FROME RUNNERS TRIUMPH AT HOME AND ABROAD

 

On Sunday 3^rd April, Frome Running Club members, Sara Elliott and Lucy Heath took in the sights of Paris during the Paris Marathon. On a cold but sunny day, they ran the picturesque course north of the Seine, running from the Champs Élysées and looping back to finish just short of the Arc de Triomphe. Lucy (FV40) finished in 4 hours 25 minutes 42 seconds and Sara (FV60) completed the course in 4 hours 30 minutes 18 seconds, which put her in the top third of ladies in her age category. Formidable, Lucy et Sara!

Fresh faced Sara and Lucy after the Paris marathon

 A little further afield in Morocco, Andrew Smallbone (MV55) took on the mighty challenge of the Marathon des Sables. Around 240 km, or six marathons were run in 6 days (leg 5 included 2 consecutive marathons) in hot and dusty conditions, with even a sandstorm thrown in for good measure. Competitors carry all their kit throughout the entire race, with only water provided at check points. Map reading and survival skills are a necessity! Andrew not only finished this in a very respectable 44 hours 43 minutes and 42 seconds, but he also found himself in the top half of finishers. Well done Andrew, and probably a first for Frome Running Club.

        

Andrew during the 36th Marathon des Sables

 

Closer to home, Dave Perrett participated in the City of Salisbury 10 Mile Road Race, crossing the line in 1 hour 29 minutes 33 seconds. This took place on the north side of Salisbury, following the banks of the River Avon and through the gently undulating Woodford valley, finishing with views of the cathedral spire on the return leg.

Dave at the end of the Salisbury 10 mile race

Lynn Brand was also competing that day, finishing the Butleigh 10 km course in 58 minutes 20 seconds. By contrast, this was a predominantly off-road race, based on the village of Butleigh, near Glastonbury, which followed open field, woodland and included the obligatory hill or two!

Lynn with her Butleigh 10km medal

  Mother and son, Emma and Toby Evans participated in the fast and flat Calne Clock Change 10km Challenge, Emma pipping her son to the post in a competitive time of 54 minutes 27 seconds and Toby finishing in 54 minutes 59 seconds. Well done Emma!

Toby and Emma Evans at the Calne Clock Change 10km Challenge

Meanwhile, Frome stalwart, Dave Perrett, pounded the streets of Yeovil, to complete this half marathon in 2 hours 5 minutes 55 seconds.

  

Yeovil half marathon finisher Dave Perrett

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