The race is over, and there were 360 entries, with 319 finishers in the half marathon – a fantastic turnout! Thomas Corbin of Poole AC was the overall winner of the race, in a brilliant winning time of 1:12:12. First lady was Vicki Ingham from Poole Runners, in a time of 1:22:41.
The first local runners were Rich White of Dorset Doddlers and Emma Mogridge – who has since joined the Doddlers!
The oldest runners were Geoff Scott of Poole Runners and Patricia Seabrook of Finch Coasters. A big thank you to Ruby Else-White, our local European Youth Boxing Champion, who started both races before helping at a water station with other young boxers from Stur ABC. Unfortunately she had an important football match in the afternoon, so couldn’t help at the presentation, but her fellow boxer, National Champion Freddie Norman, stepped in.
Another huge thank you to Honeybuns, who have been providing the runners with race cakes for more than 20 years – this year an even bigger Team Honeybun took part in the race too!
Our local supporters must be mentioned – the High School, Harts of Stur and Barbers Cheese for the local prizes, and Root & Vine in town for supplying the oranges. Thank you to Race Timing Solutions, who organised the race entries and results. They also made our medals and trophies.
Richard & Tracy White, from On The Road Motorcycle Training, opened the course, followed by our lead cyclists, Shams Wahab, Sara Cross and Andrew Cross.
Following at the back were our sweepers – the two Richards, who made sure everyone came in under three hours. An exception was made for Patricia Seabrook of the Finch Coasters: at 85 she was our oldest runner. She knew she would take a bit longer, so she started an hour earlier … and still finished in just over three and half hours!
Around the course were marshals and water stations manned by The Blackmore Vale Lions, Run Blandford, Doddlers – some in fancy dress – and lots of friends and family.
Our race village provided refreshments from The Really Tiny Coffee Co: as always we were provided with excellent barista coffee. Lindsey from Big Bun, Little Bun did a very good job of refuelling the runners and helpers after the race, and Peter looked after rehydration at our own Doddler Running Bar. Massage was provided by Pete from Pete’s Functional Fitness Club, with proceeds going to help Julia’s House Hospice.
While the race was in progress the children were entertained with fun races on the school field and then enjoyed a free Fat Sam’s Ice-Cream. The Vale Pantry joined forces with us by collecting donations of unwanted new running kit – thank you to all who donated, this will help others get into running, a sport that we all love.
Stur 5K
The Stur 5K has gained in popularity since its relaunch three years ago with a new and improved course. We’ve received great feedback about the new route, and with the emphasis firmly putting the Fun into the Run, this year’s race attracted more than 60 runners.
The Stur 5K sees the runners start just after the Stur Half, before taking in a beautiful course along Jubilee Fields and a scenic loop of Hinton St Mary before joining the Half Marathon route to cross the finish line. First over the line was Ed Rees (18m 18s), setting set the course record for the new route. He was followed closely by Tom Andrews (18m 45s), and third place went to Finn Powell (20m 28s). First Lady was Ayla Chard (20m 35s), second was Harriet Scott (22m 52s), followed over the line by mum, Samantha (22m 53s). First Local Male and Female went to Zagarin Cosmin and Abigail Horne respectively, and First Male and Female Dorset Doddlers were Anthony Down and Charley Mack.
By Christine Willis, Race Organiser
- You can view more photos of the races from our official race photographer Charles Whitton.
- See you all next year – save the date: Sunday 3rd August 2025
- The next Doddler race is the famous Stickler on Sunday 27th October thestickler.co.uk
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