Display for half marathon milestone

The major annual race will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and to mark the milestone, a collection of photographs and memorabilia went on display in Stafford Leisure Centre this week.

The event has steadily grown since the first race on April 8, 1984 and the borough council, which organises the event, says it is now "an established focal point of the community".

The exhibition at the Lammascote Road leisure centre provides an overview of the events' history, from the first race won by John Wild, former British fell running champion, to last year's race which saw 1,500 participants at the start line. To mark the silver anniversary and meet an even bigger demand for places, the borough council's leisure services department is increasing the race capacity to 2,000 runners for this year's event on March 15.

Councillor Mike Smith, the authority's cabinet member for leisure who himself competed in the first race, said: "It's great to see the Stafford Half Marathon celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009 and go from strength to strength."

Entry forms are available from various locations around the borough including the Civic Offices, Stafford Leisure Centre, Westbridge Park Fitness Centre, Alleyne's Sports Centre and Stafford Tourist Information Centre as well as on-line at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon The closing date for entries is February 27 or earlier if race capacity is reached. The Half Marathon starts in Stafford's town centre at 10.30am.

Meanwhile entries are being invited for the annual half marathon in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Potters 'Arf event is taking place on June 14 and is being sponsored by the Hanley Building Society.

Runners can call event director Don Shelley on 07760 218809 to find out how to enter. Entry is £15 for runners not attached to a club but there is half price for anyone running for charity.

The event can also be run by teams of four as a relay.