11th January 2026 ; a race to remember!

Veni, Vidi, Vici. He came, he ran and he smashed the course record in wet and windy conditions. The big news of the 11th January 2026 race will for a long time be that Tom Webb crushed the best ever time since records were kept in 2007. Dan Stevens set a record of 31.45 in 2008. Tom took it to another level by setting an official time of 30.37. 

We are already looking forward to future events where we are likely to attract athletes who want to measure themselves against this time.

The 2026 race will also be remembered as one which was wet and windy. Although it never properly rained, the drizzle encountered was one of the kind that gets you cold to the bone. Add to that a really nasty wind and an undulating course and you've got the ideal ingredients for a race you'd rather not be reminded about. The experience of 388 finishers on 11th January however tells an entirely different story. Yes, it was tough. Yes, most runners commented especially on how windy parts of the course were. But no, noone regretted taking parts. In fact.... (check our facebook page) there are plenty of mentions of PB's run. Plenty of runners already mentioned they'd love to come back next year (if they can get in).

It was also the first year the David Blackburn shield was awarded to the fastest runner over 50. Laurent Boon can call himself the proud owner (for a year) of the shield after which his name will be engraved on it for eternity. We are extremely thankful to David's family for donating this shield to the Stoke Stampede and assigning it to the over 50's category and proud to have his name linked to the race, he made a licensed one in 1984, for many years to come. 

12th January 2025 ; sweet memories

Welcome to the Report on the traditional January 10k Road Race! From a sell out field of 451 registered runners, 365 started and finished the race.  Most importantly it was a pretty dry one with only the odd puddle along the course and lovely weather throughout the day. Although the race started 15 minutes later than scheduled (due to runners arriving late because of road closures and a peak in the park and ride service),  the atmosphere pre race was electric. Runners took the extra time for a good old catch up with running buddies. Many of them meeting up for the first time since the year started. 

The 10k road race was a thrilling event with a very close finish because of Ian Tyson overtaking Tom Radley in the last few kilometers and finishing within seconds from Tom Barnes, who ran his second only Stampede, after his first attempt nearly 10 years ago.

Many runners, amongst fastest female Hannah Taunton, improved their personal best this year. A special mention for Leanne Bisatt who probably received the biggest cheers from the enthousiastic crowd all three times she ran through the square. The last time she did that she actually was our final finisher for the day in an impressive time of 1.22.31 making it very likely the fastest every last finisher. 

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 37:05. Finishing as fastest local only 1 second down from his time last year.

It has been a brilliant event in our little village, well supported by runners and spectators who knew to find their way to the village shop, the pub and the African Somerset stall for snacks, food and drinks. Many thanks to everyone for your support.