There’s still time to sign up for the Swansea Trotters 360 Marina 5km run sponsored by Blockhead Energy Gum, which takes place next month on Saturday, March 15.
The closing date for online pre-registration, with an entry fee of £5, is Friday, February 28.
Now in its second year, the road race is organised by Swansea Trotters, the Alumni Club for Athletics, Cross Country and Triathlon at Swansea University, in collaboration with the University and the event’s host, 360 Beach and Watersports, who will be providing prizes for the male and female race winners.
The race, which begins at 11am, is open to everyone aged 16-plus and runners can also register on the day of the race from 10am, for an entry fee of £7.
Almost 90 people have already signed up to take part in this year’s event, which will see the funds raised split with 50 per cent going to the University’s Athletics, Cross Country and Triathlon Clubs and 50 per cent to the event’s official charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), in honour of Swansea Trotters member Timothy Butt, who survived a sudden cardiac arrest early last year while studying at Swansea University.
Following the success of the inaugural 360 Marina 5km run last year, in which 100 runners took part, the event returns with an extension from the City and County of Swansea which enables the race to host 250 runners.
The race is run on an extremely flat 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 experienced runners chasing a personal best.
The run takes place entirely on the Swansea Bay promenade, heading out from the 360 centre towards Swansea Marina for 2.5km, before doubling back to 360 to complete the 5km distance.
Steven Jones, organiser of the 360 Marina 5km run sponsored by Blockhead Energy Gum, and Club President of Swansea Trotters, said: “Our club is built on friendship, so to turn the race into a fundraiser in tribute of Timothy 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 for this year’s run.
“In addition, we are hugely grateful to 360 Beach and Watersports and the City and County of Swansea for enabling us to put on the race for the second year running and to Swansea University and CRY for their support and collaboration.”
Timothy Butt, Swansea University College of Science graduate and cardiac arrest survivor, said: “I’m 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 success in their fundraising event”
Speaking about hosting the event for a second year, Kate Hannington, General Manager, 360 Beach and Watersports, said: “Following the success of last 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 and activity on Swansea Bay.
“If you’re running you can use our free shower and changing facilities and if you’re spectating then get the best view of the start and finish line from our Cafe Bar.”
For more information about the event and how to register to take part, visit http://swanseatrotters.com/360-marina-5k-register.
