Bayton smashes course record as Half Marathon
A FEELING, hovering somewhere twixt apprehension and downright fear gripped this writer as he drew back the bedroom blinds circa 6 o’clock on Sunday morning September 3rd.
Would it be raining? That was the fear inducing question, as any appreciable precipitation would cause me major issues when taking photos of the race .
It was still and balmy however , good for me .... and excellent for the 400 runners who had signed up for this year’s Hatters Half Marathon promoted by Stockport County Supporters Cooperative and supported by Stockport’s own Robinsons Brewery.
All 400 were lined up at the appointed time and set off heading for the Trans Pennine Trail via the streets of Stockport.
The race has steadily built up a reputation in the three years of its existence and is now well established in the national race calendar.
Some decent runners were attracted this year, with last year’s winner Stockport Harrier James Scott- Buccleuch set to defend his crown, with Sheffield Hallam’s Steve Bayton, a 1.09 man, a clear danger to him claiming a repeat victory.
In the women’s race Sharon Johnstone looked well placed to claim the top prize again.
Starting at 9.30am, the race was quickly into its stride, and it soon became apparent that ScottBuccleuch had a fight on his hands as Bayton surged into an early lead. By half way his lead grew to a staggering five minutes over the Stockport Harrier who had a good gap on the third man , club mate Charlie Batho.
By the time he had made his way to the finish in Alexandra Park, Bayton had extended his lead to over seven minutes on Scott-Buccleuch, as he crossed the line in 1.08.43, smashing the course record by a sensational 6 minutes 53 seconds, with ScottBuccleuch second in 1.1752 and Batho third with a 1.22.23 clocking.
In the ladies race,