handbook
10am, Sunday 22nd March 2015
previous winners Year 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984
Male Winner Time Female Winner Time Carl Moulton 73:31 Claire Martin 79.02 Ben Gamble 68.46 Mandy Vernon 82.04 Mark Dalkins 70.59 Mandy Vernon 84.34 Phillip Nicholls 65.33 Clare McKittirick 83.09 Ben Gamble 68.52 Elizabeth Straveski 84.35 Ben Gamble 69.11 Debbie Walters 78.17 Mike Griffiths 71.13 Rebecca Harrison 81.05 Steffan North 69.13 Rebecca Harrison 81.19 Christopher Hollinshead 72.14 Kate Burge 81.50 Ray Plant 67.55 Rebecca Harrison 82.20 Tim Valentino 68.44 Julia Myatt 82.07 Darren Daniels 68.46 Clare Newton 81.19 David Ricketts 70.16 Angela Allen 81.37 No Race No Race Adri Hartvelt 70.29 Emma Phillips 80.48 Shaun Milford 70.52 Kate Burge 79.34 Dave Neill 68.41 Emma Cowen 80.35 Rob Cope 70.04 Amanda Wright 74.00 Adri Hartvelt 69.51 Kate Burge 78.57 Alan Jackson 68.01 Michelle Ross 82.33 Mark Burnhope 67.30 Bronwen Cardy-Wise 74.11 Mark Roberts 66.07 Sandra Lappage 81.41 Mike Cadman 66.07 Christine Kilkenny 81.27 Mark Roberts 66.03 Christine Kilkenny 81.50 Glyn Harvey 67.53 Bronwen Cardy-Wise 75.39 No Race No Race Mike Bradbury 67.49 Christine Kilkenny 79.44 Steve Brace 65.09 Christine Kilkenny 82.00 Tony Power 66.21 Rose Gillick 84.20 Glyn Harvey 67.02 Christine Kilkenny 81.30 John Wild 65.04 Julie Barleycorn 73.06
03
sunday
22nd
contents Event Day Programme
05
Spectators
05
welcome
Enquiries Desk
07
We are delighted that you have chosen to take part in the 31st Stafford Half Marathon and congratulations on making it to the start line of this special event.
Parking in Stafford
07
Safe Bag Storage
07
Important Information
09
Start Line Map
10
Race Description
11
Route Map (Pull Out)
12
WIN your 2016 place
13-16
Start Line Instructions
19
Elevation Map
22
Race Number Positioning
22
Finish Area and Prizes
24
Official Race Photography
25
Thank you
27
march
This race handbook includes everything you need to know about the race to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. We have a new course for this year which includes areas in both the south and north of Stafford, details can be found on pages 12 and 17. The race will start and finish in the town centre as usual, where plenty of supporters will be cheering you on! This race could not happen without the involvement of sponsors and many volunteers who will be working hard to make sure you have the best running experience possible, we would like to thank each and everyone of them. We wish you the best of luck and hope that you enjoy your run and your family and friends have a great day in Stafford.
Liz Hulse, Race Director
Adam Hill, Head of Leisure and Culture, Stafford Borough Council
This event is run under UK Athletics Rules. UK Athletics Road Race Licence No 2015-13523
future sponsorship If you would like to get involved in sponsoring this or other Stafford Borough Council Events, please contact tel: 01785 619 300 web: staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon email: events@staffordbc.gov.uk
04
BOOK ONLINE
staffOrdBc.gOv.uK/fuNruN
05
event day programme 8.00am to 9.45am
Enquiries Desk Open, Market Square
8.30am to 9.45am
Fun Run Late Entry Desk Open, Market Square
9.00am
Safe Bag Storage to open, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
9.45am
Make your way to the start area, Stafford Street
10.00am
Half Marathon Start, Stafford Street [first runner back approx. 11.10am]
10.10am
Fun Run Start, Market Square
12.30pm
Half Marathon Prize Giving Main Stage, Market Square
12.30pm
Half Marathon Course Closes Stewards stand down and road closures are lifted
spectators
a
n enthusiastic crowd makes all the difference to the runners, so please give your support!
There is plenty of space for spectators in the start/finish area of Stafford’s Market Square, Stafford Street and town centre where the event stage team will be providing course updates and entertaining the crowds. Spectators must stay behind the crowd barriers and not attempt to access or cross the course at key times. Certain areas are for runners only - please follow signage.
For health and safety reasons spectators are not allowed to run or cycle alongside the participants.
