A Rhiwbina runner has won a competition held by the JCP Swansea Half Marathon to scoop the prize of a GPS Soleus Watch, limited edition hoodie and entry into the 2015 race.
Andy Weltch, who manages Rhiwbina-based communications agency Weltch Media only took up running a year ago. His training started with jogging around a local park for a kilometer or two, before discovering the 0-5k programme. Having completed that in spring this year, he has become a regular at the 5k Cardiff Park Run, is building up his distance to 10k, and has the JCP Swansea Half Marathon well in his sights.
The inaugural JCP Swansea Half Marathon took place earlier this year, and received tremendous praise from athletes who have run many long distance running events all over the world.
The company decided to hold a competition to celebrate its first year in business and open entry to next years race that will take place on the 14th June 2015.
Andy Weltch is one of many people who start off running later in life to become fitter and healthier. He said: “I’ve left it very late to take up running, but I felt I really needed to get some exercise, and having no aptitude for ball games, running looked the best option. I’ve had a few injuries, as you might expect with an old, out-of-shape body suddenly being asked to work; but generally I’m very happy with my progress, and winning the prize has given me an ambitious, but achievable, target to aim for.”
Andy says the support of other runners has been a huge help. He said: “I have several friends who run, mostly younger and all fitter – they’ve all been incredibly helpful and supportive with my humble efforts.”
If you feel inspired to take up running and would like to set yourself and new challenge then you could enter too. To register your place with one of Wales’ newest and most scenic half marathon’s visit www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk