Jo Holl representing England at the Swansea Half Marathon

The 2025 Swansea Half Marathon was part of a larger Masters Road International Championship event, featuring teams from England and Wales competing in the half marathon. The event also included the British Armed Forces and saw participation from a wide range of age groups, including Masters athletes from V35 to V80. See how Jo got on….

Race report by Jo Holl:

Well the day finally arrived, my first race as part of the England Masters team. The weather was sunny and breezy. Had a 10 min walk from the hotel to the start, arrived at the England and Welsh masters tent and met with others which helped quell the nerves a little.

Off we headed to the start where the gantry said ‘finish’ that was the easiest half I’d ever done! The gantry was the wrong way round! Finally we headed off, the route was on roads round the uni and then ended up along the prom.

There were a few issues in the race that made it tricky, had to help myself to water from the packaging, my shoe started to fall apart and apparently they had to stop the race at one point to allow wheelchairs through and then the fast runners got caught up with slower runners!

Luckily I missed that. It was great to see Jon, my sister and brother in law there supporting at 4 different places, always helps when you get that cheer and encouragement.

Bumped into 2 local people who were also in the team. All in all it was a great day…..most of the time…..an honour to represent your country. There were some pretty amazing runners out there. Official time 1:36:36, not a PB but happy with that. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me and Andy for my weekly sessions. 

This has got to be the pinnacle of someones running journey. You have worked so hard each day for this Jo you so very much deserve it. Thanet Road Runners AC are so proud of you!