Stafford Half Marathon entries already full

 

 

The Stafford half marathon has proved more popular than ever with registration now full - and the race still two months away.

 

Entries came pouring immediately the lines were open and now 2000 runners have signed up to take part. Registration for the event is now closed – well
in advance of the original deadline which was earmarked for 5th February.

 

It is the quickest the half marathon quota has been filled in the race’s 26 year history – despite more runners being allowed to take part since 2009. And it has been the first year without paper entry forms – with competitors signing up online or in person.

 

Registration opened in November and within the first week more than 400 athletes signed up. Crowds will line the 13.1 mile route on Sunday 21st March to cheer on the competitors. The borough council organised race heads off from the town centre into Stafford’s surrounding countryside, incorporating two steady climbs before returning to the Market Square via Victoria Park.

 

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: “We urged runners to get their entries in early as registration would shut when all the spaces were filled and the response to that has been tremendous.”

 

Liz Hulse, Event Manager for Stafford Borough Council added: “This event just keeps getting more popular and is now rightly seen as one of the top races in the county’s sporting calendar.”

 

Also on the day as part of the event programme ‘Handcyclists’ will be competing along the half marathon route, and the School and Family Fun Run will take on a mile with runners in fancy dress.

 

Everyone will receive medals and other prizes are awarded for various achievements throughout the event. Runners training programmes, tips and a weekly training diary are available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon.  

• Places are available for the School and Family fun run which is organised by the Borough Council with support by the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts’ ‘Surround Practice Based Commissioning Group.’ Entry forms are available from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/funrun or from various locations throughout the town.

 

Hannah Clifford
Marketing Projects Officer
Stafford Borough Council
T: 01785 619590
E: hclifford@staffordbc.gov.uk
W: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure