suspended to enable access for emergency vehicles
Medical support
First Aid will be provided by St John Ambulance. They will be located throughout the course with a base at the finish area. Runners are advised to contact the nearest marshal or steward, if a problem arises.
All runners must complete the medical details form on the back of the race number and participants are asked not to run if they feel unwell or have recently been unwell.
Photos and results
Photos will be taken throughout the course and will be available to buy on swanseabay10k.com two to three days after the race. Race results will be available following the race on the event website swanseabay10k.com. If runners have provided a mobile number, they’ll also receive a text with their result following the race.
Food and drink
There will be water for runners at the finish line and at the 5k point, as in previous races.
There will also be a range of food and drink outlets near the finish area at the "Race Village" in the Recreation Ground on Mumbles Road.
Lost children
The Lost Children point is located within the Information Marquee in the "Race Village" area at the Recreation Ground on Mumbles Road.
The Lost Children point is located within the Information Marquee, situated on the Race Village at the Rec.
There will be a variety of outlets selling food and drink near the finish area.
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