Local runner Chris Salmon, currently in the process of running 13 half marathons in 13 weeks in a target of under 1300 minutes for Stone charity STING, was slightly behind his target when he faced the streets of Stafford on Sunday at the town’s annual event.
Chris was running his fifth half marathon in a challenge he’s dubbed ‘STING’s Lucky 13’, as he is participating in order to raise funds for local charity Staffordshire’s Therapeutic Independent Neurological Group – quite a mouthful, hence the acronym, but an extremely worthy cause.
[box type=”info” ]STING, which is Charity of the Year at Wincanton’s National Distribution Centre for Screwfix, where Chris works as a Stock & Systems Analyst, works to support anybody in the area with a neurological condition which includes multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other conditions. The group operates from Unit 22b on Stone’s Whitebridge Estate.[/box]
Chris is hoping to raise £5000 for STING from advertising, sponsorship and donations, and so far has raised over £1500 after just 4 events!
Chris is no stranger to the Stafford course, having already tackled it on 2 previous occasions, and after previous events this year in adverse weather conditions, it was encouraging to find the day starting out well for running. Also, Chris’s personal best was set at a previous run in Stafford, which instilled confidence for the 13.1 miles ahead. Another positive factor for the run was the fact that Chris had several friends and colleagues also taking part, adding to the competitive nature of the event!
The atmosphere at the start of the event in Market Square was electric, with suitably lively entertainment throughout the day from presenters Ian Jones and BBC Radio Stoke’s Perry Spiller. The improved weather resulted in enthusiasm in abundance from the crowds of spectators and supporters lining the streets. A total of 2750 runners lined up for the main event of the Half Marathon, while an amazing 700 youngsters and fun runners enjoyed the shorter support event.
Consequently, many of the runners finished with very good times, and Chris was pleased to finish slightly outside his own personal best in just 1 hr 39 mins. This will help put Chris back on course for his overall target of 1300 mins for all 13 of his half marathons.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Chris’s challenge can do so by visting localgiving.com and pledging an amount on his ‘STING’s Lucky 13’ link. Alternatively, text HALF13 £10 to 70070 to make a £10 donation.
