Stafford Half Marathon

 

The Stafford Half Marathon, organised by the Leisure Services Team at Stafford Borough Council, is once again set to draw record numbers into the town.

The route of the 2008 event which will take place on Sunday 16^th March, covers an undulating circuit of 13.1 miles around Stafford.  Leaving Stafford town along the Lichfield Road, runners will then head out towards Milford, then on to Tixall Obelisk, down St Thomas Lane, Weston Road and Beaconside Road, along the disused railway line, through Doxey, into Victoria Park and then back into town. 

Last Year, entry numbers reached capacity for the first time since the current route has been in place, and runners are pre warned that this year, there will be NO ON THE DAY ENTRIES.  You can download an entry form now at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon, so get your entry in early this year in order to guarantee your place.

 

The School and Family Fun Run, taking place on the same day, covers a two-lap circuit of Stafford Town Centre.  This event saw 900 entrants in 2007, and with sports continuing to creep ever higher on the school agenda, that figure is set to rise once again! 

 

“According to recent figures, some 81% of pupils now take part in at least two hours of high quality physical education and out of hours school sport in a typical week in Stafford, and the Fun Run offers just the stage for these kids to show us what it’s all about,” said Sam Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator for Leisure Services.  “The purpose of the Fun Run is to promote a Community Event, in which all members of the family can participate, either as an entrant or spectator”.

 

March 16^th also sees the Stafford Junior Mile, targeted at under 18s who can run the mile in less than 8 minutes (max 100 entrants).

 

The Junior Mile starts at 10:00am, the Half Marathon starts at 10:30am (with handcyclists departing 5 minutes earlier), and the Fun Run starts at 10:45am.  By time the first Half Marathon runners return into Stafford Town Centre's Market Square, the Fun Run will have completed.  With all events starting and finishing in the Market Square, there is a fantastic atmosphere in the town.

 

If you wish to raise money for Charity, but don’t have a specific charity in mind, consider supporting The Mayor of Stafford Borough’s Charity appeal, which is looking to raise funds in aid of the Breast Care Counselling Unit at Stafford General Hospital, and for the Oak Tree Farm Rural Project.  For more information on either of these appeals, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 01785 619228.

 

If anyone has any questions regarding the event itself, or would simply like advice on your training programme, please contact Clare Newton, Athletics Development Officer on 01785 619308, or email cnewton@staffordbc.gov.uk.  You can also find more information by logging on to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon.  Entry forms are now available to pick up or download.

 

Half Marathon Entry Fees

• £12.70 (if affiliated to a UK Athletics Running Club)
• £14.70 (all other entries)

Cheques payable to 'Stafford Borough Council'

Closing Date for entries is Friday 7th March 2008.  Online payment available until 29^th February 2008 www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon

 

Fun Run Entry Fees

• Family/Group Entry Fee (No more than 4 per team) £8
• Individual or School entrant outside Stafford Borough - £3.70 per person
• Stafford Borough School Entries (Pre-Entrants, aged 4 to 18 years and still in full time education in Stafford Borough) - No Charge

Cheques payable to 'Stafford Borough Council'

Pre-entry is advised, as there is a surcharge of £2 on the day

Closing date for pre-entries is Friday, 7th March 2008.  Online payment available until 29^th February 2008 www.staffordbc.gov.uk/funrun 

  

Junior Mile Entry Fees

• Entry will cost £5.70

Cheques payable to 'Stafford Borough Council'

All runners must pre register due to the use of Chip Timing for this event.

Closing date entry is Friday, 7th March 2008.  Online payment available until 29^th February 2008 www.staffordbc.gov.uk/juniormile.

 

For more information contact:

Sam Ferguson
Marketing Coordinator for Leisure Services
Tel: 01785 619354
Email: sferguson@staffordbc.gov.uk