Latest news with #SwanseaHalfMarathon
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea Half Marathon best pictures as thousands of runners tackle 13.1-mile course
The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon made its return on Sunday offering runners a scenic and fast-paced coastal course through Wales' second-largest city. Starting at 9am from the Copr Bay Bridge near Swansea Arena the race featured a fully closed-road route open to both first-timers and seasoned runners. The 13.1-mile course saw thousands of runners pass through Singleton Park, the historic Brangwyn Hall, and Swansea Castle ruins, before heading towards the National Waterfront Museum. The route continued along the Swansea Bay coastline for five miles before looping back to the finish line at Swansea Arena. Hundreds of the participants took the opportunity to run for various causes, sporting tops from and raising money for charities such as Cancer Research Wales, Crisis UK, Prostate Cymru, and Wales Air Ambulance. This year's event also featured the popular Front Runner City 5 Miler, offering a shorter, more accessible race option. Take a look at some photos from the day of the thousands of participants and spectators who came out in force in Swansea and see if you can spot yourself.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
I was diagnosed breast cancer three years ago, now I'm running a half-marathon for charity
I was diagnosed breast cancer three years ago, now I'm running a half-marathon for charity After being cancer free and turning a new leaf with healthier lifestyle, Louise Horton is running in the Swansea Half Marathon to raise money for charity Louise with her son Leon (Image: Louise Horton ) When Louise Horton, a mother of four was given a shocking diagnosis in 2022, she wasn't sure she would live to see the birth of her grandchild. Now, three years later, she is taking part in the Swansea Half Marathon, hoping to raise money for a charity that has been like an "extended family" to them. Louise was diagnosed with Stage three breast cancer, three years ago, a diagnosis which came as a "shock" to her. Fortunately, after months of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy, she was finally declared 'cancer free'. Louise said: "It was March of 2022. I had just washed and I discovered a lump on my breast and had to investigate it, and then I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer." The treatment was hard for Louise but she was determined to see it through for her family (Image: Louise Horton ) She added: "To be honest, it was a shock. I'm a single mother of four children, and at the time, my daughter was pregnant, expecting my first grandchild then. My main concerns were my children, and obviously how life would be… without me being in it and whether I would be around to see the birth of my grandchild." Louise is a Ward Sister at Morriston Hospital, and a mother to Leon Weaver, 10, Lucy Weaver, 21, Chloe Weaver, 23, and Amy Weaver, 25. Soon after her diagnosis, intensive treatment followed. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here Article continues below "Once I had my diagnosis I had nine months of intensive chemotherapy on a weekly basis in Singleton Hospital here in Swansea," Louise recounted. "Then on New Year 2024 I had a full of mastectomy on the left-hand side and then after that, following my operation, I had to have three weeks of everyday radiotherapy." However, before she recovered fully, the treatment itself took a toll on her, so much so that she found it difficult to do day to day tasks. Louise said: 'Obviously during the chemotherapy, which for is not easy for anybody your whole life is basically a routine of going back and forth to the hospital and things like that, feeling really tired, not being able to do what you would normally do. 'My son, my youngest, is only 10 and to take him to school, and to walk up a small hill, and day-to-day tasks were very, very, difficult. I'm quite an independent person and not to be able to do that, and relying really on my older children was very, very difficult for me. 'And not just that.. my children, as much as they were supportive, it was emotional impact on them as well watching their mum being so poorly.' Louise was supported by her family throughout her recovery. Her three elder daughters helped her with her young son who has additional needs, while her mum and father helped her by doing school runs, and her father took her to every radiotherapy or chemotherapy appointment. The National Autistic Society branch in Swansea have been like an "extended family" for Louise and Leon (Image: Louise Horton ) 'I must say the staff and everybody with the chemotherapy unit, they were absolutely fantastic and the support you get from the Maggie's Centre was unbelievable.' Louise said. "But there were like three days when I was so poorly and I honestly thought that was going to be it for me. "It was laying in bed thinking I'm not going to wake up in the morning. That was the point where I thought this is it. But I think with me, I have a really positive outlook on life and it was a case okay I need to pursue this, I need carry on, basically I need to fight not only for myself but for my family. "I tried my best on a day to day basis as much as I could. I still had to go out and about and try and do as much as I could within that time, obviously within the boundaries of what I was allowed to do, having treatment." Even thought its been over an year since she recovered, Louise still cannot believe that she is now 'cancer free'. "Even now, to this day… I'm getting quite emotional now. When they said how big the tumour was and it was stage three, I didn't think I was going to hear those words. "I went into the appointment and the doctor said to me, 'Test results have come back, you're free.' It's very hard to explain, you feel relieved but then you feel a sense of what do I do now because your life gets taken over by hospital appointments, by blood tests and it's like well where do I go now?" Her battle with cancer left a lasting impact on Louise, that she believes will "never go away". 