Past winners Dewi Griffiths and Emma Wookey are to become the event’s inaugural ambassadors

Dewi Griffiths and Emma Wookey, men s and women s title winners at the 2015 JCP Swansea Half Marathon, are to become the event’s inaugural ambassadors.

Swansea Harrier Griffiths and Wookey of Lliswerry Runners have accepted invitations from race directors David Martin-Jewell and Nick Francis to take on the roles for the rapidly-growing race. Both are now even more determined to defend their respective crowns when the third staging of the event takes place on June 26.

The athletes are also keen to help expand the race, which is already the second largest 13.1 miler in Wales and will attract a record 8000 field this summer.

I am really happy to be offered the job,” said Rio 2016 Olympic hopeful Griffiths, who is keen to improve on his course record time of 66:48.

I am proud to run for Swansea Harriers and I am proud of my roots in West Wales. It is great to be able to give something back to the sport and the area. If I can help inspire the next generation from the club or West Wales then that s what I am hoping to do.

I definitely think there are a couple more minutes to come off,” he added. “I ran well last year but I think I could have ran even better. If there is good competition then I am sure that will push me on to go faster again.”

Wookey has also enjoyed a successful past 12 months. She added the Newport and Severn Bridge half-marathon titles to her maiden Swansea success in 67:51 and also finished as second female on her marathon debut in Bristol.

It s a great time of year for an event like Swansea because there aren t many half-marathons around that time,” she said. “It appeals to so many people and I find it really rewarding to see others achieve their goals at events like that.

“I feel absolutely honoured to become an ambassador. David and Nick have been incredibly generous. I really want to help and get others involved in what I know will be a fantastic event once again.

I m not a full time athlete and work every day. I am just like everyone else.

 So, I want to show that the JCP Swansea Half Marathon can appeal to everyone: from club runners looking for fast times, to charity fundraisers and first timers too.

“There will be a little more pressure to defend my title now I am an ambassador though I try not to put too much pressure on myself.

 However, there are some cracking female athletes in Wales and I always know I will be in for a good race when I see them on the start line.”

Starting and finishing in the city centre, the JCP Swansea Half Marathon route takes runners along Swansea Bay to The Mumbles and back, featuring six miles of stunning coastline, beautiful views and fantastic crowd support. See www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further details and to enter.

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