Friday night was the Annual SMM Gala Dinner, which, with the presentation of awards, draws a line under the previous racing year. After a fantastic night at the Upper House in Barlaston, it was back to business at the Alsager 5.

A very fast, popular race to start the season, the Alsager 5 is often used as a marker or springboard for the year ahead. For me, after an injury-hit 2024, it was a chance to put on the racing vest and see how my body handled five miles while also helping a fellow SMM colleague push themselves.

With a relatively late start time (11 a.m.), I met up with Carole and Phil at the club, and we shared a lift to Alsager, arriving with plenty of time to collect numbers and greet old friends and racing buddies I hadn’t seen for several months. We had a team photo at 10:15 a.m. courtesy of Mick Hall. Unfortunately, it was so efficient that a few of our later-arriving colleagues missed the photo—no names shall be mentioned! Some of us then went for a short warm-up to get everything working before the race.

Standing at the start line, it felt a little chilly in my vest, but as we all huddled together, the sun came out, and we were ushered forward for the start.

My main aim was firstly to check that I could run without any injury concerns and secondly to help Vicki, who had asked me to pace her at around an 8:45 min/mile pace to beat last year’s time. Knowing that Vicki had been consistently running at an 8:20 to 8:30 pace during recent intervals and tempo runs, I had no intention of settling for 8:45s.

Alsager is notoriously fast, and many runners have been caught out by fading too quickly. To avoid this, our group—including Vicki, John, Philip, and me—started near the back to ensure a controlled pace. While this strategy prevented a quick burnout, it also meant a lot of weaving and hopping onto pavements to get past other runners. The first mile felt very stop-start, but I had anticipated this. By the time we reached the first mile marker, the course was starting to open up, and we were perfectly on pace at 8:45.

The race itself is very flat—any inclines are barely noticeable, and the descents are negligible. With perfect weather (sunny, slight breeze, excellent running temperature), the only factors affecting pace were mindset and strategy. As a pacer, my role was to keep spirits up by engaging with the crowd, chatting with runners around us, and offering plenty of encouragement—all subtle tactics to distract Vicki and help her maintain pace. As we hit the second and third miles, our pace hovered comfortably around 8:25 to 8:30, which felt manageable despite my previous injury issues. Vicki also seemed comfortable when I checked in.

Over halfway, with just two miles to go, the pace continued to build. We began focusing on reeling in the runners ahead of us and steadily increased speed. I kept talking to Vicki and those around us, offering encouragement. At this point, my dentist, who was supporting her friends, spotted me and shouted enthusiastically as we passed her for the second time—a surprising but welcome boost!

By now, I knew Vicki was watching her watch, realizing we were moving faster than anticipated, but I remained confident in her ability to sustain it. The fourth mile was quicker, and it became a matter of maintaining that pace for the equivalent of four 400-meter reps or two 800-meter reps. Breaking the remainder of the race down into manageable segments helped keep us focused. We passed Sara and Pam, and Vicki kept pushing hard. As we approached the final turn toward the finish line, we maintained the pace, with faster SMM members cheering us on.

We crossed the line in just under 43 minutes. Vicki had beaten her previous time by over six minutes—an impressive achievement. I suspect she may have cursed me during those last two miles, but I was confident she had it in her. From my perspective, the best outcome was that my injuries hadn’t caused any issues. Whether I’ll be ready for the Manchester Media Half Marathon in two weeks remains uncertain, but I have time to test things further.

After grabbing water, collecting medals, and chatting with fellow runners, we soaked in the friendly atmosphere. This camaraderie is what makes racing in the NSRRA so special. It’s a supportive environment where competition is friendly but fierce—you still want to beat that person to the line! Over time, these events forge great friendships.

Following a quick gathering at the finish line and in the sports hall, runners gradually drifted off to celebrate their achievements and plan their next races. Social media buzzed with race photos and updates, and friends who hadn’t raced sent messages to ask how we’d done. I even managed to recruit two more club members to join the NSRRA.

Days like this remind me why I’m a proud member of both SMM and the NSRRA (North Staffs Road Running Association, www.nsrra.org).