Viewing is possible along the whole Half Marathon course, although you are reminded to respect local residents. Certain areas where runners welcome a crowd include the 7 mile point at Kingston Hill and Victoria Park near the finish area, please see the course map for details.
10% off car rental No deposit.
Spitfire Close, Mustang Drive, Stafford ST16 1GX 01785 215560 ArnoldClarkRental.com /ArnoldClarkRental
Official Sponsor
Model shown for Illustrative purposes only. Terms & conditions apply. Contact us for details. Arnold Clark reserves the right to refuse rental and to amend terms and conditions without notice. Advert must be shown in branch to receive discount and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 003526
07
Claire Martin: ladies winner 2014 and the second fastest ladies time of the decade!
Carl Moulton: mens winner of the 2014 Stafford Half Marathon.
enquiries desk
a
marquee will be sited in Market Square to deal with any enquiries on the morning of the event. This will be open from 8.00am to 9.45am.
PLEASE NOTE: No on the day entries are permitted for the Stafford Half Marathon
parking in stafford Free parking is available on Sundays in Stafford Borough Council owned car parks. Please check signage carefully.
main car parks Doxey Road ST16 2TF, Kingsmead ST16 3AE
safe bag storage Runners are asked to arrive changed and leave belongings in cars where possible. Bag storage for Half Marathon participants is available at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, where light refreshments will also be available [open 9.00am - 1.00pm.]
8 Masterbrand logo – Colour variations Gun Metal masterbrand logo
For further information on Public Parking in Stafford, please contact: 01785 619 000 Email: carparking@staffordbc.gov.uk Web: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/carparks
Details of road closures can be found at www.roadworks.org
08
This year, Stafford Triathlon Club is proud to be celebrating its
10th Anniversary Whether you're a beginner just starting out in the increasingly popular world of triathlon, a GB age group athlete or simply seeking to stay fit through swimming, cycling or running, Stafford Triathlon Club invites you to join the ranks of its friendly and enthusiastic members. With British Triathlon Federation accredited coaching and structured training sessions for each discipline, including open water swimming throughout the summer, Stafford Triathlon Club offers something for both adults and juniors alike.
Find out more at www.staffordtri.com
09
important information As far as reasonably practicable Stafford Borough Council has a legal duty to protect all runners in the race. To conform to this legal obligation all runners must be aware of the instructions within the following section of the handbook.
PLEASE NOTE: that the Stafford Half Marathon course closes at 12.30pm, which allows a minimum pace of approximately 11 minutes per mile. As all stewards stand down and road closures are lifted at 12.30pm you are advised not to walk around the course.
-------
Running on the road
All runners should always be aware of the following: Keep to the left hand side of the road and do not deviate from the official course as you may wander outside of the road closure zones. Follow any direction arrows [black arrow on a yellow sign] and temporary road traffic signs. Follow all instructions from police and stewards. Not all of the roads are closed, please be aware of moving traffic and other road or footpath users.
H2O
Water Stations Available at the following locations:
3
miles Salt Avenue
5
miles top of Radford Bank
7
miles Birkdale Drive
10
miles top of Stone Road
11.5
miles on Isabel Trail
13.1
miles Martin Street [Finish]
Bottled water will be available at all stations, all of which have been positioned in areas where traffic is either not permitted or reduced. Runners should be aware of other runners slowing down or stopping at these points. Please move on from the water station once you have taken your drink. Please take only one bottle of water at each refreshment point. Please don’t drop water bottles on the pavement or road where they can be tripped over by other runners.
Bins Dispose of your litter responsibly. Bins are provided after each water station.
Fairtrade Bananas Are available in Market Square at the end of your run.
WC
Toilet Facilities
Available at the following locations [measurements are approximate] North Walls Car Park - 300 metres from race finish Broad Street - 350 metres from race finish Stafford Gatehouse Theatre - 50 metres from race finish Portable toilets, Market Street - 40 metres from race finish [left hand side of the Shire Hall Gallery entrance] 3 Portable toilets at top of Salt Avenue 3 miles from race start 5 Portable toilets at Radford Bank 5 miles from race start 7 Portable toilets in St Thomas Lane 7 miles from race start 8.5 Portable toilet at Beaconside 8.5 miles from race start
First Aid St John Ambulance Brigade will be on duty throughout the race. If you require first aid assistance either approach first aid personnel at the water stations or one of the stewards on duty. Due to the nature of the route, first aid treatment will be provided as soon as possible. If it is an emergency an ambulance will be sent to the scene.
