The 34th Stur Half Marathon saw 331 runners cross the finish line in Sturminster Newton on 3rd August, with entrants travelling not just from across Dorset but from as far afield as Europe and Texas.
This year the race formed part of the Dorset Road Race League, and doubled as the county half marathon championships.
Lester James of Team Bath AC was first man home in 1:10:59, while Isabel Zanconato of Purbeck Runners took the women’s title in 1:28:06.
There was plenty of local pride too. Dorset Doddler Emma Mogridge finished as first Dorset woman in 1:19:12, and fellow club runner Rich White was the first Sturminster Newton resident in 1:16:21. Ages ranged from 17 to 85, with milestones including 40th and 70th birthdays – and even a wedding celebration – marked on the course.
The companion 5K event continues to grow, attracting 50 finishers this year. Wins went to Wilfred Hughes in 17:08 and Emily Shaw in 18:03.
Proceeds from the day go to the Vale Family Hub, with thanks due to the many marshals, volunteers, the High School, and local sponsors including Honeybuns, Root & Vine, Harts of Stur, Oltra, Running Free and Symonds & Sampson.
The Doddlers’ next race is The Stickler on 26th October – details at thestickler.co.uk.
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