Registration opens today for the 360 Marina 5k run, an event organised by Swansea Trotters Alumni Club in collaboration with Swansea University, hosts 360 Beach and Watersports and the events charity CRY UK.
The annual 360 Marina 5km road race returns for its second year, this year as a fundraising event for leading heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) – in honour of club member Timothy Butt who survived a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this year.
Following the sell-out success of the inaugural 360 Marina 5km where 100 runners took part, the event returns with an extension from Swansea Council enabling the race to host 250 participants.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 15th March 2014, is run on an extremely flat, short and quick course. It is open to runners of all abilities and will appeal to those looking for a fun day out with some exercise or an experienced runner chasing a Personal Best.
Steven M. Jones, Club President & Event Organiser, said:
“Our club is built on friendship, so to turn the race into a fundraiser in tribute of Tim was a no-brainer; the news of his cardiac arrest shook us all, so to be able to raise awareness of the condition through supporting CRY is highly important to us.
I was blown away by the success of the 5km in its first year; we had a fantastic turn-out and a professionally run event thanks to the team and my fellow organiser Richard Mann; building from this success I strongly believe we will reach the 250 attendee mark in March.
In addition, we are hugely grateful to 360 Beach & Watersports & Swansea Council for enabling us to put on the race for the second year running and to Swansea University and CRY for their support and collaboration.”
When asked what it meant to him to have the race act as a charity event for CRY, Timothy Butt, Swansea University Graduate & Cardiac arrest survivor, said:
“I am delighted and extremely grateful that the event is being held in support of the charity CRY, a charity that I fully support.
This is just one example of how the Swansea Trotters family have really supported me as a member and my recovery from my cardiac arrest. I would like to thank the club, the members and the organisers for their hard work to put on the event. I am really looking forward to the run.”
Alison Cox MBE, Chief Executive and Founder of CRY, added:
“It takes great courage and determination for anyone who has been affected by young sudden cardiac death – whether a bereaved family or a young person who has been diagnosed with a heart problem – to be able to see beyond their own situation and to want to raise funds for CRY and to help us increase awareness of our work, including screening, advice and support.
“Thankfully, due to the increasing success of screening, awareness and diagnosis, we are now working with more and more young people, such as Tim, who were suddenly found to have a potentially life-threatening heart condition, when they believed they were fit and healthy.
“On behalf of all of us at CRY, I would like to say a huge “thank you” to Tim and the Swansea Trotters for their recognition and support for us and we wish them every luck in their fundraising event”
Speaking on being involved with the event for its second year, Kate Hannington, General Manager, 360 Beach & Watersports, said:
“Following the success of this year’s Swansea Trotters Marina 5km, 360 are thrilled to be hosting the event for the second time in March 2014. It’s a fantastic event which promotes sport & activity on Swansea Bay.
If you’re running you can use our free shower & changing facilities & if you’re spectating then get the best view of the start / finish line from our Cafe Bar.”
The run takes place entirely on the Swansea Bay promenade, heading out from the 360 Centre towards Swansea Marine, covering a distance of 2.5k and then doubling back to the centre to complete the 5k distance.
There is a pre-race entry fee of £5 (£7 on the day) and is open to everyone 16+ with prizes on offer from 360 for the male and female winners.
The 2014 event is raising money for both the CRY UK charity and fundraising for Swansea University Athletics, Cross Country & Triathlon teams; at a 50% split.
For more information about the event and how to register visit http://swanseatrotters.com/360-marina-5k-register
