Around 5,000 runners took centre stage for what is one of the top events of its kind in the UK, attracting fans and competitors from across the UK. The event was voted Best 10k in Wales in the 2019 Running Awards.

Men’s 10k winner was Kieran Clements, of north London’s Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers. Women’s 10k winner was Natasha Cockram, of the Micky Morris Racing Team. She was the first Welsh female winner since the early 1980s.

Wheelchair race winner for the fourth year in a row was Richie Powell, of Disability Sport Wales.

As well as the main 10k event, there were 1k and 3k races for juniors, in addition to a 10k wheelchair race and a 100m mascot dash.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “It was a joy for our city to host so many running enthusiasts at the weekend; another special way for Swansea to celebrate its first 50 years of city status.

“The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k has a wonderful, runner-friendly course with some of the most glorious views anywhere in the UK – it’s is a celebration of our sporting culture.

“The 10k is a brilliant event for elite athletes, experienced runners and first timers, or anyone looking to raise money for charity or tackle personal fitness challenges.

“We’re delighted with the huge crowd of spectators which added to the community feel and family atmosphere that helps to inspire everyone who takes part.”

All race results are available to view online

Official race photos are available later this week from www.photo-fit.com, the official Admiral Swansea Bay 10k race photographer.

Winners

• Men’s 10k – Kieran Clements, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, North London
• Women’s 10k – Natasha Cockram, Micky Morris Racing Team
• Boys 3k – Macsen Toogood
• Girls 3k – Amy Greatrick
• Boys 1k (7 and under) – Frederick Hanson
• Girls 1k (7 and under) – Rhiannon Hughes
• Boys 1k (8-11) – Thomas Reece
• Girls 1k (8-11) – Libby Hale
• Wheelchair Race – Richie Powell, Disability Sport Wales
• Mascot race – Ozzie the Osprey, Ospreys Rugby, who won £100 for their designated charity Ospreys in the Community

The pacers are provided by 3M Gorseinon Road Runners, a well-established club. All the pacers are experienced runners and/or pacers, volunteering their time to help runners achieve their personal goals.

Robert Francis-Davies, the Swansea Council’s cabinet member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “We’re grateful to the running club for the assistance they give – it shows real community spirit.

“With the race being sold out, anticipation is building for the event which will again attract many thousands of runners and spectators.

“The race, which first started in 1981, is one of best of its kind in the UK and was voted Best 10k in Wales in the 2019 Running Awards. Its setting along the bay is perfect.

“With its flat and scenic route, and the help of experienced pace runners, the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k provides a fantastic opportunity for runners to beat their personal best. This is yet another great event to help celebrate Swansea’s 50th anniversary as a city.”

The race will take place on Sunday, September 22, with a new start time of 11am.

As well as the main 10k event, there will also be 1k and 3k races for juniors, in addition to a 10k wheelchair race. The annual 100m mascot dash will take place just after the 10k race, from outside St Helen’s Rugby Ground.

Spectators are welcome from 8.30am.

Others include Swansea Pride, Ospreys in the Community, Cash For Kids, Lord Mayor’s Charities and Swans Aid.

Now, with around two weeks to go until the big race, the mascots taking part are in training for their showdown on Sunday, September 22.

Their 100m dash will start at 11.10am outside St Helen’s – that’s 10 minutes after the main race starts from the same location.

Mascots taking part include Sparky the Bear from charity Cerebra, Mr Leek from CK Foodstores, Tommy Turtle from the LC and Enjoy Swansea Bay’s Jo Joio. Others include Stormy Stan, Cyril the Swan and Finley the Bear.

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

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “The mascot race has become a key part of the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k experience.

“It provides great entertainment for onlookers while also helping raise funds for worthwhile causes.

“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.

“The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is a terrific event to take part in – and a great event for spectators, with thousands of people lining the sweep of Swansea Bay to watch their friends and loved ones race.”

Any group, charity, organisation or company that would like their mascot to take part in the 100m dash – and be in with a chance of winning the £100 on offer for the winning mascot – should email Lindsay Sleeman on lindsay.sleeman@swansea.gov.uk or phone her on 01792 635428. You can find out more here.

Charities represented include MADAL and Care After Combat. Organisations taking part include Freedom Leisure, Jermin Productions, Mumbles Pier, Ospreys Rugby, The Wave and Swansea Sound, Swansea Council’s Enjoy Swansea Bay, the RNLI, Swansea City FC and the council’s Swansea Family Information Service.

On the big day, spectators are welcome from 8.30am. Junior races will take place from 9.15am-10am and the main 10k starting at 11am.