Well done to everyone who ran—see you all again soon.

Paul

Friday 31st January at the Upper House in Barlaston we celebrated the achievements of 2024 at our Annual Awards Gala Dinner.

It was a great night where we got to eat lots, drink plenty, applaud the achievements of our fantastic club and dance the night away.

Below we have a list of the 2024 winners (and most of the pictures):-

Thank you to everyone who helps makes this club so special and well done to all the award winners.

Same time next year?

Well done to all our award winners at the annual North Staffs Road Runners Association Awards in 2024

For those thinking of joining for 2025 it is a great experience and highly recommended – only costs £10 a year and you get put in a group with similar abilities giving you chances to win both Group awards and Age Group awards.

Visit NSRRA for more information or ask our club NSRRA ambassadors Steve Plant and Sara Morris .

First race is the Alsager 5 (although already sold out) and the NSRRA runs alongside our own club championship so lots of opportunities to get involved.

Bring on the 2025 season and good luck all.

Stone Master Marathoners fully understand that runners enjoy running with their dogs, but we prioritise safety and respect for all members and the public. This policy outlines the conditions under which dogs may join club runs, in alignment with UK Athletics guidance.

Firstly, dogs are not allowed inside the tennis club, this is a rule of the tennis club and as tenants we need to adhere to this. Any dogs on the tennis club grounds must be kept on a short lead and kept under control at all times. Should the dogs cause any disturbances they may be asked to leave the grounds with immediate effect.

General Guidelines

1. Daylight Off-Road Runs: Dogs are permitted on daylight runs that are predominantly off-road, as long as the following rules are followed. 
2. Road Runs – Dogs are not permitted on road runs due to the risk of traffic and pedestrian interactions without prior approval of the run leader and all other runners participating. Should any runner not be comfortable with a dog on the run they are able to request the dogs are not allowed without discrimination – we are a running club and our members safety is paramount.
3. Leader’s Permission: Any member wishing to bring a dog must obtain permission from the designated Run Leader at least 3 days in advance. The leader’s decision is final.
4. Personal Responsibility: Dog owners run with their dogs at their own risk. Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs are fully insured with public liability insurance.

Dog Requirements

To join a club run, dogs must:

• Be at least 12 months old.
• Have experience running on a lead or harness.
• Be able to navigate obstacles like stiles and handle the planned distance comfortably.
• Not be in heat.
• Remain in control at all times, attached to their owner by a short, hand-held lead or a Canicross-approved harness with a line not exceeding 1.5 meters when fully extended.

Equipment

• Dogs must wear a suitable run harness that attaches to the owner via a bungee lead (no flexi leads).
• Use reflective gear for both the dog and runner if conditions are dim.

Additional Safety and Etiquette

• Placement in Group: Dogs should run at the front or back of the group, as directed by the Run Leader.
• Communication: When overtaking, call out to alert others, e.g., “passing on the left/right.”
• Hydration and Weather Precautions: Owners should carry water for their dogs and avoid running in hot weather or conditions unsuitable for dogs.
• Respect for Others: Dog owners must ensure their dogs do not disrupt other runners, the public, or other animals encountered on the route. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly.

Training Sessions and Race Events

• Intervals and Road-Based Sessions: Dogs are not allowed on interval or road-based sessions due to the increased risk from traffic and pedestrians.
• Races: Dogs are not allowed at any club-organised races or formal events, if the owner is participating. It is also recommended that dogs are not allowed if the owner is volunteering, however, exceptions can be discussed with the race director if it can be assured the safety of participants and other members of the public is upheld.                    

NB: Some locations operate a no dog policy -please check before bringing your dog

Review and Compliance

This policy is reviewed annually or as needed based on UK Athletics guidance or club requirements. Run Leaders reserve the right to refuse a dog on any specific run, depending on the route, weather, and group composition.

By following this policy, Stone Master Marathoners aims to ensure that runs are enjoyable and safe for all participants.

General Road Running:

Use the pavement whenever possible.

If no pavement is available, run on the right-hand side of the road unless unsafe or during “mustering.”

