THE streets were lined with cheering crowds as almost 1,400 people took part in Stroud Half Marathon on Sunday.
Chilly conditions didn’t stop a good turnout for the 35th annual race, which saw teams, colleagues, friends and family members from across the district and beyond take part for fun and to raise money for charity.
The 13 mile route began on the playing field at Marling School on Cainscross Road at 10am.
Runners then followed the route through Stonehouse, Standish and right over to Whitminster before looping back round towards Stroud.
Exhausted and happy participants received their medals after crossing the finish line back in Cainscross Road.
The winner was David Bell from Cirencester (1.10) and second place was claimed by Alastair Cambell (1.11) from Stroud and Distrct Athletics Club.
In third place was Stephen Price (1.13) from UK Net Runners, who stumbled and fell during the final stretch when he stopped to kiss his daughter Freya.
The first woman to finish was Annabel Granger (1.21).
Steve Elliott, race director, thanked all those who took part and the hundreds more who showed their support.
“The local community came out in huge numbers to support the runners, with particular interest centring on Ebley and Stonehouse sections,” he said.
“Clearly with the race causing a number of local road closures, and disruption on some of the open road sections, we must thank the local community for their patience, and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“The event certainly helps the health and well-being of the local community, by providing a local challenge to target in a quest for improved fitness levels.
“It engages with a number of local community groups, and gives a great community event to encourage runners to visit the area.
“Hopefully those spectating will have become inspired by the efforts of those taking part, to follow their footsteps for Stroud Half Marathon 2017.
A recognisable face from the race was Dursley Running Club member Kevin Jackson. The 56-year-old has run all 35 Stroud Half Marathons and took part again this year.
The largest portion of runners came from Stroud, making up 16.5 per cent of entrants, closely followed by Gloucester with 15.5 per cent of entrants.
Over 500 were representing local running clubs, with Stroud AC having the biggest contingent of runners followed by Stroud Valleys Running Club.
The event was hosted in partnership between Stroud Athletics Club and Total Buzz Events.
Thompson First Citroen, Anytime Fitness and Griffiths Marshall all gave the event their support.
Allsorts Gloucestershire were the Charity partners for the race. Volunteers helped from Stroud AC and from the broader community, particularly the Air Cadets, Army Cadets, and The Door Youth Project, brought a group each to help with drink stations.
For full page results see page 71 of this week’s SNJ.
All pictures by Simon Pizzey - to order copies go to stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/photosales or call 01453 769421.
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