Frome runners race through July heat

July got off to a speedy start for Frome Running Club on Tuesday, 9 July with race three in the fast, flat Westbury 5K series. Frome once again put in a solid performance with Alexander Fisher (MV40) leading the pack with a time of 00:19:15. Hot on his heels was Alan Brawn (MV50), who posted a time of 00:20:42. Next to finish was Ellie Burford (FSEN) in a speedy 00:22:03, followed by Jo Fordham (FV50) in 00:22:43 and Barry Knight (MV70), whose time of 00:24:30 earned him second in age category.

On Saturday, 14 July, intrepid Frome runner Paul Horton (MV55-59) headed for the hills to take part in the Snowdonia Trail Marathon. Ascending 1,685 metres over 27 miles, this gruelling race takes runners around and up Mount Snowdon. Paul put in a stellar performance, posting a time of 05:25:50 to earn first place in age category.

July 16 saw the return of another flat, fast 5K road race, namely the Yeovilton 5K. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) took to the starting line for Frome, crossing the line in an impressive 00:21:04. Two days later, on Thursday 18 July, two more Frome runners headed over to Bristol for the Purdown Pursuit, a 10K mixed terrain race through parkland and woodland with some steep hills thrown in for good measure. Emma Surridge (FV40) crossed the finish line in 00:56:07, bagging third in age category, closely followed by Ellie Burford (FSEN) in 00:58:44.

On the final Sunday of the month, another Frome runner crossed the border into Wales for a sporting challenge. Clare Dunning (FSEN) took on the Magor 10K, a fast, flat route on quiet country lanes. Clare put in a brilliant performance, posting a time of 00:53:58. 

Putting the perfect finish on the month was the latest DB Max Mile, a chip-timed one-mile race on Castle Combe race track. Dan Gaisford (MV45-49) sped across the finish line in an impressive 00:05:24, earning himself second in age category, followed by Alex Fisher (MV40-44) in 00:05:39 (third in age category) and David Lee (MV45-49) in a fast 00:06:02.

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.