Monuments and a stampede for the trotters..............

On Sunday 18th December, husband and wife John and Tina Caunter along with Michelle Spillar took on the “Wellington Monument race”. The event takes place from the Hemyock Village Primary School but the actual race starts from the Catherine Wheel public house in the village square, the route then climbs to and circles the Wellington Monument, returning along the same road to finish at the local village primary school. One mile of firm stone track, a steep ascent and descent of approximately 1/2mile form part of this undulating, hilly, scenic and rural course .113 runners completed it. Tina raced to the finish in 65th place with a strong time of 50.56.Following in her wake was Michelle in 87th place and posting a time of 55.28.John was right behind her in 55.31 and 88th.This was the 25th running of the event and is organised by Taunton Athletic club.

Four hardy trotters took themselves off to race on Boxing day at the “Stoke Stampede” at Stoke St Gregory near Taunton.It was a 10km road race on a mainly flat course with some small inclines. It is now in its 27th year and all funds raised go to the local village playing field.314 runners also joined them. Gary Clark led them home in 43.54 and 60th.Graham “Inky” Penn was next in 49.49 and 125th.Caroline Clark was hot on his heels in 49.55 and 127th and managed to post a PB by 2 seconds! Katrina Duignan then completed the team with 183rd place and 53.21.

Report written by Sharon “Fizz” Bowman

Photos-Top-The wellington monument Middle-Tina in action at the Dawlish Dash Bottom-The four hardy trotters on Boxing Day!(Thanks Inky)