There were runaway performances at the 2023 Uttoxeter Festival of Running (Sunday 30 April), a new M75 course record and a world record attempt by a Cannock based firefighter. All these and more at a well supported event where half the profits were donated to a local mental health and wellbeing charity.

There was a good mix of participants in the Half Marathon, 10K and Junior 2K at Sunday’s running festival, organised by Uttoxeter Road Runners. The Half Marathon was also Race number 5 in the NSRRA League programme and provided a challenge that people rose to on the day.

Under 16’s warmed up at 9.30am ahead of the Junior 2K at 9.45 on Uttoxeter Racecourse. This was followed by the Junior prize giving at 11am.

Pure Gym Uttoxeter led an energetic warm up for runners in the Half Marathon and 10K before the start of their races at 10.30am.  They tackled a scenic route in the Staffordshire countryside with hills and descents to test every level of fitness. Not an easy course for anyone aiming for a goal time but help was on hand via the 20-strong black shirted PB pacers.

In the Half Marathon, last year’s men’s champion Carl Moulton of Boalloy RC retained his title, winning the 2023 race in 1:15:12. Ashley Hurdman of South Derbyshire Road Runners was second in 1:16:20 and Callum Abberley of Burton AC third in 1:19:00.

The flying feet of City of Stoke AC’s Emma Taylor propelled her across the line as the women’s winner in 1:20:59. Stoke FIT’s Amanda Kelly was second in 1:27:56 with Trentham RC’s Isabella Shaw third in 1:284.

Kevin Uzzell proved that age is indeed a number as the Stone MM runner posted a new M70 course record of 1:50:46.

Staying with record breaking runs... Mitch Stafford ran the half marathon wearing his full firefighter kit as part of his fundraising on behalf of Uttoxeter Juniors Football Club. He finished in 2:04:55 and is awaiting confirmation of a world record.

Over in the 10K it was victory for John Muddeman of Notts AC in 35:42. James McCann of Cannock & Stafford AC followed him in 36:09 with Chris Horton of BADGERS RC third in 36:46.

Emily Merrison was the female winner in 39:51 followed by Sarah Julius in 46:33 and Emily Sanders of Ashbourne RC in 47:25.

View all the results from the Half Marathon, 10K and Junior 2K via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page.      

50% of event proceeds go to Your Emotional Support Service (YESS) who are based in Uttoxeter and provide a range of services across the Midlands.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).