THOUSANDS of runners are getting their entries in for this year’s Admiral Swansea Bay 10k.

There are new start times planned for what is one of Wales’ biggest award-winning running events featuring some of the country’s finest scenery along the way.
Swansea Council is behind the event, which is being sponsored by Admiral for the 14th consecutive year. As well as the 10k, there are also 1k and 3k junior fun runs, along with a 10k wheelchair race. About 5,000 people are expected to take part again this year on September 22.

Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is one of the landmark events of the running calendar and attracts participants from all over the UK.

“Following feedback from participants, this year’s races will begin a little earlier with the seven and under 1k race getting under starter’s orders at 9.15am and the main race going off at 11am.
Cllr Francis-Davies said: “An exceptionally popular feature of Swansea’s annual events calendar, the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is a terrific race for elite athletes, charity fundraisers and people looking to tackle their personal bests or conquer personal fitness goals. Set against the sweep of Swansea Bay on a flat course, I’d urge anyone interested to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment because once the race places have gone they’ve gone.” He added: “People who take part are overwhelmingly positive about the experience because of the quality of the race’s organisation and management, and the support they receive from hundreds of people lining the route. That’s also why the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k has won the Running Awards accolade for being the Best 10k in Wales two years running and why we’ve also been shortlisted for the Best 10k in the UK award this year. There’s still a couple of weeks left for people to cast their vote.”

Visit swanseabay10k.com to find out more information and enter. And to vote for the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k in this year’s Running Awards get your vote in at therunningawards.com/vote by March 1.

Race Times:

• 1k (7 and under) 9.15am
• 1k (8-11 years) 9.30am
• 3k (9-14 years) 10am
• 10k Wheelchair 5 minutes before the main race
• 10k (15 years+) 11am

Entry Prices:

• Adults £24.50 affiliated / £26.50 non-affiliated (includes a tech t-shirt, medal and goody bag)
• Children £7.50 (includes a tech t-shirt, medal, certificate and goody bag)

Cerebra, the Paul Popham Fund and Global’s Make Some Noise will be among the beneficiaries from the annual mascot race at the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k later this month.

Now, with just over a week to go until the big race, the mascots taking part have been in training for their 100-metre dash on Sunday September 16.

The 100-metre dash will start 10 minutes after the main race outside St Helen’s.

Some of the mascots taking part include Sparky from Cerebra, Tommy the turtle from the LC and Jagger from Heart FM, whose mascot outfit will be chosen by listeners over the coming weeks.

Swansea Council is behind the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k, which also includes 1k, 3k and 5k races for juniors.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k isn’t just a terrific event to take part in – it’s also a great event for spectators, with thousands of people lining the sweep of Swansea Bay to watch their friends and loved ones race.

“Over the years, the mascot race has become a key part of the event, giving lots of entertainment for onlookers while also helping raise funds for so many worthwhile charities. It adds a fun element to a family-friendly event that meets the needs of elite athletes, charity fundraisers and people looking to conquer their personal fitness challenges.”

Any group, charity, organisation or company that would like their mascot to take part in the 100-metre dash and be in with a chance of winning the £100 on offer for the winning mascot should contact Lindsay Sleeman on lindsay.sleeman@swansea.gov.uk or 01792 635428.

Spectators are welcome from 10am – Junior Races will take place from 10.45am-12noon and the main 10k race will start at 1pm.

SCORES of Admiral Group staff are putting their best feet forward for this year’s Admiral Swansea Bay 10k.

With the Sunday September 16 event now fast-approaching, over 250 staff from Admiral Group are busy making their final preparations before taking part.

They’ll be among thousands racing in the main event, with 1k, 3k and 5k races for juniors also taking place on the day.

Other fun includes a 100-metre mascot dash outside St Helen’s that starts about 10 minutes after the main race.

Ceri Assiratti, head of People Services at Admiral Group, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k race and fun runs for the 12th year in a row. Supporting events in our local community is very much part of the culture of Admiral, so it’s great to be involved in an event like this that grows in popularity year on year.

“The number of our employees who have entered the 2018 race really highlights its importance to our staff and the local area. I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of everyone at Admiral, to wish all the runners the very best of luck.”

This year will be the eighth year Steven Williams-Jones from Admiral’s Claims department has taken part, first running in 2007 and almost every year since.

Steven suffers from a long-term health condition and running helps keeps him fit and focussed.

He said, “It’s a great course to run – not too busy, flat and the scenery is beautiful. There’s a fantastic atmosphere, it doesn’t feel too competitive and everyone seems to be having a great time. The support from spectators and residents along the way is amazing too and that really helps with motivation.”

Steven is running this year with colleague Jo Griffiths also from the Claims department.

It’s the fifth time Jo’s taken part and for her, it’s about having a personal challenge. She said, “I really enjoy the atmosphere, and everyone is so supportive of each other, no matter your ability.

“It’s a great family event and it helps the route is nice too – no big hills!” Jo’s children have also competed over the years and her youngest is taking part in the 1k race this year.”

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Admiral Group have been the sponsor of the annual Swansea Bay 10k for many years, helping the event continually grow in stature and profile.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible to line the route to give all participants the support they so thoroughly deserve, whether they’re top class athletes or fun runners raising money for charity.”

Spectators are welcome from 10am – Junior Races will take place between 10.45am-12noon and the main 10k race will start at 1pm.