Road Surfaces Be aware of road surfaces and conditions. These can vary due to wet/cold weather, resulting in slippery surfaces. Roads can be unpredictable due to uneven surfaces, speed humps, cambers and potholes. All runners are expected to wear appropriate footwear.
10
START
Stafford St. e lgat Gao
ell R
Ch
Sa
b
St ord ff a St a
ery
bb Cra
rth
lte
St
rS t. E
FINISH
Wa lls
Market Sq.
Martin
H2O WC
as t t. gat S t e k e Mar
Sports Massage St .
St.
. l St
e St. ngat Gree
Ear
Stafford College
No
St.
Vehicles
t St. el St. Moun Chap
Half Marathon
d
Route to start
g St
ks
an
er b nt Te
in Tipp
Mill St.
d
g Brid
nk l Ba
Victoria Park
ort
8
p New
start information
t
he start of the Half Marathon is situated in Stafford Street, near the junction with Princes Street. You should make your way to the start area at 9.45am.
W
Please walk from Market Square up Gaolgate Street and left into Crabbery Street, take a right into Chapel Street then right again into Mount Street. Assemble at the rear of the Stafford Street start area.
Please DO NOT attempt to walk up Stafford Street to the start line. It is important to line up in accordance with your anticipated finish time, to ensure minimal congestion [there will be estimated finish time markers displayed along the start area fencing] see page 19.
Rd
. e St
Mil
A51
lls h Wa
Sout
c
e
a From the Start proceed down Stafford Street taking a right turn into b Gaolgate Steet to pass under the Finish Gantry in Market Square.
From Market Square continue straight ahead into Greengate Street proceeding to the c mini-roundabout. Cross over and continue straight into d Bridge Street, at the traffic lights e turn right into Newport Road.
PLEASE NOTE: Sports Massage, in Market Square, will be provided by students from Staffordshire University.
Charity collections are not
permitted along the course.
pu ll
ou
race description
W t
There is a new course for 2015, all runners must read the description below. On raceday all directional signage and any direction from stewards must be followed.
Mile markers
2
3
4
On the Queensville roundabout. Turn left into the Meadows and run clockwise around Ampleforth Drive, rejoin the A34 bearing left towards Radford Bank.
5
On Radford Bank. Use the slip road at Weeping Cross, avoiding mini roundabouts. H2O WC Take a left turn into Baswich Lane.
6
7
8
9
10
11
On West Way at the bottom of the slope. Turn left onto the A449 Wolverhampton Road, cross into Meyrick Road on the right, bear right into Salt Road then left into Salt Avenue. On Salt Avenue before the junction with Lawrence Street. Runners will continue down H2O WC Salt Avenue bear right on path through to Abberley Grove. At the mini roundabout take first exit to the retail park roundabout then take second exit towards A34 Lichfield Road.
On Baswich Lane past Tilcon Avenue and over the canal bridge. Continue over the bridges and turn left into St Thomas Lane, then turn left onto Tixall Road, right into Wolseley Road and right into Birkdale Drive. H2O WC On Birkdale Drive. Continue onto Longhurst Drive, stay on pavement along Weston Road. Cross over point at Weston Road bus stop. At Staffordshire University roundabout turn left along Beaconside.
On Beaconside before Portal Road. Continue along Beaconside on the footpath past the main entrance to MOD Stafford. Turn left into Sandon Road and cross over the road towards The Haybarn. Turn right through the gateway to re-join the footpath. WC At the entrance of Hawthorns Boarding Kennels on Beaconside. After Parkside Avenue opposite the Marston Grange estate. Continue to the A34 roundabout, H2O remain on footpath then turn left onto Stone Road footpath Crossing point between Gordon Avenue and Holmcroft Road traffic lights. Turn right into Holmcroft Road, remain on the footpath. Cross over Holmcroft Road into Young Avenue.
On Young Avenue near Tillington Manor Primary School. Bear right into Pitt St, right into H2O Alliance St, cross over into Izaak Walton St through alleyway onto the Isabel Trail.
12
13
F
On Newport Road, after the Kingsway roundabout. Turn left off the A518 into West Way.
