The PUMA Stockport 10 - not just any race....

...but the whole shebang! The Stockport 10 is always a great event, with unique entertainment and goody bag, but it surpassed even its own standards today, offering the runners everything they could wish for in terms of organisation, friendly marshals, superb (as always) goody bag, post-event food and there was even a no-expense-spared opening ceremony compèred by the famous sports commentator, Tom Potson. (Pictured with some of his adoring fans).

I am very proud of this event. I am one of the hard-working committee members and there is no better feeling than the one we had this afternoon, as we sat with a pint in the Strawberry Gardens public house, with the race done and dusted knowing that everything had gone well and the runners were all returning home, not quite believing what they had just experienced. You see, this has grown from a fairly ordinary annual road race to the spectacle that it is today where every runner is recognised and rewarded for the hard work and training they have put in by being treated to an event that encompasses everything that you would expect to find at a major championship. Personal treatment and a no-expense-spared opening ceremony is not just for the elite but for all who take part in the PUMA Stockport 10.

As the runners streamed into Woodbank Park this morning, little did they know of the treat that was in store. They were greeted by the famous sports commentator, Tom Potson, who directed them to a smooth running registration and explained where they could find everything from the portaloos to the doughnut van (and also let them into a well-kept secret about Kenyan and Ethiopian runners' pre-race favourite food). Then, as time drew closer to the 10am start time, the opening ceremony began:

After a trip down Stockport memory lane celebrating famous exports such as Robinson's Beer, the hat making heritage and landmarks such as the viaduct, introductions to famous Stopfordians such as Mike Yarwood, Judith Chalmers, Ricky Hatton, Yvette Fielding, Martin Fry and Fred Perry were made before the runners were taken on a preview of the race route. Then, with all stood aghast, the runners of the PUMA Stockport 10, were treated to an impressive flypast including a Tiger Moth, Learjet, the Jet 2 flight from Tenerife, a helicopter, flock of geese, giant mosquito, Lancaster Bomber and the Red Arrows with the grand finale of a space ship. It was unfortunate that, after a sunny start to the day, the clouds came in, just before this display and so vision of some of those flying past was marred but it, nevertheless, got the adrenalin flowing and, as the starters gun sent the runners on their way, all 1100 went off with a spring in their step.

As the race progressed through both urban and rural surrounding areas, all hands were on deck in the finishing arena, sorting the bags in the baggage drop area so that, upon finishing, runners could quickly identify their belongings and the famous goody bags were set out by the finishing funnel. It didn't seem five minutes (but it was actually around ten times longer than that) until the first runner came motoring back onto the track and into the finish. That runner was Andrew Davies (handicap MINUS 4.7) who represented Wales at this year's Commonwealth Games. I managed to have a quick chat with Andy after the race and he confirmed what I knew, that the PUMA Stockport 10 is unrivaled in its professional approach and even the Commonwealth Games pales into insignificance in comparison. The first female finisher was Ali Lavender, another Welsh international elite runner. When all 1100 starters were back safe and sound it was time for the presentations and then the break-down of all the branding, tents and portaloos before setting off to the pub for a well-earned pint and debrief of this year's event.

Thanks to all who ran. This video is for your entertainment and to thank the sponsors of the goody bag.

If you ran this race, or any other this weekend, don't forget to claim your handicap.You could be our 50,000th handicap claimant! We are sure it will go tonight - join the other 49,9** and enjoy the benefits and motivation that the handicap scoring system will bring to you!