Run Leadership:

The route planner is the run leader and is in charge.

Only the Captain or Vice-Captain can overrule the run leader.

Mustering Protocol:

The leader designates muster points; upon reaching these, each runner (except the last) turns back to meet the slowest runner.

While mustering on roads, stay in single file on the left side without crossing.

Runners being mustered for should move away from the hedge to allow passing on the inside.

Winter/Dark Evening Adjustments:

Aim to stay on pavements, but if narrow, run single file near muster points to allow space for returning runners.

Be mindful of other pedestrians; warn before passing to avoid startling them.

A back marker with a flashing light is usually present, and all runners must wear high-visibility or fluorescent tops.

Cross-Country Mustering:

Muster after crossing stiles to avoid queues and for safety, especially on hilly terrain.

Do not muster farther than necessary; turn in front of the slowest runner for safety.

Consideration for Longer Runs:

Run leaders should consider muster distances on longer runs to prevent runners from getting lost at track junctions or in unfamiliar areas.

Use of Headphones/Audio:

No headphones or other type of audio equipment is permitted during Club runs as they reduce awareness of instructions and traffic. Safety is always the priority.

If Unable to Continue:

Inform the leader or Captain if you cannot continue to the next cut-off point.

Quietly telling another runner is insufficient, as the leader needs to be aware to avoid unnecessary mustering delays.

General Safety Responsibility:

These guidelines are in place to safety; however, runners are ultimately responsible for their own safety. In unexpected situations, the run leader will advise the group on the safest action.

On a beautiful late summer Sunday morning, nearly 300 runners set off into the sunshine as beloved Black Bank beckoned under cloudless azure skies … 

As if!! In our dreams, right? 

This is England, our beloved Newcastle-under-Lyme to be precise, and it was grey, chilly and pouring from start to end! But who cared? What a morning we had.

Our Newcastle (Staffs) AC hosts defied the grim weather to set a cheery tone from the outset, whizzing us through registration, letting us warm up on their fine track, and fanning off in winter garb to smile, cheer and coax at every corner as they became utterly bedraggled. As well as the superb organisation and marshalling, a shout out too for our pacemakers who were not just clockwatchers but inspirational coaches to those around them (including yours truly who in no way would have achieved a course PB sub-42 without the help of Kieran Bedford). 

Anyway, onto the race which, as the old football cliché goes, was a classic “game of two halves”: a gruelling up then an exhilarating down. The first kilometre or so was a relatively flat warm up, punctuated by shouts up front as the speedsters battled it out for a cash prize for first up Black Bank. Then onto this infamous, legendary, feared hill itself – but let’s be honest, it wasn’t really that bad, was it? Or at least, not crazily steep. Just very, very long. 

I judged Black Bank way better than last year, trying not to lose sight of Kieran’s 42 minute flag ahead of me but also remembering not to overdo it and burn out early. What a joy to see the “Alsagers’ Bank” sign, turn the corner, catch that flag again and feel the downhill coming. And what a rush of adrenaline as we picked up pace heading home, boosted by the loud cheers of the 7K crew – Silverdale running club apparently, thanks guys – and hit the Whammy. 

At the finish line, the heavens opened even more, rain and sweat mixing indistinguishably in the usual endorphin-fuelled post-race happy gaggle. Well done to Stoke AC’s Emma Taylor and Notts AC’s Ben Norris for their wins, and to everyone for completing the course in pretty atrocious conditions. And this was only September … ! 

Andy C

Photo courtesy of Bryan Dale

The British Masters 5K relays
23rd April 2022
Sutton Park, Birmingham

Stone Master Marathoners decided to send a contingency of brave old farts to compete in the 45-55yr category following a certain amount of coercion from our very own master runner, Ben Gamble esq, an elite runner, coach and sports therapist (who happens to be rubbish at crazy golf, but that’ll have to wait until another time).

Bryn Holmes, Robin Williamson, myself and Paul Glover (the youngster of the pack) travelled to the event with an ensemble of Bat goddesses for support. Thank you wifey, Amy and Aggi, although it later came very apparent that, support aside, all three of them couldn’t wait to get their hands on Robin’s Haribos.

