Thousands enjoy sunny Stafford half-marathon

Around 2,200 flocked to the centre of Stafford for the town's 30th annual 13-mile run on Sunday, joined by some 600 taking part in the shorter fun run.

The sun was out for the occasion and the runners were cheered on by thousands of supporters at the sidelines when the races started at Stafford Street.

Some decorated their faces while others went for the more accustomed running attire.

Among those taking part was Mike Anstey, who travelled from Malvern in Worcester with his 13-year-old son Cameron for the day – both dressed in their best onesies for the fun run.

Mr Anstey, aged 57, who was also joined by his partner Lynda, his son-in-law Tom and his grandsons Linden, five, and Bradley, eight, said: "It was really good. The kids loved it and did really well. They didn't really show us up but I'm very proud."

Speaking before the race, his son Cameron added: "The onesies were my idea. I've got about three or four, so I chose my best one.

"I've never done anything like this before but I'm feeling confident."

Bill Sykes was running as part of a team of soldiers from the 22 Signal Regiment Light Aid Detachment, based at MOD Stafford.

The 39-year-old said: "We are running the London Marathon with the Royal British Legion so we are using this as a bit of training.

"This is the first one I've done in Stafford and it's great here. We go to some of the bigger ones so for a relatively small town it's really good."

Gemma Gray crossed the fun run finish line with her son William, aged seven.

Mrs Gray, 30, from Stafford, who is a member of the Stafford Harriers running club, said: "I'm just glad he's joining in because he doesn't usually like to do sports. I hope this will be the first of many for him."

David Hetherington, 43, of Fives Grove, Burntwood, was running with other members of Chase Harriers.

He said: "I did 21 miles yesterday, so I can't wait to start. The atmosphere is electric."

The senior lecturer at South Staffordshire College added: "I'm feeling good. This is probably my third time running the race in Stafford. I've done three marathons and I'm doing London next month.

"We are going for just under two hours."

Others taking part included local community groups, bands and school children, who each received medals and T-shirts at the end of the race.

Further presentations were made by Stafford mayor Councillor Angela Loughran and Adam Hill, the council's head of leisure and culture.

Councillor Loughran congratulated all those who took part, adding: "I'm absolutely delighted with the turnout, both runners and the support – lots of happy faces and smiling children.

"The people of Stafford have been so supportive of the runners, it's fantastic."

She added: "It's good that the weather has been grand. That makes such a difference encouraging people to come out and support."

Organisers have yet to calculate the total sum raised for various charities by the sponsored runners.

Last year's event generated tens of thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes, according to race director Liz Hulse, from Stafford Borough Council.

She added: "It's been a fantastic day. It's so wonderful to see the sun out, showing Stafford in it's best.

"The half marathon went off very smoothly and the fun run has been a big success. Everybody's made a real effort. The costumes are fantastic."

The half marathon was won by Carl Moulton with a time of 1:13:31.

Mr Moulton, aged 34, of Butt Lane, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, said: "I came second last year, with a better time, so it's one better and to be champion of it is nice.

"The wind was quite strong from six miles to nine but I just kept the pace and felt quite comfortable at the end, which is a good sign."

He added: "The atmosphere was good. It's a good course and a good atmosphere all round."

Also among those taking part in the fun run were a team of campaigners carrying a banner reading: "Stafford Hospital saved our lives. Save our acute services."

They were cheered on by fellow supporters as they jogged past the finish line wearing campaign T-shirts. Also supporting Stafford Hospital was Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy – who ran the fun run dressed as a blue smurf.

He said: "I was delighted to be able to join the Support Stafford Hospital team on Sunday.

"The half marathon and fun run are a great event, the crowd were excellent and all the competitors were very enthusiastic.

"Again, it showed Stafford at its best."

For those not taking part, there was entertainment from stilt walkers dressed as giant yellow sunflowers and juggling jesters wearing colourful top hats. Roads were closed off while the race took place, making way for the track.

There was traffic leading up to the event as runners and supporters flocked to the town centre, and car parks were quickly filled.

As the runners left for a well-earned rest, one was welcomed back home with a congratulations party. Jeff Leason, who is aged 74 and has Alzheimer's, returned to Manor House Nursing Home after completing the half marathon in a wheelchair and crossing the line with his walker.

He has been running the Stafford Half Marathon with his carer Adam Probert for the last five years and in that time he has raised approximately £5,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Katherine House Hospice, Kidney Cancer UK and Child Flight. He said he does the half marathon 'because he can' and because it is a worthwhile cause, although he admitted Mr Probert did most of the 'donkey work'.

He said: "Just because you are old and disabled you can still be included and everyone is capable. Nothing is impossible."

Jeff also thanked his sponsors and announced his retirement.