Frome runners undeterred by February storms

Frome runners at the Longleat 10K

February got off to a flying start for Frome Running Club with the Pilgrim’s Challenge, a two-day, 66-mile ultra marathon over the North Downs Way. Andrew Smallbone took part in the first day of the race on February 1, completing the 33-mile route in 06:05:53. The weekend continued in style with local favourite the Longleat 10K. Anthony Sprules (MV60) was the first Fromie to finish in a time of 00:44:27, bagging first in category. He was followed by Jo Fordham (FV45) in 00:47:25 (1st in category), Ben Spicer (MSEN) in 00:48:37, Stuart Stenhouse (MSEN) in 00:49:48, Barrie Knight (MV60) in 00:54:13, Lucy Williams (FV40) in 00:55:32, Neil Grist (MV55) in 00:56:58, Chapper Boulton (MV60) in 00:57:36 and Nigel Williams (MV60) in 01:10:48. On the same day, Frome stalwart Peter Clardy, took part in a very muddy Bowerhill Bomber. Peter completed the 10K route in 00:50:28, coming in in 16th position overall. The following Saturday saw a new addition to the local race calendar with the inaugural Dark Horse 10k. This night-time run takes athletes through a ghostly sculpture garden and offers amazing long-reaching views over the Bristol Skyline. David White (M40-49) finished first for Frome in 00:51:36, followed by Ellie Burford (FSEN) in 01:01:08 and Harry Ebdon (M50-59) in 01:07:23.
Yet more Frome runners were in action the following weekend at Castle Combe’s famous race circuit for the Chilly 10K. Despite strong winds courtesy of storm Dennis, Barrie Knight (supervet60) crossed the line in 00:51:07. He was followed by Catherine Gregory (FSEN) in 00:59:25. Another local favourite drew runners to Pewsey on Saturday February 23 for the Terminator – a challenging multi-terrain course of around 12 miles with several climbs and an infamous sting in the tail. Ian Holmes (MV50) and Lynne Brand (FV55) were flying the flag for Frome here. Ian crossed the line in 01:57:49, followed by Lynn in 02:15:49, whose time earned her 2nd position in category. Lee Stone and Andrew Smallbone put the perfect finish on the month also on February 23 at the Three Sisters 10K race. Starting in Warminster, this challenging 10K route takes runners out over Battlesbury, Middle and Scratchbury hills, more affectionately known as the Three Sisters. Lee Stone finished in third position overall with a time of 00:52:47 while Andrew’s time of 00:56:09 earned him 6th position overall.

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.