Meet Sarah Gwilym a Swansea University alum and staff member.
We caught up with Sarah to chat about her running journey and what running for Team Swansea is so important to her.
Why did you want to run Swansea Half Marathon?
I’ve always wanted to run the Swansea Half Marathon, and it’s especially meaningful to me because I want to do it in memory of a dear friend, I lost six years ago. After struggling with my mental health, running played a key role in my recovery and gave me a real sense of achievement—especially since I wasn’t a particularly sporty person to begin with. The fact that I could run was a huge accomplishment for me. After watching my brother run the half marathon last year and feeling the energy from the crowds, I was inspired to take on the challenge myself, not only for my own journey but also to honour my friend's memory.
What does it mean to you personally?
This means a great deal to me personally. The charity Making Strides for Mental Health is a cause that is very close to my heart. Six years ago, when I struggled with my mental health after the tragic loss of a friend, the support I received from Swansea University was truly incredible. They arranged counselling sessions for me right away, and working at Swansea University made me feel like part of a close-knit family. Along with my own family and friends, they helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. This race is my way of giving back and saying thank you for all the support they’ve given me. Through the funds I raise, I hope I can help others who are facing similar challenges in the future.
Tell us why better mental health is important to you.
Better mental health is incredibly important to me because I’ve experienced firsthand how crucial it is for recovery and overall well-being. After the tragic loss of a close friend six years ago, I struggled with my mental health, and I found that having access to the right support and resources made all the difference in my healing process. It taught me that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that we all need to prioritise our mental well-being. Being able to talk openly about mental health and raise awareness is something I’m deeply passionate about. Everyone deserves the support they need, and I want to help ensure others have access to the same kind of care and understanding that helped me through my difficult time. Better mental health means leading a fuller, more balanced life, and it’s something I’m committed to advocating for.
Have you run competitively before?
Never! In fact, I haven’t even done a 5k race. This is way out of my comfort zone! I think my PE teachers from school would be absolutely amazed— I was never a big fan of PE, and if I could find a way to get out of it, I definitely did. So, running a half marathon is a huge step for me, but it’s one I’m excited to take, even if it does feel a bit like I’m stepping into the unknown!
Tell us about how you’ll be training in the run up to the race.
I started training just before Christmas, as I suffer from shin splints, so I’ve been gradually building up my mileage on the treadmill in the gym. I’m pleased to say I’ve finally hit the 20km mark on the treadmill, which feels like a big achievement! To help with my legs and prevent any injuries, I’ve also been doing simple stretches and exercises to strengthen my muscles. Recently, I’ve started running on the road as well, and I aim to go out about three times a week. It’s been a steady process, but I’m feeling more confident as I continue to build up my stamina.
How do you stay motivated throughout your training, especially on tough days?
On tough days, I stay motivated by reminding myself to enjoy the run. Before every run, my partner always tells me to "enjoy it," and that’s something I keep in mind throughout my training. Running gives me that sense of freedom, where I can escape for a little while and clear my head. It’s a chance to focus on myself and recharge. I also think about who I’m doing this for, as I’m running in memory of my friend. Knowing that I’m honoring their memory and raising awareness for mental health keeps me going, even on the harder days.
Do you have a personal goal for this race, whether it’s time-based or just completing it?
My biggest goal for this race is simply to complete it. That’s the most important thing to me. I do have a rough time in my head that I’m aiming for, but I’m keeping that as my little secret for now. For me, it’s not really about the time; it’s about supporting Making Strides for Mental Health and raising awareness for such an important cause. The experience itself and the reason behind it mean far more than hitting a specific time goal.
