News file 2024

Ringing in the season for running

Frome Running Club enjoyed an active run-up to the holiday season, kicking the festivities off right from day one with the Bromham Pudding Run on Sunday, 1 December. The club fielded a large team for this perennial favourite, a fast, flat, two-lap 10K race on the roads around the Wiltshire village of Bromham. First past the post for Frome was Alexander Fisher (MV40), who posted a time of 00:40:41. Hot on his heels was Keith Vance (MV40) with a time of 00:43:36. Keith was followed by Emma Surridge (FV40) in 00:44:50 (second in age category), Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 00:45:35, and David Lee (MV40) in 00:45:40. Ben Spicer (MV40) was next past the post in 00:47:01, followed by Alan Brawn (MV50) in 00:49:24 and Emma Yeo (FV50) and Nicky Thomas (FV50) both posting times of 00:51:00. Lynn Brand (FV60) finished in 00:51:54, chased by Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:52:00 and John Yeo (MV50) in 00:53:40. Barrie Knight (MV70) posted a speedy time of 00:53:44 to bag first in age category. Next to finish was Victoria Stather (FSEN) in 00:53:43 followed by Marcus Gaffney (MV50) in 00:58:57, Emma Evans (FV50) in 00:59:07 and Lucy Gaffney (FV50) in 01:02:31.

The following Sunday, 8 December, Alexander Fisher was back in action together with Ellie Burford at the Castle Combe Chilly 10K, a flat, fast race on the famous Castle Combe race circuit. Braving strong winds on the day, Alex (MV40) posted a time of 00:39:31 while Ellie (FSEN) crossed the line in 00:50:49.

Three days later on Wednesday 11 December, there were more festive hi-jinks at the December installment of the Street 5K race. Once again, Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first past the post for Frome Running Club with a time of 00:19:21. He was followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:21:09 and Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) in 00:23:45.

On Sunday, 15 December, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) was racing his way up to a famous Somerset landmark in the Wellington Monument 10K. This undulating, hilly and scenic route takes runners up to the Wellington Monument and back down again. Daniel completed the route in 00:46:53.

Rounding out the month on 29 December, three Frome club runners took to the starting line of the Plain Crazy race. This 12.5ish mile route across the hilly, scenic and sometimes desolate Warminster countryside. First to finish for Frome was Emma Surridge (FV40) in 01:46:27 (second in age category), followed by Ian Holmes (MV50) in 01:49:56 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 02:01:04.

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.

A November to remember for Frome Running Club

November got off to a cracking start on 3rd of the month with the multi-terrain classic Over the Hills. Among the runners gathering Barton Farm County Park in Bradford on Avon was a strong contingent of Frome’s club runners. Dan Gaisford (MV40) was first past the post with a time of 00:53:27. Hot on his heels was Paul Horton (MV50) , who crossed the line in 00:55:16, followed by Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 01:05:58 and Lynn Brand (FV60), whose time of 01:14:02 earned her second in age category. Emma Evans (FV50) finished off the quintet with a time of 01:27:04. The racing continued on 13 November with the next installment of the Street 5K series. Once again, Alexander Fisher sped round the fast, flat route in 00:19:31 (PB), followed by Daniel Thomson (PB) in 00:21:13, Brett Sadler in 00:24:01 and Chris Dayman-Johns in 00:24:02 (PB). Four days later, Frome was again represented at the Bath Skyline, a muddy, mixed terrain 10K race. Ellie Burford (FSEN) crossed the line in 00:52:22, followed by Kait Farrell (FSEN) in 00:58:46.

The following Sunday, Lynn Brand (FV60) braved storm Bert to take part in the Yarnbury Yomp, a 7-ish mile challenging off-road route looping out to Yarnbury Castle and back. It was definitely worth the trip for Lynn as her time of 01:07:39 bagged her first in age category. Rounding out the month was Daniel Thomson who took part in the Mixed Medal Challenge 2024 on Saturday, 30 November down in Exmouth. The event saw runners complete a 5.3K out-and-back route for as many times as they wanted within a seven-hour time limit. Daniel completed an impressive six laps totalling 19.7 miles in a time of 04:06:22.

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.

