This year we’re sharing inspiring stories of runners who have been part of our #RunSwansea journey since the start. Being the few who have been #EverPresent at the Swansea Half Marathon takes some doing, so if you’re one of them – let us know!
This month we catch up with Craig Jones an avid runner and Swansea Harrier who has been #EverPresent to #Runswansea.
Craig originally started running after getting involved in the sport of surf lifesaving for Langland Bay at the beach sprint events. From this, he started to explore road running and decided to join Swansea Harriers AC which he says was the best thing he could have done. Craig said:
“I learnt so much from the people around me and soon realised that running any sort of distance was hard! Over the years I developed my running and became a LiRF coach for the Harrier’s which was a great way to give something back to the club and something I still do now.”
Q&A’s from a #EverPresent runner…
What makes you run Swansea every year?
I’m Swansea born and bred so it’s my home race which I’d never miss out on. It’s great to have all the local support and people cheering you on, especially at the Mumbles end where I’m from! I love the course along the seafront which is a big feature of the race to take in the beautiful views. It’s a flat course too so I’m always hunting down a PB!
What are your favourite memories from taking part over the years?
I have so many good memories over the years, one was representing the charity Scope Disability and raising awareness of the good work they do and fundraising for the charity. Another fond memory was pacing my wife Megan to her first half-marathon event at Swansea. The distance was a big challenge so it was a great feeling to support her and run alongside Megan to the finish line. A final good memory and proud moment was designing the finisher frames for the podium athletes at Swansea. As a local artist, this was a huge privilege for me and something I’ll always remember.
Have you run any of our other events?
I’ve run the Llanelli Half lots of times and also the Great Welsh Half Marathon which are both great events that are well organised. I’m already looking forward to next year’s events to improve on my run times and may give the new Gorseinon 10k a go.
If there is one thing you would like to see at our 10th anniversary event what would it be?
It would be great if there was something to take away at the finish that celebrates the 10th anniversary like a wooden drinks coaster or a t-shirt with everyone’s names printed on it!
