New route revealed for Stafford Half Marathon 2026
- Chris Shepherd
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Stafford Half Marathon organisers have revealed the official 2026 route, confirming a Sunday 22 March 2026 race day with start and finish on Victoria Road and the event village based in Victoria Park.
Organisers say the updated route is designed to show off Stafford while minimising disruption, making use of infrastructure such as the Isabel Trail and Two Waters Way where possible, while recognising the event cannot be fully off-road.
What the 2026 route looks like
A published route map shows the course looping around Stafford with mile markers and clearly signposted support points (water, toilets and first aid). The official event information confirms:
Start: Victoria Road
Finish: Victoria Road
Race village (enquiries, baggage etc): Victoria Park
Half marathon start time: 10:00am
Fun Run start time: around 10:10–10:15am
Organisers have said more information will follow over the coming weeks. While detailed road closure information has not been released yet, the race pack information confirms there will be closures in place and asks residents and runners to allow extra travel time on the day.
A look back: last year’s winners
The 2025 race winners were:
Men’s winner: Jason Bennett (01:10:13)
Women’s winner: Chloe Hawkins (01:24:24)
(You also shared screenshots of the 2025 results showing Bennett and Hawkins as winners, plus additional top-three placements.)
Key rules and runner information (as published)
Here is the practical breakdown published by the organisers.
Eligibility and event rules
The half marathon is open to runners aged 17+. Under-18s require parental/guardian permission via the online system.
The race is 13.1 miles, accurately measured, and run under UK Athletics rules (licence application noted as pending).
Minimum pace: 12 minutes per mile.
Course closure: the course starts to close from 12:30pm and roads are expected to be reopened by about 1:00pm.
Entries, refunds and transfers
Entries are non-refundable and cannot be deferred for 2026.
Entries can be transferred via Active Network up to 4 February 2026. The new runner pays the full entry; the original runner is refunded minus a £10 fee.
Anyone running without a valid paid entry in their own name may be disqualified.
Safety and on-course rules
In-ear / over-ear headphones are not allowed. Bone-conducting headphones are permitted.
The race is not suitable for buggies/pushchairs, and the course is not suitable for wheelchair athletes or hand-cycles.
Runners cannot be accompanied by cyclists, pets or other animals (only official lead bikes permitted).
Runners are asked to keep left, follow marshals and signage, and note that not all roads are closed.
Race numbers, baggage and results
Your race number includes chip timing and should be worn on the front of your top, with emergency (SOS) details completed.
Bag storage: available in Victoria Park race village 8:30am–1:00pm.
Prize giving: 12:30pm in Victoria Park (open top 3 male and female).
Medals are awarded to all finishers on race day.
The 1 mile Fun Run is back too
Alongside the half marathon, there is also a 1 mile Fun Run, which is typically the one where people dress up and make it a bit of a family-friendly occasion. The organisers highlight spot prizes for best dressed.
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