Frome runners race through autumn

Castle Combe Circuit offers a packed calendar of non-stop white-knuckle action, and Monday 2nd October was no exception with the return of the Castle Combe Max Mile, an officially timed one-mile race on the smooth race track. Alexander Fisher (MV40) placed second in category with a time of 00:05:47, closely followed by David Lee (MV40) in 00:06:10. Just four days later on Sunday 4th December, the inaugral Mother Tuckers 10K race was held. This senic trail race starting and finishing at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland, was well attended by Frome’s club runners. Dan Gaisford was first past the post in a time of 00:47:25, closely followed by Paul Horton in 00:49:17. Emma Surridge finished in 00:53:00 and Ellie Burford in 00:53:13. Next past the post was Ben Spicer in 00:55:15, Sian Meaney in 00:57:23, Andrew Fowler in 00:58:18 and Lynn Brand in 01:01:40. On the same day, over in London, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) lined up for the notoriously fast and flat Victoria Park 10K. Daniel put in a suitably speedy performance of 00:45:06.

Wednesday, 9th October saw the first of the 2024/25 Street 5K series. A strong contingent of Frome runners took to the starting line. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish in 00:20:03, closely followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:21:42, Brett Sadler (MV70) in 00:23:39, Barrie Knight (MV70) in 00:25:07 and Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) in 00:26:25. On Sunday 13th October, the final race in the Lightning Bolt series took place in Langley Burrell. Paul Horton (MV50) finished in a speedy time of 00:39:23, followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:40:49.

Alex was back in action the next weekend at the Relish Running Railway Race, which follows the original train line from Green Park Station in Bath to Bristol Temple Meads. Alexander completed the 10K distance in 00:41:58, followed by Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:58:36. On the same day, Paul Horton (MV50) was over in Oxfordshire at the Abingdon Marathon, completing the 26.1 miles in 03:17:23.

Two classics rounded out the month on Sunday the 27th October. The first being the Clock Change Challenge in Calne marking the clocks going back for autumn. Alexander Fisher (MV40) sped around the course in 00:41:24. Over in Dorset, three more Frome runners travelled to Shillingstone to take on Dorset’s three peaks in the Stickler, a 10.1 mile multi-terrain race. Emma Surridge (FV40) was first to finish in 01:31:24, followed by Ian Holmes (MV50) in 01:37:09 and Lynn Brand (FV60) in 01:54:09.

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

Frome finish the road race season in style

September got off to a monstrous start for Frome Running Club on 1 September with The Beast. A 13-ish-mile trail run starting and finishing Corfe Castle Common. Ian Holmes (MV50) was the first Frome runner to finish in 02:04:01, closely followed by Emma Surridge (FV45), whose time of 02:04:09 earned her 3rd in age category. On the same day, closer to home, three more Frome runners lined up for the Carnival Chase 10K in Warminster. Andrew Smallbone (MV50) sped through the picturesque country lanes to finish in a time of 00:45:01, followed by Sarah Smallbone (FV50) in 00:52:59 and Kayleigh Philips (FSEN) in 01:02:31.

The following weekend, there was more racing action with the Compton Bassett 5, race number six in the Wiltshire Road Race League. Frome fielded another strong team for this fast, flat five-mile race, earning valuable points for the club. Dan Gaisford (MV40) put in a stellar performance, finishing in 00:33:09, followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:33:36, David Lee (MV40) in 00:36:03 and Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 00:36:49. Hot on her heels was Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 00:40:42, Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) in 00:42:02 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 00:44:56. On the same day, Frome stalwart Alan Brawn (MV50) ventured further afield to join 60,000 other runners in Newcastle for The Great North Run, completing the 13.1-mile route from South Shields in 01:54:51. On Wednesday 11 September, Brett Sadler (MV71) took on race six in the Yeovilton 5K series, finishing the course as first in age category in an impressive 00:22:36. The following Sunday saw the return of the Chippenham Half Marathon, race seven in the Wiltshire Road Race League. Paul Horton (MV50) was first past the post for Frome, bagging 3rd in age category. He was followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 01:35:32, Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 01:35:44, Keith Vance (MV40) in 01:39:21 and Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 01:41:00. Ellie Burford (FSEN) finished next in 01:44:03, followed by Ian Holmes (MV50) in 01:46:05, Emma Surridge in 01:49:53, Sian Meaney (FSEN) in 01:53:33, David Lee (MV40) in 01:55:21. Nicky Thomas (FV50) was next past the post in 01:57:01, followed by Victoria Stather (FSEN) in 01:57:01 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 02:02:11.