'It's a very surreal moment when you get told that. Obviously I was elated and so happy, but it never goes away. I know people have said this, especially other people have had cancer,' Louise said. 'It never goes away. 'Even to this day, if I have a slight bump or a twinge or slight pain, I'm always aware, and it's always going to be there, it never goes away even though you hear those words. I think it's a journey that never ends. It's always going to be there.' Louise is now raising money for National Autistic Society (NAS) in a bid to thank them for the support they provided to Leon, at a point when she 'didn't know which way to turn.' 'My son has additional needs, so he needs a lot of support and I reached out to the National Autistic Society in Swansea and got in touch with them and they have been amazing with supporting him,' Louise said. 'He had a lot issues socially and didn't engage very well. 'At that point, I didn't know which way to turn so I spoke via a friend to Swansea National Autistic Society and I got involved with them. They do so much for children with additional needs and autism. So I was going to a lot of their sessions and they invited my son and he was involved with activities with a smaller group of children during the summer holidays.' It was here, that Louise learnt about the 12-week Fit Jacks program run by the Swansea City Foundation. The program helped Louise to focus on herself, and get fitter. 'I was determined that I wanted to be a fitter person.' Louise said. 'I wanted put the cancer to one side, and I thought like this is my opportunity to be a fitter healthier person as best as I can be to be there for my kids. So I did the 12-week programme, I finished that and graduated the programme. And I carried on. I carried onto maintenance classes with them, and I started running. I joined the gym. 'I started challenging myself and I think once you have that diagnosis and the all-clear, you have a different outlook on life. So I was like, right, I'm going to challenge myself.' Just two weeks ago, Louise took part in a 10k run for a cancer charity, and now she has her eyes set on the Swansea Half Marathon. 'I completed that and then I wanted to give back to NAS. They have given me so much, have been so supportive for me and my son," Louise said. 'I can't praise them enough as an organisation. I really can't. 'So, I thought why no kill two birds with one stone. I'm gonna sign up for the half marathon, I'm going to challenge myself, and also I'm going to do it for NAS and that's what I've done.' To others who are going through cancer, or any other disease, Louise advises never losing hope and remembering that there is a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' 'Just don't give up, and I've said it previously, just grip life with both hands. Take every opportunity you can, don't let it defeat you,' Louise said. 'It is life changing, it is hard, but there is light at the end. 'If you've got a goal and you are positive, the light will shine through and you will get through it. It will change you as a person, but you will be better for it in some ways. 'You just really need to fight for it and keep on fighting. Even when you get the all clear, it's still a fight, but you can do it and you can get through it.' She is now looking forward to crossing the finish line at the half marathon. Article continues below 'It is surviving, it is pushing boundaries. I'm going to be so emotional getting over that finishing line because it's achievement,' Louise said. 'I fought cancer, I've got through that. Life is a challenge no matter, whether you have cancer, whether, have issues at home, life is always a challenge. You've got to fight these challenges and get over them and you can achieve it.' You can donate to Louise's fundraiser by clicking here.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea Half Marathon 2025: All road closures to be put in place as thousands participate
Swansea Half Marathon 2025: All road closures to be put in place as thousands participate There are several road closures planned as the Swansea Half Marathon makes a return Thousands take part every year (Image: IYA ) The Swansea Half Marathon is set to take place this weekend, and with three separate events to be held in the same day, its expected to get busy. The summer running festival will be held this Sunday, June 8, and is purported to be the biggest edition yet. The half marathon will kick off in front of the Swansea Arena, with runners heading towards towards Singleton and splitting at the University campus. Those who are participating in the 5-mile rn will move towards Blackpill, turning near Clyne and make their way back through the promenade. On the other hand, those participating in the half marathon will run through the university campus, make their way towards the city centre while crossing the Brangwyn Hall and Castle ruins. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here This will be the eleventh Swansea half marathon (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) They will then move towards the National Waterfront Museum, and head out towards Mumbles, running five miles across Swansea Bay and returning to the road at Brynmill Lane for the finishing straight at Swansea Arena. To facillitate the route, and ensure the safety of those taking part in the run, several road closures are planned across the city. According to the schedule and the time they are to shut for, these are: Article continues below From Saturday, June 7 (8pm) to Sunday, June 8 (3pm) A4067 – Oystermouth Road Westbound from junction with Princess Way to West Way Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 3pm) A4067 – Quay Parade – from Sainsbury's Store to Wind Street. A4067 Victoria Road – in its entire length – both directions Burrows Place – it's junction with Victoria Road A4067 Oystermouth Road – from its junction with West Way to Quay Parade (both directions) Somerset Place – No left