WITH the race ownership baton for the Wellington Monument run being passed to Taunton AC from long standing, successful race director Pete Hart, the team were out in force yesterday.

Not only did they impress on the slopes, they also worked hard behind the scenes to help the event run as smoothly as possible.

The team prize was taken by Taunton on home ground Luke Scott, second in 33m 59s, Alex Rogers (38m 44s), first lady Rachel Langbein (40m) and Julian Ridgley (40m 29s) making up the successful team quartet.

Other team members following in their footsteps were Mark Jones (45.42), Declan Rogers (52.43) and Sharron Kington (55.32).

The club's younger contingent led the way for the TAC team at the Stoke Stampede.

From a total of 293 runners Jamie Coles was second overall (and first Junior) in 34m 5s, outsprinting team mate Ben Pointing, third in 34m 8s. In 33rd place was Martin Bluemel in 41m 39s and 45th Mark Jones in 42m55s.

For the women Sharron Kington ran 51m 41s, Suzi Griffiths 63m 10s and Liz Pointing 66m 34s.