Stoke Stampede
Released On 10th Jan 2026
Weekend Running
From Helen: A rather damp Sunday 10 miler this morning thanks all for joining me, and waiting for me at times due to my achy DOMS legs! Think I kinda enjoyed it, now it’s over , definitely enjoyed the nice social in the cafe after anyways with my lovely latte (thank you Anna) and my yummy munchie flapjacks.
From Richard: A surprisingly good turnout out for the Sunday long run this morning in the wind and rain, 10 miles doing the Odcombe to Sutton Bingham loop, great effort all.
Communifit 5k/10k series
From Kim: 3 of us from club doing communifit 5k/10k series @Sherborne Sunday morning.
Stoke Stampede
From Margarita: A wet, cold and windy Stoke Stampede 10km today, nice to see a few of the club with the normal trying to gather everyone for a photo.
From Sarah: First Female Vet 60+ home today at the Stoke Stampede in the wind and rain. Happy days
SOCIAL HIKE AT SHERBORNE - SUNDAY 18TH JAN 10AM OUTSIDE THE ABBEY
From Mark: Just a quick update:
1) THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED. So far, 36 including myself have expressed an interest in the walk. Me, Lindsay, Stephen, Amanda, Ann, Chris Holt, Gareth, Rachael, Sue Malinson, Jo, Paul, Rachael, Sarah, Dom, Steve Lye, Lesley Tony, Linda, Steve, Michael Bird, Rob, Alison, June, Adam, Helen, Anne-Marie, Chris, Ritchie, Kelly, Lawrie, Mel C, Mike Kendrick, Denise, Paul Card, Sarah Davies, and Sharon.
2) THE WALK. It will be a clockwise loop of around 12 miles (I estimate), with town streets, off-road tracks, paths, fields, woods, and quiet country lanes. Some steep hills as well. There will probably be mud in places as well. The walking pace will match the slowest walkers. So we will aim to stay together as one group. Faster walkers can wait at the next junction, or walk back to make up extra distance.
3) THE WEATHER. The walk will not be cancelled due to bad weather. On some of my previous organised walks it has hammered down with rain. If there is a forecast of rain, then please dress accordingly. I fully understand if people drop out due to bad weather.
4) OPTIONAL REFRESHMENTS/MEAL AFTERWARDS.
Please can you indicate if you would like to stop in Sherborne afterwards for a meal in one of the Pubs.
I haven't formally arranged for eating.
Obviously if there are 36 of us, we are unlikely to be accommodated at one pub. The easiest solution would be to split into 2 or 3 groups, each going to a different pub. Some of the choices are The Half Moon, Britannia Inn, and Digby Tap. Lets see how many are eating.
5) PARKING. You might be lucky to find free on-road parking close to the Abbey. Otherwise there are several charging public car parks in the town centre. Hopefully there is no Sunday Market taking place this day.
Park Runs
From Chris: Cranbrook park run today, very chilly start to the day, ice still under foot and slippery all round. 3 lap out and back course, tight in some places but overall plenty of space. Start line is near the station, but finish line is a good 5 min walk from start. The free car park makes up for it. Marshalls all cheerful and friendly with lots of encouragement. Certainly far from form, but it was nice to just get back out there again and run.
From Debbie: Whilst at a Butlins big weekender ran the Minehead Parkrun. Beautiful morning, new PB, 1st in age category and 5th female. Well pleased considering I felt sick due to the wine last night!
From Jo: Fantastic turn out of green & whites at St Matthew’s Field parkrun this morning. Despite the icy chill, it was a beautiful morning. Great to have Adam Hawkins back out with us with his new “half” knees.
PUB RUN – SOUTH PETHERTON – (8TH JANUARY 2025)
From Mark: The first Pub Run of the new year on a day of wind and rain. Phil, Rob, Mel and myself did a hike of just over 3 miles. Ann, Guy, and Stephen ran fast.
Leaving the pub we headed through the village towards Carey’s Hollow. Ascending the hollow I just hoped the trees would stand up against the wind, and there would be no mud slides. There was plenty of mud and water on the road. We continued to Fouts Cross. Where exposed, the wind was quite cold. It was incredibly atmospheric on this part of the walk. At the top we turned right and from thereon it was quite sheltered. Before reaching Compton Dundon, we turned right, and headed back to South Petherton. After a couple climbs we reached the village, and made our way back to the pub via the church.
Thanks Phil for organising, and thanks Mel for the photo. The pub was welcoming, and the food was good.
