by Ian Wibberley
I have run the Stafford half before, but 10 years ago, the course has changed slightly and I would say it is challenging in parts. However, the endless climb of Beaconside was made considerably easier by Jason’s love of going up Washdale every Thursday night.
The weather was perfect for running, not too hot with a little drizzle at times but crucially no wind and there was a good atmosphere at the start in Victoria Park with lots of runners from different clubs warming up, music, stalls and an expectant crowd ready to support all of the runners. Unlike the recent Salford Half with a rather cramped start, this one was well spaced out with clear markers for expected times and a smooth getaway.
A respectable 11 runners from Stone Master Marathoners ran the Stafford half, the 6th best participation from a club and all our runners did well. I cannot comment on speedy young runners like Paul Sissons, who did very well, but from a personal point of view it was good to run with a group of BATS who all started off following the 2 hour pacer who did an excellent job of maintaining a steady pace. Vicki, Sally Philip Mick and I ran as a little group around the pace for a 2 hour half and we and we were all encouraged at various points along the route by groups of BATS cheering us on, crucially at the dreaded Beaconside 9 mile hill slog and again at 12 miles where you get a tantalising glimpse of the finish line before being forced to run a seemingly endless loop through the centre of Stafford on empty.
I was personally very pleased to get just under the 2 hour mark but well done to all our runners and supporters who gave up their time to support us.