1
Prior to leaving the Isabel Trail, on Doxey Road. Leave the path, cross Doxey Road into North Castle St, then South St. Turn sharp left then right onto the path alongside the River Sow, continue under the bridge into Victoria Park along the footpath. From Victoria Park turn left along the footbridge then right into Mill Bank. At the mini roundabout return up Greengate St, turning right up Tipping St, then left onto Eastgate St, straight ahead onto Salter St. On Salter Street near the hotel. Take a tight left turn onto Gaolgate Street. The finish in Market Square is immediately visible ahead. After finishing continue down H2O WC Greengate St, turning left into Martin St. Final Water Station located here.
6
ow
Doxey
Ri ve rS
M
H2O
A5 Ec 013 cle sh a
J14
12
11
Victoria Park
Castletown
d
Dox ey R d
ll R
Tillington
Redhill
Broadeye Windmill
Victoria Park
6 06 B5
Rd
WC
don San
MOD Stafford
WC
St T Lan homa s e
ow
A
8 51
Crematorium ll Rd Tixa
Staffordshire University
Littleworth on Rd 7 est W Kingston Hill 18 A5
H
H2O
8
Stafford Hospital
H2O
stafford
Stafford St.
START
WC
Market Sq.
FINISH
9 Tollgate Ind. Estate
ail l Tr e b
Isa
H2O
Holmcroft
Isabel Trail
M6
Parkside
don Rd
Trinity Fields
San
10
We sto nR Ba
d
eR Ston
e id
d Ln
A34 s on c a 3 Be A51
swic h
route map
12
W es t
N
Due to unforeseen circumstances, minor adjustments may be made to the route. They will be well signposted and stewards will direct you.
2
Rowley Park
Burton Manor
W ay
18
Wherever possible roads have been closed, sections are on disused railway track, and traffic has been limited on certain sections of the route. Please do no deviate from the designated route for any reason. This is not only a risk to you but to motorists that may still be using part of the roadway.
M6
Highfields
d tR or p w Ne 18 Western 5 A Downs
1
A5
Stafford Castle
W-t on R
d
WC
H2O
key:
Ban k
5
A51 3M il We ford R epi d n Cro ss g
Rail Litter bins
River Sow
Roads
Major roads Cheering Point
Toilet stop
Finish leg Jelly Babies
Approximate distances only
Mile markers
Wildwood Park
WC
ford
Rad
A34
Baswich
6
Race route
1
4
er Riv
Baswich Ln
Water Station
First Aid
Rd
H2O
Queensville
Risingbrook
3
eld
Lic hfi
WC
t
H2O
ou
Rd ort p ew
ll
49 A4
pu
k noc
Can Rd
W
18
Stafford Half Marathon is a Run Britain licensed event and therefore your time can be included in calculating your free Run Britain handicap score. More than 50,000 runners of all standards have now claimed their runbritain handicap score. As well as giving you a current score, between scratch and 36, your free personalised running biog page includes your current national ranking, your position on the national ladder, your progress graph, your strongest distance, a head-to-head comparison with other runners and downloadable training schedules to improve your score next time you race.
Your handicap score also updates automatically every time you complete a licensed event. To claim your score now, please visit:
www.runbritainrankings.com/ user/claimhandicap.aspx
Visit Stafford and the surrounding area
Get inspiration for a great day out and more...
www.visitstafford.org Stafford Visitor Information Centre Situated in the foyer of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT Tel: 01785 619 619 Email: visitorinfo@staffordbc.gov.uk
19
start line instructions
p
lease note: The start of the Half Marathon is situated in Stafford Street, close to the junction with Princes Street, please make your way to Stafford Street at 9.45am [see page 10 for start location and directions.] There is NO town centre loop at the start of the route.
Percentage of finishers
As the start area is narrow and there are a large number of participants, it will be helpful if you can line up in accordance with your anticipated finish time, to ensure minimal congestion.
100
If each runner adopts this sensible approach everyone will move away from the start more smoothly, everyone will be able to get into their running quickly, without incident and have an enjoyable run.
Take up a position behind the start line that is appropriate for your estimated finishing time. There will be estimated finish time markers displayed along the start area fencing.
