Frome runners successfully complete Virtual London Marathon

Neil and Paul (in yellow) at the start of their marathon
with their Frome Running Club support runners

Like so many other sporting events, this year’s London Marathon was cancelled for everyone except elite athletes. Instead of running through the capital on Sunday 4 October, however, the 45,000 non-elite participants were able to complete the 26.2-mile distance on a course of their choosing. Two Frome athletes were among the hardy souls braving the wind and rain on Sunday.

Neil Grist and Paul Waterer ran three laps of a course measuring just under 9 miles. The two Frome club runners had plenty of support along the way, with family and friends driving alongside them cheering, playing music and running with them. They also received great support from fellow runners at Frome Running Club, with members running and pacing them in groups of two and three throughout the entire route. The club also set up a water and feed station for the two runners, allowing them to refuel after every lap. “It certainly was different running in loops but it was nice to know what to expect and where all the hills were,” explained Paul Waterer. “We missed being carried by the huge crowds of London, but the people that were there in Frome meant a great deal to us, so in some ways we felt more supported!” The extra support certainly seemed to have helped them on their way. Paul completed the marathon in 4:04:36 followed a short while later by Neil in 04:34:58.

“We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Frome Running Club for all their support and hard work in recreating the magic of the London Marathon, even presenting us with medals and goodie bags at the end. We genuinely don't think we could have done it without them and will always remember such a special day,” concluded Neil. The pair are already thinking about their next London Marathon. Neil has his place for next year confirmed while Paul is waiting for confirmation as to when, in the next three years, he will be able to run.