A Legend Returns! - Brisco Gorseinon 10K

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Back By Popular Demand!

Back By Popular Demand!

It’s not long now until we will see the return of the hugely popular, Brisco Gorseinon 10K that is being brought back to the streets of Gorseinon by Swansea company, Front Runner Events. The Front Runner team have worked very closely with the local representatives, Cllr Andrew Stevens, Nicola Matthews and Jan Curtice, who have been very supportive in bringing the back to the race calendar. The event is set to take place on Sunday 30th April 2023 and is expected to draw in hundreds of runners and supporters as this legendary race returns with a bang!

Councillor Andrew Stevens said: “It has been a long-term pledge of ours to bring back this race to the community of Gorseinon so we are very excited to see its return this April.”

Almost 20-year’s has lapsed since it was last held, so it’s certainly an event not to be missed, especially for those running enthusiasts who participated the last time it was held! Budding athletes will have their chance to go head-to-head with some of the best local running clubs around as well as the younger generation, as the family fun run will also be hosted on the fully marshalled course in Gorseinon.

Those taking part will start and finish close to Penyrheol Leisure Centre, which is an event sponsor, along with Gorseinon Town Council and Tidal Exhibitions. Runners will head out through Grovesend towards Pontarddulais and join the newly refurbished cycle path before joining Gorseinon High Street as they take on the final kilometres back to Penyrheol.

There will also be a race village to create that all-important atmosphere and family fun too! Be sure you’re there to enjoy every part of it! Get your place at the Brisco Gorseinon 10K and earn yourself a limited-edition medal. Entry starts at just £20* for the 10K or from £7* for the family fun run (booking fees apply). To find out more information or to register your place go to: https://gorseinon10k.co.uk

Charity of the year announced for the Gorseinon 10K.

We are delighted to announce that Morgan’s Army will be our Charity of the Year for 2024.

Morgan’s Army charitable foundation was set up in memory of Morgan Ridler, a local boy from Gorseinon. It was founded by the parents of Morgan, Natalie and Matthew Ridler following Morgan’s cancer diagnosis and supports South Wales families affected by childhood cancer.

Steph Hole, Event Manager at Front Runner Events said:

“We are excited to launch our 2024 event with our official charity Morgan’s Army. The work of their charitable foundation reaches so many people in all walks of life and it’s clear they are passionate about making a difference to families in and around South Wales. We look forward to working with Natalie and Matthew over the coming months to see what we can achieve together.”

Natalie said:

“We are thrilled to become the official charity of the Gorseinon 10K, an event that is very much close to our hearts. Not only is Gorseinon our hometown, Morgan was very much part of last year’s event, forever smiling and cheering everyone on.”

“By becoming charity of the year, we can ensure Morgan’s legacy remains alive and we can continue to raise awareness of childhood cancers and provide support to families so that NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE.”

In 2024 Morgan’s Army will have 60 spaces available for anyone wishing to run for their charity. Participants don’t need to be super athletes to take part as the race is suitable for all abilities from beginners through to experienced runners. It’s a fully marshalled race on closed roads perfect for beginners, and first-timers.

Each runner will be supported by Morgan’s Army and organisers with race tips, training plans and charity t-shirts. The event will take place on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 9am outside the Penyrheol Leisure Centre, so there’s plenty of time to set yourself a challenge for next year!

If you would like to join Morgan’s Army help raise funds and be part of a community committed to making a difference, please email: info@morgansarmy.co.uk or CLICK HERE. For more information about the event, the route and more CLICK HERE.

Runners Rewards

You, our runners, make our events, so we want to ensure you get the rewards you deserve for taking part!

That’s why, we’ve introduced a loyalty rewards programme for 2024. So that by your participation at our events, whether it’s running or volunteering, you’re rewarded!

How it works…

Every time to enter one of our events you will earn 50 runner reward points.
Volunteers can also earn 50 race maker reward points.
Redeeming points:

When you have earned…

150 points will earn you 10% off your next Race Entry.
200 points will earn you 15% off next Race Entry.
250 points will earn you 30% off your chosen 100% Recycled Tech T-Shirt.
400 points will earn you Free Entry into a race of your choice.

So the more you run or volunteer your time, the more rewards you’ll earn! What a great incentive to stay fit, enjoy taking part or cheering on your fellow runners – it’s a win, win!

When it comes to redeeming your points it couldn’t be easier! When you’ve reached your chosen amount just head to your Front Runner Events/Eventrac account and hit REDEEM.

10 Ways For Beginners To Start Running

If you have never really run before, it can be a daunting prospect. That’s also true for those have taken break from running or have not been confident enough to take part in a parkrun before.

So we’ve come up with 10 easy ways to help you start running:

1. Get cleared by a healthcare professional: Before starting to run it’s important to ensure your body is healthy enough for the activity. A healthcare professional can advise you on the appropriate exercises or modifications based on your medical history.

2. Invest in proper running shoes: Choose a pair of shoes designed for running that fit well and offer adequate support.

3. Start slow: Begin with a simple walking routine and gradually increase the time and intensity of your workouts to prevent injuries.

4. Increase your distance slowly: Start with a short a walk/run routine for a few weeks and gradually increase your distance each week or every two weeks.

5. Take rest days: Your body needs time to recover, so include rest days between your running to help your body recover.

6. Incorporate cross-training: Swimming, cycling, and other forms of low-impact cardio can help strengthen muscles used in running and reduce your chance of injury.

7. Find a running buddy or group: Running with a friend can aid motivation, help push you further than you might by yourself, and is a great way to catch up and forget that you’re actually running.

8. Incorporate intervals: Alternate between running and walking to help build endurance and improve cardiovascular health.

9. Track your progress: As you get into the routine try to monitor your progress, such as the time you run for. If you want to take things further there are some great fitness watches and apps out there that can give you insights into your running and help motivate you to run more.

10. Stay hydrated and fuel correctly: Drink plenty of water, especially before and after running, and make sure to fuel your body with healthy foods to maintain energy levels.

Remember!!! It’s important to not get frustrated if you haven’t run as far and as long as you might have wanted. Running is hard, but can be very rewarding, so remember that whatever distance you have run is better than no run at all!

The important thing is to be consistent and have patience, you will get where you want to be!

Back with a bang over 25 years on!

Today was the day that saw the return of a legend and what a day it was! The Brisco Gorseinon 10K was a sell out event, as well as the 2k fun run. It seemed as the whole community wanted to be part of the event whether it was to run it, support it or volunteer, the town of Gorseinon did themselves proud!

The Brisco Williams family, title sponsors of the event turned out in full force, as well as councillor Andrew Stevens, who represented the event delivery partners, Gorseinon Town Council and ran for the Decky’s fund.

Rob ‘Brisco’ Williams said:

“We are so proud to have been part of this year’s event to help bring it back to the community of Gorseinon. It was a great day for everyone, which was made all the more special by watching several generations of my family cross that finish line.”

Over 1,000 runners registered to take part in the event this year, with over 100 fun runners taking part in the 2K. The event was supported by the Gorseinon Town Council, Freedom Leisure and Tidal Exhibitions. Runners were kept hydrated by Welsh Favourite, Brecon Carreg and goodies from nutrition partners at Kind. All podium finishers were given the Clive Lorey awards, gifted by the family in his memory, who was an avid runner and loved by many.

The male first place winner was Paul Graham who ran it in speedy time of 32:35, and was followed by Harley Davies in a super quick time of 36:08, close in his heels was Thomas ‘Brisco’ Williams in 36:25. The ladies top three places were taken by Lucy Marland achieving first place in 36:55, followed Amy Thomas who finished in 38:43 and Naomi Sutton in third place in a time of 40:57. All the awards were presented by Brisco, the Lorey family and Rugby legend Leigh Halfpenny.

Emma Martin-Jewell of Front Runner Events added:

“We are so proud to have been able bring back this race which has been missed from the running community for so long. It’s clear that the Gorseinon 10K is very much a community event for all to enjoy and that’s exactly what we hoped for. We can’t wait to be back next year to do it all over again!

Runners will be pleased to know that Early Bird Entry is already open to both the 10K and 2K races. To get your place and be part of the is legendary event in 2024 CLICK HERE.

Temporary Road Closures & Restrictions

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS
BRISCO GORSEINON 10K NOTICE 2023

The Brisco Gorseinon 10k is to be held on Sunday 30th April 2023 and will require temporary road closures and traffic restrictions to accommodate the event.

SCHEDULE 1 – SUNDAY April 30th – SUNDAY 0830 – 0940 (south of Penyrheol Leisure Centre)

Pontardulais Road – from the junction with Penyrehol School to junction with Brynteg Road (both directions) and its junction with High Street.

Brynteg Road – its entire length

Bruant Road – it’s junction of Brynteg Road

Llanerch Cres – it’s junction with Brynteg Road

Grove Street – it’s junction with Brynteg Road and Princess Road

Honeysuckle Close – its junction with Brnteg Road

Llys Brnteg -its junction with Brynteg Road

Orchard Close – it’s junction with Brynteg Road

Pen-cae-cren Road – it’s junction Princess Street

Brownhills – it’s junction with Princess Road (egress to be allowed where possible in the direction of Pen-cae-crwn Road)

