A LOCAL running club has smashed its fundraising target for Salisbury Hospice Charity.

City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club (CoSARC) raised £2,500 for the hospice, with walkers and runners from around the UK taking part in the Stonehenge Stomp, a LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) Challenge Event on January 28. 

The Stomp was started by the Amesbury Walkers 35 years ago to enjoy and appreciate the stunning local landscape.

For the last three years, it has been organised solely by CoSARC, who saved the event from closure.

Evolving to include a variety of distances to suit all abilities, everyone is welcome to attend the community-minded event and take part: runners, ramblers, walkers, families and dog walkers.

The popular event sells out each year and is well supported by local landowners and businesses.

Amesbury Distribution Park allowed use of its car park and Tesco Amesbury’s Community Champion supported the event by contributing 22kgs of biscuits. 

This year’s Stonehenge Stomp was the first organised in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity. Every year, the hospice provides specialist palliative care to 1,000 local people with life-limiting conditions. 

CoSARC set a fundraising target of £1,000 for the 2024 Stonehenge Stomp. However, after the event had ended it was clear the target had been smashed.

Club secretary and Event Director Jane Knight said: "On behalf of the entire team at Salisbury Hospice Charity we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who sprinted, jogged or walked in this year’s Stonehenge stomp!

"Your incredible efforts raised an impressive £2,500, and we are deeply grateful for your generous support -especially as this marked your first Stomp in support of charity.

"Your contribution is invaluable to the Hospice, and we thank you once again for making such a significant difference.”