All you need to know about the Stafford Half Marathon this Sunday including route and road closures

The annual event sees everyone from aspiring international athletes to club and fun runners line up on Victoria Road, right next to Victoria Park, and take a 13.1-mile course around Stafford which takes in the sights and sounds of the town, as well as the loud support and applause of people lining the streets.

Held since 1984, the half marathon has grown in size and popularity and is an event that runners love to be part of, coming from the local area and further afield to line up at the start and strive for fast times and big funds for charity.

We've taken a closer look at the history of the event, where it goes and what goes into the day, so please get your running shoes on, stretch your muscles and and get ready to run along this guide to the Stafford Half Marathon.

When is the half marathon taking place and where does it start from?

The Stafford Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 23, with Victoria Park again being home to the Race Village where registration will take place, and the race starting on Victoria Road.

There will also be a Fun Run which will take runners through the historic streets of Stafford.

When did the event first take place?

The first Stafford Half Marathon was held in April 1984 and has grown in popularity with more and more crowds lining the route each year cheering on the runners.

What are the timings for people taking part in the event?

The race village at Victoria Park will open at 8am and be open until 9.45am, allowing people to make enquiries to volunteers at the scene.

From 8.30am, the Safe Bag Storage area will be open, while refreshments will be served at various tents in the race village, before runners will be asked to head to the start area on Victoria Road at around 9.30am.