The two big 10k's in Wales happened this month and I ran in both this year. I thought I would compare the two events from my point of view, and in case any lawyers are reading this....this is just my opinion from my experience of both (long story but it's best to say that after most things I write these days!

Weather - This was quite close as both days were sunny days but not really with the added temperatures, a few people said it was warm but I think both days were under 20 degrees which is not to hampering to a 10k run. Wind was quite strong on the Swansea seafront and with the Cardiff race being at 10am as apposed to the awkward 1pm start at Swansea (ruing the rest of the day to be honest) I think Cardiff had the better weather (and start time).

Cardiff 1-0 Swansea

Cardiff 10k (200m to go)

Starter - Both races had someone famous (well one did) to start the race. This one is an easy one with Katherine Jenkins being a lot more famous, pretty and talented than a women on the 'one show' which I have never seen as the amazing Emmerdale is on the other channel the same time.

Cardiff 1-1 Swansea

Elite Field - Swansea is a bigger race with a much better history behind it, which in turn made the field better even without the Home Countries event, Inter Area Match or Welsh Cahmpionshipstaking place at Swansea. Three Kenyans all ran under 29minutes and then a good chunk getting under 31minutes unlike Cardiff's couple of 29s and then a few late 30's. Also get treated much better at Swansea as better athlete than Cardiff who seem to have a massive swing towards the jogger in a elephant suit. Was very easy to get an entry for Swansea as apposed to Cardiff who at one point made up come rubbish excuse that Welsh Athletics were stopping me running the day before and the South Wales team manager not picking me because he didn't know if I was planning to run....in any team the manager normally rings/emails to find out if I am or not rather than just assume I am not. Belgrave manager (Alan) always asks even if he knows I probably not running just incase!

Cardiff 1-2 Swansea

Prizes - Cardiff....what prizes! Swansea has a very good prize list which I believe goes down to 20^th, I am not talking hundreds but it is nice to get the odd £50 quid for all the training and its not a lot out of the pot when 3-5 thousand runners are paying between £13-£19 per runner. I know which one I will do next year!

Cardiff 1-3 Swansea

Course - I think runners like consitancy, it means you can compare to previous outings at that event or against the runners of previous generations. Cardiff 10k much like the Half Marathon seems to change it year to year although always spinning your head with the park...in....out....in....out, Swansea is as straight forward as it gets....out 5k, turn on to the prome and then 5k back. Granted Swansea is a bit more open but with the marshals always being rubbish (so many times they have sent me the wrong way or walked out in front of me in Cardiff) Swansea wins hands down.

Cardiff 1-4 Swansea

Swansea 10k Finish (200m to go)

Goodie Bag - Swansea has to be one of the best around...you get shampoo...Bread....food....drinks....goodie bags with sweets etc,. Cardiff I got....um, nothing.

Cardiff 1-5 Swansea

Travel - This is where Swansea gets let down with one road in and out. I got stuck in a que for about 45minutes over around 2miles. Parking is a nightmare and getting out is just as hard. Sadly this will never change and someone you just have to deal with due to the place of the race.

Cardiff 2- 5 Swansea

Crowd/Atmosphere - Maybe because Cardiff was earlier or maybe because the people of the big city are to busy doing other stuff but it always seems like your just in the way in Cardiff when racing. The crowds are not really bothered and one women in Cardiff nearly nealry took me Jon and Richie down when we ran through a gate and she refused to wait for us! Swansea the crowds really shout for you and come out and make the effort to support you. The last kilometer is great (espeically the last 400m) and the fact my mum came to watch me Swansea makes Swansea a clear winner. My dad has to be the loudest shouter apart from Maria (sharpys better half)...I went about 500m down the road and could still hear him shouting for me!

Cardiff 2-6 Swansea - Final score

For the guys up the front I think Swansea is the much better race, no question!

Simx