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Both old & young stun Stampede with mega fast time

10th March 2024 - 11 AM

IT WAS CERTAINLY WORTH THE WAIT


10th March (Mothering Sunday) made for a great race day

Welcome to the Report on the March 10k Road Race! With a record 539 registered runners, 369 finished the race despite some unable to start due to injuries or commitments like Mother's Day. Most importantly it was a pretty dry one with only the odd puddle along the course and lovely weather throughout the day.


The recent 10k road race, postponed from January, was a thrilling event with notable highlights.


Tom Webb, a remarkable 15-year-old talent from Wells HC, stunned spectators by clinching victory with an impressive time of 32:21. This is only 9 seconds off the junior record and not even far off the overal course record. Certainly a talent to watch. 

In the over 70's category, Paul Shapland claimed the top spot, crossing the finish line in 43:47. This highly respected runner from Bideford AAC took part for the second time. Other familiar faces in Ian Tyson (2nd male) and Joanna Carritt (1st Female) once again exhibited their superb performance at this exciting race.


Traditionally being a local running event the organisers were particularly excited to see Stoke St Gregory resident Russel Roberts, Taunton AC athlete) finish in a smashing 37:04. Not only did he finished 6th overall, he also claimed second spot in his age category and is now the proud owner for a year of the local fastest runner. 


Probably the favourite 10K in the South West since 1984

All about the Stoke Stampede

 

It all started with a fun pram race between the two pubs in the village and has grown into a must run 10K race in the South West race calendar as a fundraiser for the playing field in the Village of Stoke St Gregory. The first actual race was held Boxing Day 1984

 

For many years the race was run between Christmas and New Year but in recent years an early January Sunday has become the new date. The Stoke Stampede is seen as an ideal start of the  running calendar. Both by beginners as well as by experienced and highly trained athletes. The undulating terrain with only the odd steep climb in the course is challenging enough to make the race interesting, yet achievable for the novice runner.

 

The village feel is important to the organisers of the race. Friendly marshalling is therefore guaranteed. The race organisation though is tight as the race is run under a UK Athletics licence. The professionalism is showing in the attention to health and safety of runners as well as in online registration and chip timing.

* 2024 race has been held 10th March. No date has been set for 2025 race. Further information expected by Summer 2024

 

* This race is UK athletics licenced under ID : TBA


* Chip timing and finish video for all runners


* 550 running places (2024 prices were ; affliated £22 / unaffiliated £24)

 

* Runners minimum age 15 at time of race

 

* confirmation of race registration by email by Runbritain

 

* full pre race info by Stoke Stampede Mailchimp email late December

 

* Collection of race numbers from Williams Hall Stoke St Gregory (dates and times announced in email to runners late December)

 

* Basic changing facilities. Portaloos outside Williams Hall

 

* course marked with KM signs /  water station at 5km and finish

 

* Medal for all finishers and medals for category winners

 

* hot and warm refreshments and snacks available in the square from the Royal Oak pub and shop

Keeping everyone safe

Covid measures at the Stoke Stampede
(only applicable if government restrictions are imposed)


First and foremost ; we follow government guidelines and do expect runners and spectators to do the same. Fingers are crossed open air sports events can continue to go ahead.


Furthermore ; Stoke St Gregory is a small community and proud to have been hardly affected by Covid. Mainly because we respect each others personal space whilst this virus is around. We expect anyone visiting the village for the Stoke Stampede to respect that personal space too. It is with this in mind that we have defined what we, and you!, need to do to keep everyone Covid safe on race day. 


What have we put in place to reduce any Covid risk during the Stoke Stampede ?  

  • as per government guidelines we need runners and spectators NOT to attend if they show any kind of symptoms that could relate to Covid 
  • we strongly advise everyone attending the Stoke Stampede to do a lateral flow test within 24 hours before the race and only attend if the test result is negative
  • we strongly advise everyone to wear face coverings in areas (inside and outside) where personal space is less than 1.5M.  (this applies to the start and finish area too but not to the actual race itself)
  • Collection of race numbers will be arranged differently this year. There will be an opportunity to collectrace numbers either on the Saturday or on the morning of the race from the Williams Hall. Full details will be supplied to registered runners by email late December.
  • Sanitizing stations will be available at the Williams Hall
  • To avoid overcrowding the toilet areas in the Williams Hall will be closed, however portaloos will be available right outside the hall just like previous years.
  • There will be a very strict one way system in the Williams Hall on race day.
  • Registered runners ONLY will be allowed in the Williams Hall. Friends/family will NOT be allowed in the queue / area for race number collection.
  • Runners are allowed to use the Williams Hall after they have picked up their race number however once they have left the building they will not be allowed in (until after the race if they need to collect personal belongings)
  • There will be no need to enter emergency contact details on the back of the race number by pen as you had to during previous events. Instead the emergency details you have provided us with will be printed on the back of the race number already.
  • Marshalls handling registration envelops / water bottles / medals will either follow sanitizing guidelines /  use gloves
  • Race medals will be handed rather than hung around the neck.
  • A park and ride service is not possible. Parking however will be arranged on the playing field in the center of the village at short walking distance to the village square and Williams Hall.


The Royal Oak is open for business from 9AM on Sunday and will have their own Covid measures in place as per government guidelines. 


We wish you all a Covid Safe Stoke Stampede Experience and thank you all for your cooperation.