Stroud Half Marathon 2011

Sunday 23rd October

On the same day as the Birmingham half four B&R runners eschewed the chance of television stardom and headed south for the Stroud half instead.

Paul Atkins, Elizabeth Cook, Becky Selvey and Ann Stuart lined up along with nearly two thousand starters for this popular race with a reputation for being a quick course.

The strong winds that were blowing meant P.B.'s were going to be hard to come by but even so, our team delivered some very good runs. Paul was first home in a time of 1.30.33 and in 24th spot in the V40 category. Next was Elizabeth at 1.41.43 in a very good 7th spot in the WV35 group. Elizabeth was followed by Ann in a time of 1.43.51 which was enough to win the WV50 age group! Hot on Ann's heals came Becky who finished in 1.45.16 and 12th place in the WV35's. Becky has only been running seriously for about a year and this was her debut at this distance this was a superb P.B. for Becky.

Sadly, Ann had to leave before collecting her winning prize as husband John Manley was agitating to get home to watch his beloved Manchester City destroy their bitter red rivals from Salford 6-1 in the Manchester derby!

Hopefully the race winners Andrew Lesuudu (1.03.56) and Edith Chelimo (1.14.54) stayed long enough to collect the normally highly lucrative cash prizes on offer for this race.

Well done to everyone!

Especially David Silva!

(John Manley)