ON a day when one runner regained the Stafford half marathon title, another retained her crown for a second successive year.
Stone based athlete Ben Gamble (Tipton Harriers) claimed his third Stafford victory when crossing the finish line in Market Square in 68.45.
He finished more than four minutes clear of his nearest challenger, Carl Moulton (Boalloy RC) who finished in 72.51.
This year's race again attracted a full to capacity 2,500 runners with third spot going to Halesowen club runner Richard White in 73.19.
Completing the top seven were, Mitch Blundell (Cannock and Stafford) 74.00, Matthew Smith (South Cheshire Harriers) 74.27, Julian Goodwin (Boalloy RC) 75.01 and another former race winner, Chris Hollinshead (Stafford Harriers) in 75.45.
Holding on to the ladies title was Mandy Vernon (Trentham RC) who was also a clear victor, finishing 43rd overall in 82.01.
Her nearest rivals were Nicki Nealon (Huncote Harriers) in 82.24 and yet another past Stafford champion Rebecca Harrison (Cheadle RC) in 85.44.
See Thursday's Newsletter for special four page pull-out on the 2013 Stafford half marathon, including verdicts from the two winners and much more, also coverage of the popular school and family fun run. For full Stafford half marathon results go online at www.theresults.co.uk