75%
86%
94%
100%
58% 35%
50
3% 0
1hr 20mins
15% 1hr 30mins
finishing times
1hr 40mins
1hr 2hrs 50mins
2hrs 10mins
2hrs 2hrs 20mins 30 mins
LIVE MUSIC After Racing
SATURDAY 11 APRIL
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
SATURDAY 25 APRIL
HOSPITALITY FROM
ABBA NIGHT WITH SWEDE DREAMZ
OASIS TRIBUTE: OK SIS
CLASSIC CLUB ANTHEMS WITH HOUSE JAMMERZ
ÂŁ32.95
*
www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk 01902 390000 | info@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, race times and details of the event please visit our website. Booking restrictions and fees may apply. Wolverhampton Racecourse encourages responsible gambling. www.gambleaware.co.uk. Please drink responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk
SPONSORED BY
21
THURS 25TH JUNE SAT 11 TH JULY 2015 STAFFORD CASTLE Box Office 01785 619080 staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk
22
elevation maps Elevation (m)
(km and miles)
Baswich Lane
Parkside Avenue
200 150 100 50 0
5 km
0
km
Elevation (m)
15 km
Salt Avenue
200 150 100 50 0
miles 0
10 km
5 miles
Start elevation
Max elevation
Gain
84m
106m
120m
20 km
Beaconside Footpath
10 miles
13 m
race number positioning
r
emember to attach your Race Number to your running top and Complete your SOS details on the reverse of the number in permanent marker pen. When you wish to collect your T-shirt and Medal remove the perforated section on your race number and exchange it for your prize at the Enquiries Marquee in the Market Square. This can be done before or after the race. Pin at four corners Includes chip timing tag
PLEASE NOTE: Your race number now includes your chip timing tag. You must fill out all of the details on the reverse of your race number prior to the race. DO NOT fold your race number and DO NOT attach pins to the section containing the attached chip timing tag.
23
24
finish area and prizes Once you have crossed the finish line please continue down Greengate Street past WHSmith and turn left after Starbucks into Martin Street. This is a runners only area, once you are back in Market Square you can meet up with your friends and family.
H2O
A Water Station will be situated on your left, please move on from the water station into St Martins Place, once you have taken your drink to avoid congestion.
To collect your t-shirt and medal remove the
Results
perforated section on your race number and exchange it for your prize at the Enquiries Marquee in the Market Square.
www.theresults.co.uk
Results available at:
Initially these will be race finishing times with individual chip times appearing later.
PLEASE NOTE: That if preferred, t-shirts and medals can be collected before the race from the Half Marathon Enquiries Desk between 9.15am and 9.45am. This area may be busy with enquiries which will take priority, before the start of the race. Other prizes are awarded for:
race category Mens Race Mens Vets Womens Race Womens Vets
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
Open Over 40 Over 45 Over 50 Over 55 Over 60 Over 65 Over 70 Open Over 35 Over 40 Over 45 Over 50 Over 55 Over 60 Over 65
Stafford Half Marathon Prize Giving Ceremony will take place on the Main Stage, Market Square at 12.30pm.
Don’t forget, free Fairtrade bananas will be provided in the Market Square at the end of your run. Once you have received these, please move from the table.
25
official race photography
Photos from todays event can be viewed and purchased from the evening of the event Sunday 16th March by going to our website:
www.mickhall-photos.com For more information and queries please contact: mick@mickhall-photos.com
Search by race number Full range of prints Framed photos Digital downloads Other gifts Prices from as little as ÂŁ3 We hope you enjoy your run!
Church Street, Stoke on Trent ST4 1DJ.
RUNNING SPECIALISTS Everything you need for running at BOURNE SPORTS
WHAT’S
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WHAT’S
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TUNE BELT ARM WALLETS For all smartphones £19 ZENSAH COMPRESSION CALF GUARDS Choice of several colours £30.00
MORE MILE SPIKEY MORE MILE BALL FOAM MASSAGE ROLLER ROLLERS USUAL USUAL £30 £20 OFFER £10.00 OFFER £15
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Pay and Display car park at rear. Postcode ST4 1JH
27
thank you... A big thank you to all the volunteers who work so hard to make sure all the participants and spectators enjoy a safe and memorable event: • All the individuals who help steward the route – you know who you are • 20th Stafford St Bertelins Scout Troop • Cyclists from Stafford Tri Club • Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets, Stafford • Katharine House Hospice Colwich and The Haywood’s Support Group • North Star Explorer Scout Troop • St John Ambulance, West Midlands Region • Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets • Stafford FM • Stafford Harriers • Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Team • Stafford Raynet Group • Staffordshire University Physiotherapy Students • Katharine House Hospice • Staffordshire Athletics Network
Remembering... Pet Lythgoe - official timekeeper at the half marathon for many years and secretary of Cheadle Running Club
Stafford Borough Council Civic Centre Riverside Stafford ST16 3AQ Tel: 01785 619 300 Email: events@staffordbc.gov.uk www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon
StaffordHalfMarathon
@StaffordHalf