Tedessa and Norton are latest stars to enter half marathon (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tedessa and Norton are latest stars to enter half marathon

THE Amersham Health Stroud half marathon race co-ordinator Martin Fryer has captured two more big names for the race on Sunday, October 27 at 10.00am.

Great Britain international Kassa Tedessa, who runs for Belgrave Harriers, and who finished third in the recent Bristol half marathon and Danny Norton, from Rhondda Valley who is a regular top ten finisher, make a welcome return to the Stroud half marathon.

Martin's commitment to this event is total, with constant meetings to attend, big name runners agents to contact to try for a strong field.

On top of this Martin also does the race commentary besides helping to organise the prizes and medals for everyone who finishes the race.

Martin would be the first to point out that this is not a one man show however, the whole of the Stroud Club is involved which is why the race is in the top six half marathons in the country and a credit to a small club such as Stroud.

More than 40 marshalls control the route, this year organised by Ken Brown, and any help would be very gratefully received.

Anyone wishing to marshall can contact Ken on 01453 758391 or anyone wishing to help at the Marling School, where the race finishes can turn on the Saturday and Sunday and speak to any club member, there is always plenty to do.

Direct entries can be sent to Stroud & District Athletic Club, PO Box 108, Stroud, GL5 5YT and entry costs are £8.00 if affiliated or £9.00 if not, with a £2.00 surcharge if entering on the day.

Entry forms can be obtained from Stroud Information Centre, Stroud News & Journal, Batemans Sports or the Stroud Leisure Centre.

Road closures for the half marathon include:

A419 Cainscross Road between C'cross and the Wallbridge roundabouts from 9.30am to 1.30pm

B4008 Standish lane between Standish church and the junction with the A38 from 10.20am to 11.45am.

The Nupend (grove) Lane running from the A38 at Whitminister to the entrance to the Little Chef at the island on the A419 near Chipmans Platt from 10.30am to 12.00 noon.

Paganhill Lane in both directions from top to bottom between 10.50am to 12.30pm. (As in the past the emergency services will be given priority and access made available for the bus service).