Rain fails to dampen Stoke Stampede spirits (From Somerset County Gazette)

Rain fails to dampen Stoke Stampede spirits

3:18pm Monday 31st December 2012 in Taunton By Daniel Milligan

ORGANISERS of the annual Stoke Stampede hailed its success after they defied the weather to test out nearly 300 runners and raise £2,500 for the community.

The 10k run around Stoke St Gregory took place on December 30 this year instead of the usual Boxing Day date with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the playing fields.

Adam Speake went round the course in the fastest time of 33 minutes and 57 seconds but was closely followed by Taunton Athletics Club runners Jamie Coles (34.05) and Benjamin Pointing (34.08).

The first female runner in was Holly Lawrence in 38 minutes and 12 seconds and Jamie Barrah won the Eric Hembrow Memorial Cup for being the first placed runner from the parish in an impressive 39 minutes and 45 seconds.

Treasurer for the Playing Fields committee Sara Sollis said: “We have not had the weather and there were a few issues with some of the course being underwater but in the end it went really well.

“I would like to thank all the sponsors and the people who came out of their houses to stand in the rain and cold and support the runners.

“It is an event the whole village is proud of.”