London calling

Frome at the Corsham 10K

The racing season got well and truly underway in April with local runners spoilt for choice in terms of terrain and distance. Things got off to a great start on 2 April with the Devizes half marathon. Flying the flag for Frome Running Club were Alexander Fisher (M40) and Chris Dayman-Johns (MS) who posted times of 01:39:56 and 01:58:53 respectively. Over in Yeovil the following Monday, the Easter Bunny 10K offered runners the perfect opportunity to burn off any Easter overindulgences. Ted Sprules (MV60) was the first Frome runner to crosse the line in 00:42:56, a speedy time that earned him second in category. He was followed by Julie Chilvers (FV45), who raced past the post in 00:51:40.
Saturday April 22 offered some real offroad treats for trail enthusiasts. Clare Dunning ventured over to the Pembrokeshire coastline to take part in the Endurance Pembrokeshire Half Marathon, completing the challenging coastal route in 03:10:29. Over in Bath, Dave Perrett and Giles Padfield took part in the Bath Beat 17. The two Frome stalwarts completed the 17-mile trail run in 04:09:00.
 

Ben, Helen and Neil with their
marathon medals

Sunday April 23 saw the return of the UK’s most high-profile running event, the London Marathon. Among the approximately 48,000 runners who descended on the capital for the race were three of Frome’s finest. Helen Bakunowicz was first to cross the line for Frome, posting an impressive time of 03:57:50. Ben Spicer was next to finish in a speedy 4:14:17 followed by Neil Grist in a great time of 4:39:06.

 

Back in Wiltshire, the Corsham 10K put the perfect finish on the weekend. Frome fielded a strong contingent for this local favourite with ten club runners taking to the starting line. First to finish was Paul Horton (MV50) in 00:40:37 closely followed by Ted Sprules (MV60)in 00:42:08 (second in age category). Next past the post was Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:43:58, followed by David Alsford (MV50) in 00:45:32, Ian Holmes (MV50) in 00:46:23 and Chris Dayman-Johns in 00:48:53. Barrie Knight’s time of 00:50:28 eared him first in age category (MV70). Peter Clardy (MV60) crossed the line in 00:50:51, followed by Nicky Thomas (MV50) in 00:54:49 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 01:00:58.

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.