Clear skies for Frome runners

The second half of March proved to be kinder to runners than in the previous year. There was certainly no snow in sight for participants in the Larmer Tree Half Marathon on the beautiful Rushmore Estate in Dorset. On Saturday, 9 March, Marcus Gaffney (M45) was the first runner to finish for Frome in a time of 02:17:19. He was followed by Lucy Gaffney (F45) in 02:32:00, Dave Perrett (M40) in 02:47:30 and Clare Dunning (F30) in 02:48:21.

The following day saw the return of the Longleat 10K, which had been postponed from February 3 due to snow. Andrew Smallbone (MV50) was the first Frome Club runner to cross the line, posting a time of 00:43:08. Hot on his heels was Ted Sprules, who finished in 00:43:55. He was followed by Stuart Stenhouse (MSEN) in 00:46:35, Harry Ebdon (MV50) in 00:46:42 and Dave Oliver (MSEN) in 00:49:14. Sarah Smallbone(FV50) posted a time of 00:52:36, followed by Richard Turner (MV45) in 00:54:34, David Millard (MV55) in 00:57:07, Martin Ward (MV60) in 01:01:09 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 01:17:36.

Unlike last year’s event, which was cancelled courtesy of the Beast from the East, the Bath Half Marathon took place on cool, bright Sunday morning on 17 March. A bevy Frome runners took full advantage of the perfect running conditions, putting in sterling performances across the board. Joseph Donworth crossed the line in 01:14:39, followed by Pete Grist in 01:17:26, Pete Larman in 01:34:36 and Nick Cooper in 01:34:35. Kat Uphill was the first Frome woman to finish in a time of 01:34:39. She was followed by Peter Clardy in 01:40:31, Peter Reed in 01:45:43, Lynn Brand in 01:47:15, Chris Steele in 01:58:09, Anne Porter in 02:02:55 and Ali Smith in 02:08:55.

Frome Running Club offers both on and off-road training and welcomes new members, whatever the ability. For more details, visit www.fromerunningclub.co.uk.