The venue was straight forward to find, a godsend for someone like me, and once parked we collected our race numbers (chipped) and confirmed our running order. Bryn, who had run the route before very kindly took us around on a recce, along with muttering and chuntering from us, the uninitiated. The route is definitely not flat and the conditions were somewhat windy. It was however dry and bright.

Bryn had the unenviable task of running first and, unbeknown to him at the time, found himself surrounded by a younger age category. When the race began, these youngsters disappeared into the distance which must have been pretty soul destroying for Bryn, but he did an admirable job and completed his leg, albeit rather pink and sweaty, ready for Robin to take over.

We all found this event really well organised, especially at the point of change over. The change over runners were corralled in a holding pen and then as teammates approached were beckoned to the start line. No need to keep on checking behind as marshals were on hand to perform this job and signalled us when to start. This all worked very smoothly and professionally.
So, Robin was next to run and also finished pink and sweaty (to be fair we all did).

I was next and as said early, found the changeover uneventful. Definitely a picturesque route but strange as runners were sharing the park path with families and ramblers eating ice cream as we were gasping for breath and eating our lungs. They certainly didn’t get in the way though and some even managed sympathetic smiles. Last 100 metres uphill with loads of encouragement from our screaming banshee support team, lovely to hear if not a little scary ( I know you can’t help it Amy, its just the way you’re designed)

Young Paul Glover last, to complete our mission.

Paul and I compared trainers whist Robin and Bryn disappeared and then came back eating burgers, replenishing carbs (there seemed an awful lot of that going on actually, even amongst the non runners, just ask Aggi)

10th place overall, 2nd of the Midlands teams so overall mission accomplished.

I think all of us would happily do this again and I would certainly urge anyone reading this to seriously consider doing it and represent SMM. It’s a great event.

Version1.3.1

Please note there has been considerable editing to create a report so as not to offend, and to make sure the higher echelons of the Bat Firm don’t censure me. I know it’s inevitable, but I’ve managed to dodge that bullet so far.
Previous versions may, sometime in the future, appear in the public domain but definitely not on this website

Mark Neeld

Blood and Mud on the Annual Alsager `Pilgrimage`

It was a brave set of hardy fools warriors who rocked up at the club house before sunrise on a recent cold winter’s Sunday morning.

Some were old veterans who knew what was in store, others were clueless ‘virgins’.

Our fearless band’s names? Amy Gamble, Phil Cape, Mick Downes, Mike Keeling, Mark Neeld, Tom Wilson and Yours Truly.

Our glorious leader? Mark ‘Copper’ Churton.

Our challenge? The annual “Alsager Pilgrimage”. Just 20 miles to complete in a few hours to cheer on fellow SMM-ers in the 5-mile race there.

We started well with some dull but comfortable road flat along a near-deserted A34, as the rest of the world was sensibly having a lie-in to stay out of the frosty wind.

Then up through Trentham Park Golf Club and a climb into Hanchurch village which started to separate the ‘men from the boys’ – though courteous mustering was strictly adhered to on order of The Copper. By mile 7, humiliation hit one of our number. Best not to embarrass him any more, but put it this way, he was offered some peanut butter by Phil to smear on it and ease the pain, and Amy even compassionately suggested lending him her sports bra to cover the embarrassing and enlarging red circle on his right, ahem, ‘chest’. Mark was less kind: ‘I’ve found a nipple on the floor, I think it’s yours, Andy?’ (Oh bollocks, I’ve given the identity away!)

Onward went your intrepid team, scaling up to Keele along a muddy track, the ‘virgins’ thinking the worst was over, until … A scary, steep, woody climb emerged ahead of us. Even more ominously, another group of runners appeared at the bottom like ghosts, filthy dirty and smirking at what they knew was coming for us. Mud, glorious mud. Group dynamics quickly collapsed, it was every man (and Amy) for himself “Lord Of The Flies”-style. Some sank, some fell, some cursed. It was Law Of The Jungle: the strongest got ahead, while the weakest were left behind, sinking. Eventually, all emerged, legs and arses caked in thick, grey, cement-like mud.

