Sunday 5th July 2009

What fantastic weather we had for the 2009 Stonehaven Half Marathon, especially for the spectators, although it was a little too warm for some of the runners with water very much in demand at the end. An extra bonus on such a fine day was the entitlement of a free dip in the Open Air Pool after the race for all entrants.

For full results go to www.born2run.co.uk

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Despite the heat the race was won in a very fast time by Ben Hukins of Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club who defeated a field of 256 runners to win in a time of 1 hour 15 minutes and 25 seconds, followed a couple of minutes later by Scott Neyedli, of Aberdeen Metros, in a time of 1 hour 17 minutes and 53 seconds who was last years’ winner.

Rebecca Johnson was the first woman home in a time of 1 hour 28 minutes and 7 seconds (of Bellahouston Road Runners) a better result than her third place last year, followed closely by second place woman Pamela Tosh in 1 hour 28 minutes and 55 seconds (of Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club).

The Stonehaven Half Marathon is renowned as one of the hilliest courses in the UK as there is an unrelenting climb for the first 4 miles. This year runners were encouraged on their way by a piper at the top of the climb, and also an extra ‘jelly bean’ station with cheer leaders around the half way mark.

Very popular this year was the Stonehaven Engineering 1K race around Mineralwell Park, there was about 60 youngsters (and some not so young) took part this year, some even managing to finish ahead of their parents or grandparents, all received a medal for efforts. This year a disappointing field of only 18 runners took part in the Ury Estate Fun Run, first place was Ruairidh Mitchell and first female was Jane Kerridge.

One of the biggest winners was CLAN who as the nominated charity for the Stonehaven Half Marathon received sponsorship from a number of runners and also £1 per entry. Donations to the charity are helping with their CLAN 123 Campaign (One charity has 2 years to raise £3 Million) towards their new premises being built in Aberdeen as they have outgrown their current premises. If anyone would like to donate they can do so at www.justgiving.com/CLAN123camapign

For the first time this year there were a number of stalls and attractions to help keep the spectators occupied during the race, this included a Burger Stall run by the Stonehaven Lions Club, the TA providing demonstrations and simulations and stalls run by CLAN, Cats Protection League and MRI, if there are any other clubs and charities that would like a stall next year then contact the organisers through info@stonehavenhalfmarathon.com .