Last chance to volunteer at JCP Swansea Half

With just over three weeks to go until the 2016 JCP Swansea Half Marathon, there is still time to be a part of this great event – and you don’t even have to be a runner!

The organisers of the race, which takes place on 26^th June 2016, have announced that they are still accepting volunteers to help the race repeat the huge success it has enjoyed over the last two years.

This is the last chance to get involved in what has recently been voted the UK’s second best half marathon at The 2016 Running Awards. Public places have sold out but runners can still sign up to run for one of the official charities.

A record field of 8,000 runners is anticipated at the third JCP Swansea Half Marathon this month, and some 200 volunteers are expected to make up the Race Maker team and ensure the smooth running of what has become a must-do event in the running industry.

Available volunteer positions include: On Course Race Makers; Start / Finish Race Makers; Runners Village Race Makers; City Centre Race Makers, and Hydration & Nutrition Station Race Makers as well as general race day support and assistance.

Working as a volunteer is a brilliant way to be part of the race experience: all you need is 4-6 hours to spare on the day, lots of enthusiasm and a positive attitude! The kind of roles volunteers can expect to be involved with include: helping in the runners’ village; marshalling the course; setting up the event; helping at the finish line; managing water stations and clearing up afterwards.

Applications are also still welcome from local community groups and clubs who can coordinate their own team of Race Makers. Swansea Half Marathon will offer a financial contribution to these organisations, and all volunteers will receive a Race Maker event t-shirt, to be worn on the day, plus a packed lunch and refreshments for the duration of the event.

One of the community groups at the forefront of this year’s event is Swansea’s army cadet force, who will be present on race day for the third year running. Last year the cadets had seven platoons located across the city, lending valuable support to the organisers whilst gaining fantastic first-hand experience of event management and teamwork. They are expected to be a prominent feature of this year’s half marathon and a great example to the young people of Swansea.

Race Technical Director Nick Francis, said: “With just over three weeks until race day, final preparations are under way for this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon. It is a very exciting time and we are delighted to still be accepting volunteers who wish to help out and experience the wonderful atmosphere of race day. Anyone signing up now will be joining a fantastic team of volunteers who have a keen interest in the community and specifically in sport and running. Many also report back to us that they love being part of a team and helping to make a difference at what has become a huge sporting event in Swansea.

“The course is stunning, with a magnificent six-mile stretch along Swansea Bay, and wherever you are based as a volunteer you will enjoy live bands en route, an incredible atmosphere and fantastic crowd support. It is thanks to our volunteers that the event has been able to run so smoothly the last two years, and we look forward to welcoming our volunteers at what is set to be the biggest JCP Swansea Half Marathon yet.”

A total of 8,000 public and charity places were available for 2016. Public places have now sold out but anyone still wishing to enter can run for one of the race’s official charities.

Go to http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/charities/ to run for charity.

Go to http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/race-makers-volunteers/ to register as a volunteer for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon 2016.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter.