The 38th Stroud Half Marathon starts at 9am tomorrow, Sunday, October 21, from Cainscross Road, adjacent to Marling School field.

The race as in previous years takes place on a mixture of closed and open public roads:

Stroud News and Journal:

  • Cainscross Road: As start and finish are both on  will be closed from the Cainscross roundabout to Homebase traffic signals between 8.30am and 12:30pm
  • Paganhill Lane: downhill to Cainscross Roundabout will be closed between 8:45am and 12:30pm. Uphill will remain open.
  • Dudbridge Road: from Sainsbury’s to Cainscross Roundabout will be closed between 8:45am and 12:30pm. It will re-open only between 09:15am and 09:45am.
  • Delays expected: Ebley Road and at Horsetrough roundabout, and also on Stonehouse High Street and north onto the Gloucester Road
  • Standish Lane: from the Gloucester Road to the A38 will be closed in both directions between 9am and approx. 11:30am
  • Grove Lane: from the Whitminster Inn to the A419 will be closed in both directions between 9:15am and 11:30am.
  • Oldends Lane: into Oldends Lane on Nupend Trading Estate will also be closed from 09:15hrs till 11:30hrs.

Additional details:

  • Parking details below:

Stroud News and Journal:

  • The finish area in Marling School Field is a great place to mingle, and for family and friends to greet their loved ones.
  • There is always a great atmosphere with some lovely refreshments provided by families of Stroud and District AC.
  • Commentary at the finish line will be provided by a familiar voice from former Forest Green matchday announcer Richard Joyce, who will share with the assembled crowd some interesting tales.

Runners to watch:

Looking at the entry list there is a strong field likely to be taking the start in both men's and ladies' races.

Phillip Bridge of Wells City Harriers returns to defend his 2017 title, sure to be one of his closest challengers for the win is David Bell of Cirencester AC hoping to improve on his second place in 2017.

Whilst Shona Crombie-Hicks from Cheltenham and County Harriers returns to defend her win in 2017.

The race is sure to have some familiar faces for most of those spectating, with almost 25 per cent of the expected 2000 runners from Stroud or Stonehouse.

Runner with the longest journey is travelling from New Jersey in the United States whilst lengthy trips will be made by runners from Penrith in the north and from Looe in Cornwall to the south. 

Many community groups have come forward to join the team of volunteers including Army Cadets, Lock n Store, The Door Youth Project, and Standish Parish Council.

The Uke Stroud band will be entertaining runners in the Nupend Trading Estate section, race organisers are also keen to encourage other local music acts to get involved and benefit from the opportunity to motivate the runners, whilst also showcasing local talent. 

The full race route, and other important information, can be seen at www.stroudhalf.com

Athletes and the race organisers would like to thank local residents and businesses in advance for considering the athletes as they challenge themselves in Stroud and the surrounding streets, and in many case raising a huge amount of money for some very worthy causes.

Thanks must go to: Gloucestershire Highways, Gloucestershire Police, Marling School, Stroud Army Cadets, The Door Youth Project, and of course our many volunteer marshals.

Thanks also to supporters and sponsors: Thompson First Citroen, Griffiths Marshall, Stag Homes, Glastonbury Spring Water.

Thanks also to: Eventscrew, JPL Sound, Split Second Timing.