Swindon Half Marathon returns

Swindon Half Marathon Presented by Voltarol Returns this Weekend After 6 Year Hiatus

Published: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

people running

RunThrough is thrilled to bring back the Swindon Half Marathon Presented by Voltarol on Sunday 28 September 2025, in support of Prospect Hospice.

After a six-year hiatus, the event returns with RunThrough as the new organisers, built to celebrate Swindon’s running community while minimising disruption. More than 3,000 runners are expected to take part, making this one of the biggest sporting events in the town this year. The event features a new route starting and finishing at Coate Water Country Park which will ensure minimal disruption to residents and businesses.

RunThrough was determined to bring the race back in a way that avoided the issues of previous years, working closely with Swindon Borough Council and other local stakeholders to design a route and plan that would allow the event to flourish without unnecessary impact. By starting and finishing at Coate Water Country Park, we have been able to create a scenic closed-road course that strikes a balance between a memorable experience for runners and a manageable footprint for the local community. The route will take runners through the villages of Wanborough, Badbury, and Medbourne, offering a flat first five miles, undulating middle miles, and a rewarding downhill stretch to the finish.

Several Swindon Borough Councillors, including Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader, and Councillor Paul Dixon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, will be running the Swindon Half Marathon to promote Fostering Swindon and raise money for the Mayor’s charities.

Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: "I’m delighted to be joining fellow councillors in running the Swindon Half Marathon this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight two causes close to our hearts, promoting Fostering Swindon and raising vital funds for the Mayor’s charities.

“Fostering transforms lives, giving children and young people the security and care they need to thrive, and I hope our efforts inspire more people across Swindon to consider it.”

“The half marathon is also a brilliant showcase of community spirit, and I’d like to wish the very best of luck to everyone taking part, whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines."

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, road closures will be in place on Sunday morning. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.

  • Marlborough Road – 08:58–09:13
  • Dorcan Way (Southbound) – 08:30–09:40
  • Kingfisher Drive – 08:30–09:50
  • Wanborough Road – 08:30–10:10
  • Burycroft, The Marsh – 08:30–10:30
  • Pack Hill, Church Road – 08:30–10:45
  • King Edwards Road – 08:30–11:10
  • The Ridgeway, Aldbourne Road – 08:30–11:45
  • Badbury Lane, Medbourne Road – 08:30–12:00
  • Medbourne Lane, Meadow Way, Homington Avenue – 08:30–12:15
  • Day House Lane – 08:30–12:30

Roads will reopen behind the last runner once safe, and residents are encouraged to come out and support participants along the route. Anyone with queries about road closures or access should get in contact with RunThrough via info@runthrough.co.uk.

This event would not be possible without the collective effort of Swindon Borough Council, local authorities, Prospect Hospice, and our headline partner Voltarol, alongside the hundreds of volunteers, marshals, medical staff, and community groups who give up their time to make the race safe and welcoming. Swindon has a fantastic running community, and with local support, a carefully designed course, and partnerships that keep the event grounded in the town, the Swindon Half Marathon is set to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Every runner will be cheered on by enthusiastic spectators and rewarded with a bespoke medal, post-race goodies, and a huge sense of achievement, while the town can be proud to once again host a half marathon in a way that works for everyone.

“Bringing the half marathon back to Swindon after a few years away is something we’re really proud of. We know how important the event is to the local running community, and we’ve worked hard with the council, local stakeholders, and residents to ensure it returns in a way that everyone can enjoy. With a scenic closed-road course starting and finishing at Coate Water, strong community support, and our partnership with Prospect Hospice and Voltarol, we’re excited to welcome over 3,000 runners to the start line and make this a day the whole town can celebrate,” said Matt Wood, Co-Founder of RunThrough.

Limited entries are still available for anyone wishing to take part this weekend via the website swindonhalf.co.uk.

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