Here's a short video of the start of the 2012 Zoo Stampede . .

This year we had the most beautiful morning for the Whipsnade Zoo Stampede . . unless, that is, you were about to run the three laps of the Zoo grounds that go to make up the 10k course . .

 . . when I arrived the start line was just about ready and the marshals had been briefed and were moving into position . .

 . . registration was taking place, people were sitting in the shade at 9 o'clock in the morning, and some looked to be in more need of the shade than others . .

 . . after an invigorating (and from my perspective - entertaining) pre-race warm up, everyone lined up behind the start line . . the hooter sounded and just a few moments later over 500 runners were on their way around ZSL Whipsnade Zoo . .

 . . it was warm work standing still so goodness knows how it felt to be running hard . . or even cycling, for that matter . .

. . and it was good to have company . .

. . I managed to get back to the finish line in time to see a few of the runners finish . .

. . and once the running was over, enjoyed a stroll round the Zoo catching up with old friends . .

I'm very grateful to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for inviting me to be the official race photographer again this year, and as always I have to thank the runners for their tired waves and smiles . .

Please use the buttons below and at the top left of each page to find your way around the photos . .