TEAMS are preparing costumes and vehicles for the fiercely contested pram race through the streets of Sticklepath, South Tawton and South Zeal, which takes place next month. The popular event, which involves teams of five people racing from pub to pub through the villages, is now in its 28th year. As is traditional, it will take place on the first Sunday in October, which this year falls on the seventh. Verner Jeffreys of the Devonshire Inn, one of the pubs on the route, said: ?Time is running out for pram building and outrageous costume making. ?This year we hope teams will go for sponsorship.? After last year?s appallingly wet start, £500 was raised and donated to the local conservation group STOCS. The madcap race features prizes for pram construction, costumes, and speed. Having a drink in each of the five pubs along the way is required, and although they need not be alcoholic, in past years soft drinks have seldom been ordered. Runners must be 18 ? no drinks should be taken en route.