A record 140 runners turned out in baking sunshine at Beeches on Saturday for the Shaw and Whitley Stampede Multi-terrain race, organised by Avon Valley Runners.

Heading out through Whitley to Neston and then back through Atworth and Purlpit to Shaw, the runners tackled some of the most technical and picturesque terrain in the area over the six mile route.

First home in a time of 34.33 minutes was Bart Thomas of Chippenham Harriers, with clubmates Matt Marshall and Paul Dodd hot on his heels, ensuring that Chippenham Harriers also took the men’s team prize.

In the ladies race Natalie Burke of Team Bath Athletics Club retained her 2008 title with a good run in 39.07 from Chippenham’s Michelle Maxwell.

The Harriers did pick up the ladies team prize, however, with and Debbie Jones and Melanie Blackman, providing support to Maxwell.

Chippenham had targeted the event as part of their annual club championship and their dominance at this year’s race also saw age category awards go to Stuart Dinwoodie (Male Veteran Over 40), Melanie Blackman (Female Veteran Over 40) and Joyce Dodd (Female Veteran Over 50).

Steve Watts of Calne Running Club came first in the Male Veteran Over 50 category while Corsham’s Clive Power led the way in the Over 60 division.

Corsham claimed a unique double in the age group with Paula Phillips being the first female to cross the line.

Accompanying the Stampede was the two-mile Kanter, in which a field of over 50 runners covered the first and final miles of the Stampede course.

Eleven-year-old Hermione Templar-Gay, of Shaw, was the first to cross the line in an impressive 13.31, just ahead of Nick Watts.

Avon Valley runners also took part in the Pewsey 10k race on Sunday. Tony Griffith led the Male Over 70 field in a time of 1:15.48.