Record entries for Stafford Half Marathon

 

Entries have been flooding in for the popular Stafford
Half Marathon.

 

More than 400 people have already signed up for the big race since entry opened last week.

 

Registration for the half marathon opened on Monday (2 November 2009), with new entry methods launched for the Stafford Borough Council event due to take place on Sunday 21 March 2010.

 

For the first time, runners are able to register at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre – in person
at the Eastgate Street venue or by telephoning 01785 254 653.
Online entries are available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon via ‘Real Buzz Run Britain’.

Printed entry forms for the hugely popular race are not available for the 2010 event as the council moves to a more environmentally friendly paperless entry system.
 

 

On the first day lines opened more than 160 people signed up to run – which was more
than in the whole of the first week last year.

 

The closing date for entries is Friday 5 February 2010, or when the 2,000 runner limit has been reached. Race organisers are urging runners to register early to avoid disappointment as entries are available on a first come first served basis.

 

Former half marathon competitor and cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Mike Smith commented, “This event just keeps getting more popular and is now rightly seen
as one of the top races in the county’s sporting calendar. And I would urge all those who want to take part in the 2010 Stafford Half Marathon to get their entries in quickly as the places have been filling up at a remarkable rate since registration opened.”

 

The 2010 Half Marathon will start in Stafford Street (town centre) at 10.30am. The route will head off from the town centre into Stafford’s surrounding countryside on traffic- controlled roads, incorporating two steady climbs before returning to the Market Square via Victoria Park.

 

Crowds line the route to cheer on the diverse field of athletes and help them enjoy the thrill
of the race. Local community groups, bands, school children and anyone else are encouraged to get involved and offer support to the runners along the course.

 

Although 13.1 miles may seem a long way, it is an achievable personal challenge if participants are able to commit to a progressive training programme. Runners training programmes, tips and a weekly training diary are available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon. The weekly training diary started on Monday 2 November and runs for 20 weeks, until the race day on Sunday 21 March 2010.

 

For 2010 all Half Marathon participants will receive medals and t-shirts and other prizes are awarded for open and vet categories.

 

Also on Sunday 21 March as part of the Half Marathon event day programme Handcyclists will take to the Half Marathon route and the School and Family Fun Run will fill the town centre with fun and fancy dress.

 

For more information or to register visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon ,
email sports-events@staffordbc.gov.uk  or call
01785 619 300.

  

For more details, please contact:

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

 

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Training Continues For 2010 Stafford Half Marathon

 

Entries have been flooding in for Stafford’s popular half marathon which will take place on Sunday 21 March 2010.

 

And race organisers, Stafford Borough Council, have been offering runners training programmes, tips and a weekly training diary  - click here.

 

Although 13.1 miles may seem a long way, it is an achievable personal challenge if participants are able to commit to a progressive training programme. The training diary has been created with advice from Stafford Half Marathon 2003 Ladies Race Winner, Clare Skelton. Having been a runner for much of her life, Clare really knows her way around the Stafford Half Marathon course, and has covered many similar circuits in her time.

 

The weekly training diary started on Monday 2 November, the last four weeks were for absolute beginners, gradually building up to 30 minutes running in week five – next Monday 30 November – with the start of the general training programme.

 

Week five – at the gym: running is not the only way of training for the Half Marathon. Cardiovascular cross training will help increase cardiovascular fitness, strength and will help prevent impact and over-use injuries. Add variation to your training by brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or using cardiovascular gym equipment such as the rower, stepper, elliptical or cross trainer – available at Stafford Leisure Centre and Westbridge Park Fitness Centre in Stone.

 

New entry methods are in place for the 2010 event. For the first time, runners will be able to register at Stafford gatehouse Theatre – in person at the Eastgate Street venue or by telephoning 01785 254 653. Online entries
will be available - click here.

 

Printed entry forms for the hugely popular race will not be available for the 2010 event as the
council moves to a more environmentally friendly paperless entry system.

 

This year the race attracted 2,000 competitors – a record for the 25th anniversary event –
and organisers are urging would be runners to register early to avoid missing out.

 

The closing date for entries is Friday 5 February 2010 or earlier once race capacity has
been reached.

 

Former half marathon competitor and cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Mike Smith commented, “This event just keeps getting more popular and is now rightly seen as one of the top races in the county’s sporting calendar. And I would urge all those who want to take part in the 2010 Stafford Half Marathon to get their entries in quickly as the places fill up at
a remarkable rate once registration opens.”

 

For more information or to register visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon,
email sports-events@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 619 300.

 

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