Brynawel Road – its junction with Princess Street

Princess Street Surgery Entrance – it’s junction with Princess Street

Alexandra Road – its junction with Princess Street

Penybryn Road – its junction with Princess Street

Park Lane – its junction with High Street

Private Road (Tabernacle) – its junction with High Street

B4296 West Street – its junction with High Street

Brighton Road -its junction with Hight Street

Cross Street – its junction with High Street

Cecil Road – its junction with High Street

Lime Street – its junction with High Street

Gorseinon Road – its junction with Gwalia Terrace and High Street

High Street – its entire length from its junction with Alexandra Road to Gorseinon Road

Heol Y Mynydd – its junction with High Street

SCHEDULE 2 – SUNDAY April 30th – SUNDAY 0830 – 1100 (north of Penyrheol Leisure Centre)

Pentre Road – its junction with Pentre Farm

Unnamed lay by – its junction with B4296

Castell Ddu Road – its junction with B4296

Alt-YGraban Road – its junction with B4296

Clos Brynlliw – its junction with B4296

Grove Farm Roads – its junction with B4296

Clos Pengelli – its junction with B4296

Box Road – its junction with B4296

Station Road – its junction with B4296

New Road – its junction with High Street

Plas Road – its junction with High Street

Unnamed Road – its junction with Coalbrook Road

Frampton Road – its junction with B4296

Heol Dylan – its junction with B4296

High Street (Govesend) its entire length

Coalbrook Road – its entire length

Pontardulais Road from its junction with Brynteg Road to the junction of Heol Y Myndd

Heol Y Mynydd from its junction with Ffordd Eira to junction of Pontarddulais Road

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times

Everything you need to know about race day

Runners and residents alike will be keen to know everything there is to know about the much-anticipated return of the Brisco Gorseinon 10K and 2K Fun Run so we’ve come with all the complete lowdown right here!

The fun run will be the town’s biggest event of the year and takes place on Sunday the 30^th April starting and finishing at Penyrheol Leisure Centre. The event will incorporate the 10K race and 2K fun run that’s open to all ages and abilities. What’s more, the town council and Penyrheol Leisure Centre will be hosting a community fun day with live music, food stalls and rides to keep the whole family entertained.

The Route

The race takes runners from the start line at Penyrheol Leisure Centre then…

Turns right onto Pontardulais Road
Then right onto Brynteg Road
Leading runners onto Princess St
Along Alexandra Road
Followed by the High St
The route will lead onto and along the new cycle path
Exiting on to Pentre Road
On to High St (Grovesend)
Coalbrook Road
Back onto Pontardulais Road
Finishing back at Penyrheol Leisure Centre

As an historic road race there will be a number of road closures along and the around the route, that will be active between 0830-1130. The road closures are fundamental to the event so all the necessary road closure orders are in place, ensuring we keep the runners and community safe.

With over 1000 runners expected to participate on the day, many of whom will have fond memories, family and friends who would have run the original Brisco 10k back in the day, we hope to replicate the same incredible atmosphere of the race.

Event Schedule

0700: Registration and baggage from the Penyrheol Leisure Centre theatre
0700: Car park: Melin Mynach fields [SA4 4BY] (opposite Penyrheol Leisure Centre)
0830: Road Closures commence
0900: Brisco Gorseinon 10k starts
0910: Brisco 2k Fun Run starts
0929: Brisco Gorseinon 10k winner expected
10:55 Final finisher expected
11:00 Race closes
11.30 Road re-open
12:00 Fun day commences

Emma Martin-Jewell, of Front Runner Events said,

“We are so proud to bring back this race from it’s glory days and help re-create a fantastic event for the community. The event has an incredible track record that included winners such as the Welsh Athletic greats of Steve and Jacqueline Brace and World champ, Steve Jones, to name but a few. We look forward to building on the historic success of the event and hope to welcome a new generation of Welsh elite athletes to participate in the coming years”.

Cllr Andrew Stevens said

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome the return of the Brisco Gorseinon 10k after almost 25 years. This is an event that we; along with Gorseinon Town Council have been advocating for, for many years.

We are all looking forward to seeing it return to the streets of Gorseinon, Penyrheol and Grovesend and are hoping that the race, 2k fun run and family fun day that follows will ensure that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Entries are still open for both the 10K and 2K fun run. To find out how you can get involved or for further information go to: https://gorseinon10k.co.uk

Support for women at Front Runner Events

Here at Front Runner Events, we always aim to make our events as inclusive as possible for all participants. Following the race guidelines outline on SheRACES, we’ve made some adjustments to ensure our events are as female friendly as possible.

Deferrals

For 2023 we announced that pregnant or postpartum participants can defer their place into the same event within a three-year period – should they want to.

Women Only Toilets

There will be women only toilets supplied within the event village at all events, alongside the usual unisex toilets and urinals.

Period Products

Front Runner Events will provide free period products, including tampons and towels, which will be supplied in women only toilets and the information point should you require them.

