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.
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.
* 2025 race will be run Sunday 12th January 2025 (11 am start)
* This race is England Athletics licenced under ID : 2025-28263
* Online registration only via England Athletics Runevents site
* Chip timing and finish video for all runners
* 450 running places. Entry ; affliated £22 / unaffiliated £24)
* Runners minimum age 15 at time of race
* confirmation of race registration by email by England Athletics
* 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