Thousands of runners will take part in next weekend’s Admiral Swansea Bay 10K

The 43rd staging of the annual Swansea Bay 10k goes under starters’ orders at 11am on Sunday, and thousands of spectators will see around 5,000 runners take part. Crowds are likely to start gathering at around 8.30am.

A number of other races will take place, including 1k and 3k races for juniors, a Mascot race and a 10k wheelchair race. Registration to take part in the event is now closed.

Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k has become a key part of Swansea’s event calendar and is one of the best of its kind in the UK.

“Alongside the elite runners leading the front, many other people of all ages will take to the course from St Helen’s to Mumbles and back, along the stunning sweep of the bay. Some will be conquering fitness challenges, others trying to beat personal bests, and many raising money for worthwhile causes, but all are an inspiration to others. There’ll be a lovely, family-friendly atmosphere.”

“We’re keeping the road changes to a minimum. We’ve been in touch with those who might be affected, and we thank everybody for their understanding.

“I also thank our sponsors – Admiral, Princes Gate Mineral Water, The Secret Bar & Kitchen, and Days Motor Group.”

Paul Billington, Admiral UK Wellbeing & Workplace Support Manager, said, “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Admiral Swansea Bay 10K for the 18th year.

“Seeing so many people come together to take part, from professional athletes to those trying it for the first time, is fantastic to see. Over 200 Admiral colleagues have signed up to the challenge and are looking forward to another great event. Good luck to everyone taking part!”

Everything you need to know

Travel

Swansea Council asks the public to arrive early as car parks are well used and traffic builds up close to the main event car park.

Traffic management will be in place with some road closures operating from 05.30am. Traffic will build up from this time.

There’ll be free parking in the Recreation Ground next to St Helen’s rugby ground, Singleton Park’s Lacrosse Field, and to the front and side of the Guildhall. Overflow car parking will be at the Civic Centre West Car Park.

Please allow sufficient time due to the expected increase in traffic.

Road changes

These road changes will be in place this Sunday.

5.30am – 3pm

• Mumbles Road: Closed in both directions from its junction with Guildhall Road South to its junction with Sketty Lane. Exit from the Recreation Ground will be allowed westbound (that is: Mumbles direction) from noon.

5.30am – 2.30pm

• Brynmill Lane: Closed in both directions from its junction with Bryn Road and its junction with Mumbles Road
• Guildhall Road South: Left turn only onto Oystermouth Road
• Mumbles Road: Eastbound (that is: city centre direction) from its junction with Mayals Road and Sketty Lane reduced to a single lane whilst race is in progress
• Sketty Lane: Open for westbound traffic (towards Mumbles) until 10.30am

10.30am – 1.30pm

• Mumbles Road: Closed to westbound from its junction with Sketty Lane to its junction with Mayals Road
• Sketty Lane: Closed southbound in its entirety. Access allowed for Singleton Hospital visitors, Wales National Pool, University playing fields and Swansea University (via the hospital).

10.45am – 1.30pm

• Mumbles Road: Closed in both directions from its junction with Mayals Road and Fairwood Road.
• Mumbles Road: Closed westbound from its junction with Fairwood Road to its junction with Dunns Lane, Mumbles.
• Fairwood Road: Closed southbound from its junction with Heathwood Road/West Cross Lane to its junction with Mumbles Road.

10.30am – 1.30pm

• Access restricted to left turn only whilst the race is in progress for: Ashleigh Road playing fields, Ashleigh Road, Derwen Fawr Road, Mill Lane, Mayals Road, Alderwood Drive, Bethany Lane, Palmyra Court, Norton Avenue, Norton Road, Newton Road, Dunns Lane.
• Access and exit restricted whilst the race is passing for:Swansea University, Llwynderw Drive, Heneage Drive, Oaklands Court, Lilliput Lane, Gulliver’s Close, Huntington’s Close, The Paddock, Fairwood Road.
• Emergency vehicles will take priority at all times.

Race times

• 1k (7 and under) – 9.15am;
• 1k(8-11 years) – 9:30am;
• 3k– 10am;
• Elite wheelchair– 10.55am;
• Main 10k race-11am;
• Mascot race – 11.10am

The route

The fast and flat course takes place along the sweep of Swansea Bay – perfect for runners and spectators.  Course map with cheers points – www.bit.ly/10k23map

The race

Start of the 10k race
Participants need to make their way to Mumbles Road where they will be organised into start pens, based on their predicted finish time. Participants should assemble for the race no less than 10 minutes before the race start. Race numbers must be secured to the front of race tops. Runners must complete the medical form on the back. Race numbers must not be folded or cut.

During the race
Runners should obey the directions of all event officials or course marshals. There’ll be a water station provided by official water partner Princes Gate Water at the 5k point and finish line. All bottles provided along the course will be made from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. We encourage all runners to put their finished water bottles in the bins provided so they can be collected, recycled and put back into another bottle. Remember – run, rehydrate, recycle!

After the race
Finishers will be asked to move through and out of the funnels once they have collected their water and medal.  Staff will be on hand to assist runners.

Spectating

The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is great for spectators. They’re asked to spread out along the route. There’s live entertainment at cheer points and on stage at the race village, near the finish line, where there will be outlets selling food and drink.

First aid and safety

First aid is provided by St John Ambulance. They’ll be located along the course with a base at the finish area. Runners in need of their help should make this known to the nearest marshal or steward. Pre-race, all runners must complete medical details form on the back of their race number. Participants should not run if they feel unwell or have just been unwell.

Lost Children
The lost children point is at the information marquee at the Race Village on the Recreation Ground.

Photos

Race photos will be taken along the course and will be available to purchase via swanseabay10k.com two to three days after the race.