Cut-Offs

We have cut-offs in place for each of our events, which are continually reviewed. The cut-offs are in place largely due to the road closure restrictions we face at our events. Our cut-offs are made clear to our participants at the point of registration. To date, we have not had to stop a participant from completing an event and facilitate our participants as best we can to complete the event.

Prize Money/Awards

Our awards and prize money have always been equal and will continue to be.

Medical Issues

We always have both male and female medics available amongst our medical team on race day.

If you have any questions regarding additional support for example, breastfeeding, then please contact steph@frontrunnerevents.co.uk

We continually review our events alongside participant feedback, however if you have any suggestions or any questions about how we can improve please email us after the event.

Top Tips For Race Day

Are you ready for race day?

It’s getting close to race day and the nerves are starting to kick in! Most of your hard work will be in the bag by now and in order to maximise your performance it’s important to take care of the little things that are going to make a big difference! Here are some checklist items to tick off and help you along your way.

Hydration is important

Even for a 10K you should be well hydrated ahead of the event and before the start of the race! Even in the cooler climate, it’s important to have a hydration plan in place. Drink little and often before and during the race to ensure you are hydrated!

Plan ahead

Make sure you’ve planned your journey to and from the event. There is usually an early start on race day, so make sure you get there on time ready to #RunGorseinon. Remember to plan your journey away from the event too!

No number, no result!

Remember to collect your race pack from the info point. It may be obvious, but make sure you don’t rush on the day and leave it too late to collect yours! Race pack collection is available on Saturday (the day before the event) between 10am-2pm from race HQ at Penyrheol and on the morning of the event. If you live local, it may well be worth getting yours before race day to avoid any long queues and any extra stress before you start the race.

Race day kit ready?

Have you tried and tested your race day kit? You do not want to be trying new kit out on the day. If there is any running race day rule it’s stick to what you know and don’t try anything new!! Don’t fall into the trap of saving it until the race day or you may find it’s uncomfortable and not worn in properly. Comfort is key when running a 10K so test your kit out before the race day and make sure everything fits comfortably. You also need to prepare for all weather conditions! You don’t want to be too warm or cold during your run so have several options out to choose from and judge it on the morning of the race.

Fuel pre, during and post run

Have you planned your nutrition and hydration for the days leading up to and the morning of the run? If you have used gels on your longer runs, continue to do as you’ve done in your training, but don’t try anything you’re not used to. It’s useful to bring a snack to replenish your glycogen stores post-race too. A quick protein bar or recovery shake will do the trick.

Ensure you are well prepared leading up to race day and have planned well. Enjoy the build-up and embrace the experience, but don’t forget that checklist! Running a 10K is an incredible experience and you want to make sure you have everything in place to enjoy it.

Good luck!

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Run A 10K

When signing up for a race, how many times have you considered a 10K. Here are 10 reasons why everyone from new runners to seasoned marathoners should sign up for a 10K as your next race…

1. It’s a great stepping-stone

Just like the half-marathon can act as a stepping-stone to the marathon, the 10K can be the step up you’re looking for. If you’ve stuck to 5Ks, it’s a great way to test your endurance in a 10K before committing to longer distance events. After a 10K or two, you’ll have a better idea of what it takes to pace yourself for longer distances.

2. You recover quickly and can race again shortly after.

3. Some would call it the perfect distance!

It’s not as intense as a 5K, or as long as a half, so it’s a great distance to run with it being a challenge, just the same!

4. You can be ready for a 10K in a few weeks.

The training is nowhere near as intense as longer distance events and can be done by people with even the busiest of schedules! Check out our training 10K plans HERE.

5. If a 5K isn’t enough but a half is too much, it’s the race for you!

6. A chance for speed

If you’re a long-distance runner, the 10K is a great chance to inject some speed into your running. Shifting your focus from long distance events down to a shorter race like a 10K can offer some variety into your running and help make training more enjoyable. Most runners like to go fast, so why not pick the Gorseinon 10K to do just that!?!

7. You can race in the morning and enjoy the rest of your day.

Unlike a marathon or a half-marathon, you’ll complete your 10K fairly quickly. In longer races, you could be on the course for hours. In a 10K, it’s much easier to convince yourself keep going, because when you tell yourself it’s not much further to the finish line, you’re not lying!

8. There’s usually one close by, like the Gorseinon 10K, so there’s no need to travel long distances!

9. Easier to convince friends

You’ll probably have a tough time trying to convince a friend to run a marathon with you (unless they’re an avid long-distance runner!) The prospect of taking part in a 10K is much less daunting and even the non-runners amongst us could consider trying one out. Plus, if you can convince them to run a 10K, they might get hooked!

10. Crossing the finish line of any race (no matter the distance) is always exhilarating!