What a lovely day in Swansea Bay, unless you were planning on running 10 kilometers on the seafront in Swansea Bay 10k 2016. One of the best road races in the UK, the virtually flat course takes in the wide sweep of Swansea Bay along the Wales Coast Path. You can read a km by km guide to the course here.
The weather was warm with little wind, hot conditions for a long road race. The Kenyans above just took it in their stride leading the race from the beginning. But you didn’t have to wait long to see some familiar Swansea runners. Andrew Frazier setting a blistering pace.
Chris Jones was next smashing almost 10 minutes off his time from last year.
You can see photos from Swansea Bay 10k 2015 here.
You can see photos from Swansea Bay 10k 2014 here.
You can see photos from Swansea Bay 10k 2013 here.
A familiar face in Swansea Bay 10k photos above, Sam Donaldson was running this year too. Here he is at just past the 2km mark at Blackpill.
Closely followed by another Swansea Bay 10k veteran Luke Millward.
Jan Lawrence was next completing her second year in the Swansea Bay 10k, running for the Salisbury NICU premature baby unit that had just treated her latest grandson.
This year the sisters were doing it for themselves, with both my sister and sister-in-law running. First to reach us at 2km was my sister-in-law Caz.
My sister Michelle wasn’t far behind, cheered on by a big family turn out.
The great thing about spectating at Blackpill is as soon as most of the runners are past you the elite runners are running back on the promenade behind you. So I ran over to my usual spot to catch the runners coming over the bridge. Here is the fight for first place.
The first women runner was an equally fierce battle.
The rest of the elite runners were next.
The usual suspects weren’t far behind them. Andrew Frazier not dropping any pace in the heat.
Chris Jones setting a personal best for this race.
There he goes, jostling for places on the hill climb.
Some were taking it a little less seriously.
But there were still some seriously fast runners in the far from ideal hot conditions. It was the lack of wind more than the temperature.
I just missed Sam Donaldson on his return run. Here is his back as he climbs the hill.
Frances Samuel was the next familar face I spotted in the crowds.
The hill being her least favorite part of the course.
Clare was the next to tackle the hill.
I even spotted one of my old students, giving a big thumbs up.
Luke looked pleased to have got to almost 8km into the race.
My nieces were thrilled to see their mum Caz safely past the Blackpill bridge…
…and onto the hill. I thought Grace would start running with her.
My Sister Michelle was marking a return to the 10k after having a baby and was joined by her fellow Paul Popham running club members.
Just demolishing the hill towards the final 2km.
Was that sports development legend Tom Jones I spotted amidst this year’s runners? Surely not?
It was all over too fast.
It certainly was a hot one, and none like it hot! Everyone made it home safe though and all had a big smile on their face. A fantastic Swansea Bay 10k 2016, see you next year, DimExcuses.