turn Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 10.40am) Francis Street – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. Guildhall Road South – its entire length. St Helens Crescent – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. The Baths Car Park St Helens Avenue – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. St Helens Road – it's entire length Brynymor Road – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Sunday, June 8 (8.15am – 10.55am) St Helens Road – its entire length. Brunswick Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Russell Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Henrietta Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. George Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Nicholl Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. B4290 St Helens Road – from its junction with Guildhall Road South. Bond Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road and junction with Oystermouth Road. Oxford Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Beach Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road and junction with Oystermouth Road. Argyle Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road. Richardson Street – from itsjunction with B4290 St Helens Road. Lane alongside 8a St Helens Road – its entire length Wyndham Street – from its junction with B4290 St Helens Road Dillwyn Street -from junctionwith Oxford Street, it's entire length Glamorgan Street – it's junction with Oystermouth Road. Christina Street – it's entire length The Kingsway – it's entire length Horton Street Pell Street Northampton Lane Un-named Road from Northampton Lane to the Junction with the Kingsway Dynevor Place Orchard Street – it's entire length Cradock Street – its entire length. Bellevue Way- its entire length. B4489 High Street (southbound) – from its junction with B4290 High Street Train Station. Orchard Street – in its entire length. Kingsway – its entire length. Picton Lane – its entire length Portland Street – its entire length College Street- its entire length. Welcome Lane – its entire length. Castle Bailey Street – its entire length. Castle Street – its entire length. Lane Behind Kapsers – its entire length Castle Square – its entire length. Caer Street – its entire length. Wind Street – its entire length. Princess Way – its entire length St Marys Square – its entire length St Marys Street – its entire length St Davids Place – its entire length Salubrious Place – it's entire length York Street – its entire length. Sunday, June 8 (8.30am – 12.30 pm) A4067 Mumbles Road Guildhall Road South to Mayals Road (Westbound only) A4067 Mumbles Road MayalsRoad to Newton Road (eastbound and westbound) A4067 Mumbles Road – Westbound Guildhall Road South to Newton Road A4067 Oystermouth Road – West Way to Guildhall Road South Eastbound and westbound and all adjoining roads. Sunday, June 8 (8:45am – 12:30pm): No right turn or left turn Llwynderw Drive onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Lilliput Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Army Reserve Centre onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Fairwood Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Alderwood Drive onto Mumbles Road. Lane Adjacent to 308 Mumbles Road Amy Dillwyn Close onto Mumbles Road. Bethany Lane onto Mumbles Road. Palmyra Court onto Mumbles Road. Norton Ave onto Mumbles Road. Norton Rd onto Mumbles Road. A4067 Mumbles Road – eastbound from junction with Newton Road B4593 to Junction with B4436 Mayals Road. Access for residents will be there where possible and when safe to do so. Sunday, June 8 (8.45am – 12:30pm): No right turn Mayals Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road. Cwm Farm onto A4067 Mumbles Road Glyn Crescent onto A4067 Mumbles Road Sunday, June 8 (Varying restrictions) Somerset Place – its junction with Quay Parade – no left turn 8.15am – 3pm Dunvant Place onto A4067 Oystermouth Road – no left turn, no right turn. 8.30am – 3pm Brynmill Terrace onto A4067 Mumbles Road – Road Closed 8.30am – 12.30pm Ivy Place – No Left Turn 8.15am – 10.55am Gorse Lane on to A4067 – Road Closed – 8.30am – 12.30pm Sketty Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn/no left turn/no U-turn. 8.15am – 12:30pm Ashleigh Road onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn. 8.30am -12.30pm Derwen Fawr Road onto A4067 Mumbles Rd – no right turn. 08.30am – 12.30pm Mill Lane onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn. 8.30am – 12.30pm Unnamed Rd (The Woodman Public House) onto A4067 Mumbles Road – no right turn 8.30am – 12.30pm Newton Rd onto A4067 Mumbles Road. No left turn 8.30am-12.30pm Article continues below From Saturday, June 7 (9pm) to Sunday, June 8 (11.30am): No Parking restrictions St Helens Road Castle Bailey Street Castle Street
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Business News Wales
Charity Spots Still Open for Sold-Out Swansea Half Marathon
The Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon returns on Sunday 8th June, and the event has completely sold out. Thousands of runners will descend on the city to take on the fast, flat, and scenic course, but for those who missed out on a spot, there's still time to be part of the race day atmosphere. Organisers have announced that places are still available through official charity partners, offering runners the chance to take part while making a real difference in the lives of others. This year's headline charity is Shelter Cymru, who work hard to tackle homelessness and defend the right to a safe and secure home. Participants can also choose to run for Maggie's Cancer Care, who offer invaluable support for those living with cancer, or Morgan's Army, dedicated to support children and their families affected by cancer in Wales. 'Charity runners are the heart of our event,' says Tash Smith, Managing Director at Front Runner Events. 'By running for one of our partner charities, participants not only experience the electric race day atmosphere, but also help raise vital funds that have a lasting impact across Wales.'
