From one to 26 - a month of all distances for Frome runners in May

Andrew and Sarah at
Sutton Veny 10K

May got off to a short, sharp start for Frome Running Club with the DB Max Mile on Tuesday, 2 May. Two of Frome’s finest took to the start line of this free, chip-timed race covering just one mile at the Castle Combe race track. Alexander Fisher (MV40) posted a speedy time of 00:05:28 while Ellie Burford (FSEN) finished in a blistering 00:06:21. Sunday, 6 May, saw the return of the Sutton Veny 10K, a great mixed terrain event starting and finishing at Sutton Veny cricket club in the Wylye valley. Andrew Smallbone (MV50) crossed the line in 00:50:35 to secure 4th position overall, while Sarah Smallbone (FV50) finished in 01:06:00. The busy racing month continued two days later, on Tuesday 8 May, with the Yeovilton 5K, a fast, flat course with PB potential. This was the first race in a series of six. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish in 00:19:26, closely followed by Dave Williams (MV60), whose time of 00:19:53 earned him first position in age category. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) crossed the line in 00:21:01. On Saturday, 11 May, Frome runner Sian Meaney (FSEN) took part in the Westcountry Ultra Hilly 50, a 50-mile offroad ultramarathon. Starting and finishing in Minehead, this run takes in some of the most brutal climbs in Somerset. Sian put in a hugely impressive performance that saw her finish as the first woman overall – a magnificent feat on a hot day, and one that saw her build on her 3rd place in this event in the previous year.

Sian celebrates her win at
The Westcountry
Ultra Hilly 50-Miler

Sunday, 12 May saw the return of the Hullavington Half, the second race in the Wiltshire Road Race League. Frome fielded a large team for the event and reported some impressive results on an undulating course in hot conditions. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was again first to finish in a time of 01:34:28, closely followed by Keith Vance (MV40) in 01:40:40. Emma Surridge (FV40) secured second in age category with a time of 01:43:43, while Dan Gaisford (MV40) sped home shortly after in 01:44:19. He was followed by Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 01:46:57, Alan Brawn (MV50) in 01:52:04 and Ben Spicer (MV40) in 01:58:24. Lynn Brand (FV60) put in a stellar performance, finishing in 01:58:39 to bag first in age category, while

FRC at the Hullavington Half

Andrew Fowler (MV40) crossed the line in 02:02:14 followed by Neil Munns (MV50) in 02:05:06 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 02:12:07.

Tuesday, 14 May, saw a small contingent of Frome runners head to Westbury for the town’s eponymous 5K series. This was also race three in the Wiltshire Road Race League so there were plenty of points up for grabs for the club. Paul Horton (MV50) was the first Frome Runner to finish in a strong time of 00:19:28. Hot on his heels were Andrew Smallbone (MV50), who posted a time of 00:20:57 and Sarah Smallbone (FV50), who finished in 00:24:32 (PB). 

Sunday, 19 May saw over 15000 runners descend on the streets of Bristol for the AJ Bell Bristol 10K and Half-Marathon. Frome runners Jo Fordham (FV50) and Chris Chivers joined the crowds for the 10K race, with Jo crossing the line in 00:46:36 and Chris finishing in 01:07:43. Jay Bigford and Daniel Thomson (MSEN) took on the half marathon, completing the course in 01:29:45 and 01:43:49 respectively. Rounding out the month was the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, 26 May. Frome stalwart Clare Dunning (FSEN) made the long journey north to take part and put in a fantastic performance in the pouring rain, crossing the line in 04:49:24.

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. 

Andrew at the Westbury 5K

Sarah at the Westbury 5K

Paul at the Westbury 5K