Archive - Friday, 26 October 2001


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Stroud half marathon field tops 1500

THE race organised by Stroud & District Athletics Club is one of the top half marathons in the Country and attracted more than 1,500 runners for this year's event.

More than 20 international runners are competing and the course records of 61m 50secs for men and 72.31 for women will be under threat.

In the mens race, three Kenyan internationals George Okroro??? (race number 1), Michael Rotich (2) and Wilson Cherhyiot (14)??? should ensure a fast race.

Top Britons Tony Graham (3) of Tipton Harriers, Martin Yelling (5) of Bedford, Stewy Bell (6) - Chester-le-Street, Glynn Tromans (7) - Coventry and Rod Jones (27) of Westbury Harriers will all be looking for fast times and top ten placings.

The men's veterans section should also see a competitive situation with top Briton Martin Rees (Swansea), Robin Nash (Bristol winner in 1987, Gordon Seward (Exeter) and Bill Gristwood (Ealing) all in contention. The women's race is of the very top quality.

Last year's winner and course record holder Liz Yelling (11) of Bedford, Andrea Green (10) Dartford, Vicky Pincombe (26) Bideford and Margaret Neade (8) from Tanzania and Rose Nyaneacha (9) from Kenya, will probably need to beat the course record to win the title.

Tessa Jones of Norwich will be hopeful of winning the veterans title with veterens course record holder Zena Marchant of Bath hoping to win the over-50's section.

The Stroud and District AC mens team, who won the title in 1996, and the veterens team winners for the past two years are missing a few runners but the womens team, who last won the team trophy in 1985 are stronger than last year.

The Ron Ellis Cup will be presented to the first Stroud and District AC finisher and the Fastrax Cup to the first women.

The Stroud Festival Cup will be given to the first unattached man living in the Stroud district and the Stroud News and Journal cup to the first women.

This year's race charity is The League of Friends of Stroud Hospitals with many runners raising money for this worthy cause.

Late entries will be taken on the day from 8.30am at Marling School with a 2 surcharge.

The organisers would also be pleased to see as many helpers as possible on the morning of the race.

* For race route and road closures see this week's News & Journal.