FOUR Teignbridge Trotters were among more than 300 runners who took part in the 'Stoke Stampede' on Boxing Day.

The 10k road race at Stoke St Gregory near Taunton, follows a mainly flat course with some small inclines.

Now in its 27th year, all funds go to support the local village playing field.

Gary Clark was the first Trotter home in 43:54 for 60th place, while Graham Penn ran 49:49 to finish 125th.

Caroline Clark was hot on his heels in 49:55, beating her previous best by two seconds, to finish in 127th.

Katrina Duignan completed the team, finishing in 53:21 for 183rd place.

New Year's Day saw Teignbridge Trotters Mark Wotton and Graham Penn in a field of 101 runners at the second Chard Flyer.

The circular, hilly, mixed terrain course took in some disused railway tracks which were very slippery in places and a trip through the woods around Chard Reservoir. The weather was cool and windy and the rain held off.

Wotton, only recently having had the plaster removed from his broken arm, had a very strong run for 58th in 50:54, while Penn was 64th in 52.47. Earlier, three Trotters competed in the 25th running of the Wellington Monument race, organised by Taunton Athletic Club.

Husband and wife John and Tina Caunter, and Michelle Spillar, were among 113 runners taking part.

This hilly but scenic race starts at the village square in Hemyock before climbing and circling the Wellington Monument and returning along the same road to finish at the primary school. It involves a mile of firm stone track and a steep ascent and descent of approximately half a mile.

Tina Caunter raced to the finish in 65th place with a strong time of 50.56. Michelle Spillar came home in 87th place, posting a time of 55.28, while John Caunter was right behind her in 55.31 for 88th place.

HALDON Trail Runners' Matthew Atkins ran his first Killerton Park run on New Year's Eve, storming round the course in 19:07 to take fourth place.