Then began a tour of curious little windswept hilltop villages that few roads lead to and are the butt of Christmas panto jokes: Scot Hay, Alsager’s Bank, Miles Green. Marvellous views down to the Potteries on one side and up to Cheshire on the other. Steep, terraced streets like the old Hovis ad, with yuppie houses gradually encroaching. The rest of the run was straightforward and silent as the distance took its inevitable tool and Alsager, our lovely finishing line, approached. Mick and Phil hopped on a train back to civilization in Stone, the rest of us changed – and spattered mud all over the spotless wooden floor of an auditorium while getting changed – then grabbed a coffee to watch our heroes come by.

We were not to be disappointed. As we sipped and sighed, cheered and chatted, SMM-ers flew by in deep concentration, just a faint smile on their faces as they saw a motley, mud-spattered group shouting their name. PBs were had and great times recorded (see below).
Now who wants to go one better next year? 20 miles there – then you compete. Who’s up for that? Not a chance me – I’m not risking my poor nipple again!

I entered Thunder Run with no idea what to expect. I thought that it would be a weekend full of running with some camping thrown in. I love camping and I love running. Seemed like a good idea to get my name down.
Run as many 10k laps as you can in 24 hours. How hard could it be?!
I started to wonder how many I would manage in one go. The furthest I’d ever ran was an unofficial half marathon. Could I do three? One after another…. I wasn’t sure I’d made the right decision to join in.
Roll on a few weeks. The teams were announced and I found out that Jo was my team captain in a team of 8. She explained that I wouldn’t have to run more than one at a time. It was a relay and I’d probably do three laps. Once the running order was put on our messenger thread I worked out that I’d be doing a run after lunch, one around midnight and another early morning. Didn’t sound too bad at all, except I’ve always been terrified of the dark. I imagined running through the woods alone with my head torch running out!

The Friday arrived. Our pitch had been secured by some amazing club members who rushed to the site early morning and taped off the area we would need for everyone to camp together.
I pitched my enormous tent and joined the rest to help out with the communal area where we would eat and generally hang out. We were constantly amazed by the amount of effort that was going into the SMM solo runners area. They had huge blow up beds, sound systems and fancy lights. It was obvious how much care was being taken over the crazy folks that would be doing lots more laps than me!
A friend kindly showed me the start/finish line so I understood how the wristband baton would be passed from one runner to the next. There’s a huge area set to one side that the relay teams run into to find their team mate. They then run onto the main 10k loop to start their run. All sounded pretty simple and I was starting to get more relaxed about the whole thing.

We had a walk around the stalls that were there. I wasn’t expecting to buy my first trail trainers but looking at the weather report I thought it wise to get me some. I managed to bag a knobbly pair at a great price so I was all set.
The evening rolled on with loads of fun and games at camp. We sat around with a few beers and even had a karaoke session with SMM’s resident guitar player David. I recall looking up the lyrics to ‘Totally devoted’ on Google, which I found the following morning! The kids had their faces painted by me as there was plenty of face paint and glitter to go around. Even some of the grown-ups had a go.

Race day arrived. I was a little nervous and struggled to eat much breakfast. Lots of folks encouraged me to eat and explained that fuelling up would be really important. We went to the start line and cheered everyone as they started off at bang on midday. It was so exciting. The atmosphere had a real buzz about it. I’d never experienced anything like it. The races I’ve done before somehow didn’t have the same feel. I knew it was something special to be a part of.
I headed back into camp where the race route by our communal area had been turned into a cheerleading area. There were red pom poms everywhere!

The menfolk wore the cheerleading dresses and there we stood for a couple of hours jumping up and down as all the runners passed through. Runners of all abilities and pace passed us by which made me feel more confident about my lap that was coming up.

