This was the third Swindon Half Marathon in its current incarnation and over that time the organisation has improved year on year. 

It is relatively flat for those wanting a PB and although not the prettiest of routes, as it cuts through a working town, it is challenging enough for runners of all abilities. 

The crowd support is strong and I have seen that increase over time, proving that this race is getting more popular. 

The medal and t-shirt are nice haves at the end - but don't expect much of a goodie bag!  Mine consisted of flyers from local firms and some gel for dry skin. Not even a Mars bar!!

However, bananas and water are plentiul at the finish and the bag drop and so subsequent pick up is quick and organised.  

Also, the marshals and supporters are very friendly. 

It's one for you race diary.  

Roll on next year!!

This was a well organised event which catered well for all levels and is great for getting a PB - it's pretty much flat with just a couple of small slopes up bridges and then a steady (but not steep) climb around mile 11-12 which is followed by very fast downhill section to the end. A very well organised start, easy parking in the nearby town centre. 

Despite the rain, it was a great atmosphere and the local crowds were amazing turning out in the weather!

Great pre race comms from the organisers- all very clear and personable.

Overall it was a fine tned event with a good friendly feel about it. The course offers wide roads so never a blockage and a mix of flat and hills (nothing too steep but several long inclines). It has been wet for the past 2 years but always the people turn out all the way round to offer jelly babies and cheers.

Excellent warm up routine I've ever had put on stage beforehand.

Only problem is deciding which car park to use ie whether to choose one near the start or the finish. I went for the middle but relied on seeing others walking to the start to find the way by myself (there were plenty to follow!). 

This was my first official half marathon in my home town and due to the weather and other factors I wasn’t quite ‘feeling it’.  But the pre race warm up was great, lots of people prepared to stand in the pouring rain and cheer us on! The hype stations and marshals were amazing and the Samba band at mile 10 was AWESOME and the run through Old Town and a downhill finish was fabulous. When the announcer on the loud speaker called out my name as I approached the finish I cried a little! Oh and not forgetting the awesome lovely and super encouraging  2.15 and 2.20 pacers who were an amazing support as I came in under 2.20!! If I ever run a half again, this will be the one I do - in my home town. Hoping the weather is kinder and hopefully come in closer to 2.15!! 😁

This was my first Half Marathon so had no idea what to expect.  I found the registration process very easy and the information that came through leading up to the rave very useful and encourgaging.  On the day the race was very well marked out, taking us round some of Swindon landmarks, not least it's infamous roundabouts, which might seem dull but was actually a lot of fun.  The race support team were excellent and the spirit amongst the runners was very supportive and made for a very enjoyable day.  I was suprised by the number of people that came out and supported the run and can only thank them, the race spornsors and the organisers for making my first run at least a very memorable and enjoyable one.

My first 1/2 marathon and I couldn't have had a better experience. Very Well organised, well supported and very friendly The course was clearly marked and the supporters and marshals were brilliant. Very much look forward to returning  next year. Awesome job Graham and team, thank you so much.

This was my first half, and I had a really really great time. The course is fairly easy, not a lot of hills either way, and the whole thing is so well signposted - and well attended. The supporters and marshalls gave the race such good energy. My poor knee needs a break, but I'm very excited to sign up for next years race. Would definitely recommend it for half-newbies like me, and I ran it with some experienced pals who had a good time too. Cheers to the organisers!

Swindon didn’t disappoint - it’s a really friendly, well organised and well supported half marathon.

Plenty of information supplied before race day so you have very little to worry about except your training!

Really good, well marshalled route. Plenty of offers of jelly babies and enough water stations (although sports bottles would have been a lot more useful and probably meant a lot less waste)

Thanks to the organisers, volunteers, supporters and fellow runners for making this such a special race.

My first Swindon half marathon was a superb experience.  Everything went so well - from pre-race information, to organisation on the day to the atmosphere created.  Even torrential rain didn't dampen the spirits of an excellent event.  The course was great and I would definitely love to run the Swindon half again.  Thank you.