Perfect day as records set in half marathon

Almost perfect running conditions saw a new record set in Stafford's biggest annual road race.

Spider-Man, Batman, Captain America and the Mad Hatter joined dozens of more serious runners in the bright sunshine as the 2,000 strong Stafford Half Marathon field started in Stafford Street in the town centre yesterday morning.

Thousands more turned out to cheer on the runners through the town centre and around the 13-mile course.

Many runners took part in fancy dress with a sunflower and Wonder Woman also among the entries.

A minute's applause was held just before the race was started by Mayor, Councillor Jean Tabernor, in memory of 47-year-old David Barlow, of Stoke-on-Trent, who died after finishing last year's race.

First home in Market Square was last year's winner, 28-year-old Ben Gamble from Stone who trimmed 21 seconds off his winning time in 1hr 8min 51sec.

Former Stone Master Marathoners runner Ben, who now runs for Tipton Harriers, said: "The conditions were near perfect. "It was nice to have the sun come out and it brought out a really good crowd to give us great support."

The Rugeley police officer had helped Harriers to victory in the Midlands 12-stage relay event at Sutton Park the day before.

"It is nice to win your local race. Lots of my work colleagues and friends were running as well. Stone Master Marathoners were all thinking of Lew Badger who recently suffered a stroke and would normally have been running," added Ben, who hopes to complete a hat-trick of wins in the half marathon next year.

In second place in 1hr 11min 13sec was Ross Jones running for Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club.

Former winner Chris Holinshead, of Stafford Harriers, was fifth to finish.The first woman home in 1hr 24min 37sec was Elisabeth Stavreski from Thames Hare and Hounds.

Among the runners was West Bromwich running hero 'Blind' Dave Heeley who finished in 1hr 33min 47sec.

The commanding officer of Stafford's 22 Signal Regiment, Lt Col Sharon Naismith, also ran and finished in 1hr 41min. Staffordshire's High Sheriff Richard Haszard from Milford also took part.

A handcycle race, which started five minutes before the main run, was won by Rob Wickham who also set a new record time.

Many more people wore fancy dress for the one-mile school and family fun run that started 10 minutes after the main race from Market Square.

There had been 550 advance entries, but more entered on the day swelling the field of all ages to 866.