Finally it was my turn to get changed and go up to the start line. I would be waiting for Jo to pass me the baton/wristband. I saw her coming towards me and my heart rate leaped. She slapped the wristband on to me and I made my way through the waiting area onto the race route. I tried not to get too excited with my pace as I knew from the other runners that the route wound its way through the trees and on terrain that I hadn’t really trained for.
It didn’t seem so bad for the first mile. A few little hills but nothing too serious. And then at around mile 2 the heavens opened. It wasn’t just a little bit of drizzle either. I’ve never run in rain like that before, ever. Even through the thick of the tree canopy it came down. The mud got thicker and thicker. I shouted at one point, “Give me a break!!” at the sky, like that was going to help! The rain ran down my face and I was struggling to see properly. I’m really not exaggerating here. It was nothing like I’ve seen before. I wanted the downhills to feel good so I could make up some time, but I was unsure of my footing on the slippy grass. Running through the camp lifted my spirits no end. All of the club camping had been set out along the route so people were standing in the rain shouting encouragement. Runners who passed me said how well we were doing, and so I did the same to the runners I passed.

Seeing the Stone part of the track coming in to view I felt a huge sense of elation. The cheerleaders were there jumping up and down with pom poms. Not far now. The finish line came into view and I looked for my teammate to pass the wristband too. I told him that the course had slowly turned into thick chocolate type mud and to be careful.
That’s it. My first lap done. Proud? Who me?!

My next run wasn’t until around 11.30pm so I got dry and made myself busy with the cheerleaders. I realised how important the support had been to me whilst I was running so I stepped up and shook pom poms in the rain for every single runner who passed by.
Preparing for the night run involved me panicking over the dark and trying to work out how to wear my new chest light! I made my way to the start and off we went again. This loop was much harder. People were sliding on the mud everywhere. I tried to run as much as I could but it was so hard. I walked some of the route right on the edge of the path where there wasn’t as much mud! It definitely took my mind off the fact that it was in the middle of the night. I wasn’t alone at any point. There were runners all around. Little torch lights all through the woods bobbing about like stars. When I got to 13.5 miles into my runs I let everyone know by shouting at the top of my voice, “This is the furthest I have ever run!!”. It was the best feeling to have lots of nearby runners whooping and cheering! The finish line came into view where I found my teammate still dressed in his cheerleader dress. Off he went and I was done.
Then I was ready for bed. Someone would wake me up in plenty of time for my next 10k, around 5am.

“Sara. Sara. SARA! It’s 5 o’clock. Time to get up”
And I was off again. The sunrise had been lovely. The rain had stopped. Time for some breakfast. I’m not much of a breakfast eater. I was encouraged to get some porridge down with a cup of tea. Bleugh, but so needed!
I waited in the start area for a while until Jo arrived. Then I was off for my final run. I was going to enjoy this one. I made it more about finishing and less about getting a good time. I actually didn’t feel too bad at all. I made sure that I gave lots of support out on this run. I’d heard how tough it was for the solo runners after running through the night. I made sure that I gave out lots of compliments to anyone I passed. I couldn’t believe how they were all still going. It had been really hard going during the night with the mud and the rain. Legends. Every single one!
The finish line came into view so I gave it a little sprint before wishing my team mate a cheery goodbye. My last lap done.
Heading back to camp I chatted to other runners who had finished their last laps too. Runners from all over the country with one goal. Doing their best. Solos, teams of three, five or more. The camaraderie really was something else. I felt great going back to the cheerleading area again. I threw on a jumper and grabbed the megaphone. I was making sure that everyone got some great support out there. I shouted some really daft stuff. The hopscotch that was drawn on the floor in front of us all was a huge highlight. Most of the solo runners even attempted it after running loads of loops through the night. Amazing! Some runners were, “Too fast for hopscotch” which quickly became one of my catchphrases for the weekend!

“Top job”
“Here comes naked guy again”
“I’ve got a t-shirt like that”, when seeing the bright yellow TR t-shirts that we all got with our medal!
I was having such a laugh. The SMM cheerleaders will be forever etched on my memory!

I was so proud to see so many podium finishers from our club. Everyone did so well. No matter what size our team or what time we did our laps in, everyone felt included.
I can’t wait until next year. Maybe I have a few more laps in me. I’m hoping there won’t be as much rain though. Maybe I should do some training runs in wellies to prepare. Although I’m not sure anything can prepare you for Thunder Run with our club!