The month concluded with the final race in the league, the Devizes 10k. Once again, a host of Frome runners took to the starting line. Alexander Fisher (MV40) crossed the line in a speedy 00:42:10, followed by Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:42:38, David Lee (MV40) in 00:44:09 and Emma Surridge (FV45) in 00:45:34 (1st in age category). Claire Bowles (F35) sped across the finish line in 00:45:57, followed by Ellie Burford (F35) in 00:46:42, Alan Brawn (MV50) in 00:48:34 and Ian Holmes (MV50) in 00:48:37. Sian Meaney (FSEN) was next past the post in 00:50:55, followed by Clare Dunning (F35) in 00:53:42, Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 01:01:33 and Anne Porter (F65) in 01:03:54.

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.

Hilly Helmet & Lightning Bolt

Packed August full of races

August was a busy month for Frome runners with lots of races of varying distances for local athletes to put themselves to the test. The month got off to a good start with the Bedford Marathon, an eight-lap race around Bedford Autodrome. Two Frome runners took to the starting line here, with Ian Holmes (MV55) finishing first for the club in 03:54:25, followed by Emma Surridge (FV45) in 03:57:11 (second in age category). Three days later, on 7 August, more Frome runners lined up for local classic The Hilly Helmet Challenge, a hilly, four-ish mile mixed terrain race in support of Brain Tumour Support. Ben Spicer (MV40) crossed the finish line first in 00:37:15, followed by Emma Surridge (FV45) in 00:37:24 and Dave Perrett (MV45) in 00:48:57.

Sunday 11 August saw the return of the Wiltshire Lightning Bolt, a flat 10K road race rumoured to be one of the fastest 10K races in the country. It was also the Wiltshire 10K Championship, so the field was packed with super-fast runners. First to finish for Frome was Dan Gaisford (MV40), who put in a scorching time of 00:41:39. He was soon followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00: 41:50 and Keith Vance (MV40) in 00:44:03. Next past the post was David Alsford (MV50) in 00:44:31, followed by David Lee (MV40) in 46:14.9, Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 00: 47:33, Kayleigh Phillips (FSEN) in 00:50:24 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00: 53:55.

The following weekend was a big one for Frome as it heralded the first ever Frome Running Festival, offering 5K, 10K and half marathon distances through the streets of Frome (and out tto Nunney for the half marathon). As to be expected, Frome fielded a good mix of runners in all races. In the 5K distance, Annabel Litchfield (FV35) was the first FRC runner to cross the line in a time of 00:23:12, earning her first in age category. She was followed by Tallis Mason (FSEN) in 00:25:44 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 00:27:23, also bagging first in age category. In the 10K race, Peter Reed (MV50) completed the run in 00:47:14 for third in age category, followed by Kayleigh Phillips (FSEN) in 00:52:14 and Chris Dayman-Johns (MV35) in 00:54:26. In the half marathon, Paul Horton (MV55) put in a blistering time of 01:30:36, earning himself first in age category, closely followed by Ronan Ferguson (MV35) in 01:32:33, David Alsford (MV55) in 01:42:09 and Emma Surridge (FV45) in 01:45:28. Next to finish was Ian Holmes (MV55) in 01:49:08, followed by Daniel Thomson (MV35) in 01:50:19 and Brett Sadler (MV70), whose time of 01:50:51 was another first in age category. Alan Brawn (MV50) was next to finish in 01:57:36, followed by Nicky Thomas (FV55) in 01:57:38 (third in age category), Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 01:57:35 and Jeremy Smedddle (MV60) in 02:36:51.

Putting the perfect finish on the month was Paul Horton, who took part in the Mendip Marauder 50-mile race, a tough trail run that follows the Mendip Way from Frome to a sandy beach finish at Uphill, just outside Weston-Super-Mare. Paul finished this challenge in an impressive time of 10:08:56.

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.

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.

Summer fun for Frome Running Club

Broad town 5K

DB Max Mile, Castle Combe

Westbury 5K (top) and Two Tunnels

June was another jam-packed period for Frome Running Club. The month kicked off in style with the Bath Two Tunnels on 2 June, a 10K race that takes runners through the pedestrianised Devonshire and Combe Down Tunnels near Bath. Alexaner Fisher (MV40) completed the route in a speedy 00:41:18. Anne Denholm (FV60) crossed the line in 01:01:23. Alex was back in action just a few days later along with fellow Fromies Dave Williams (M60-64) and David Lee(MV45-49) at the DB Max Mile, a one-mile race on the smooth, flat surface of Castle Combe race track. Alex posted a time of 00:05:25, closely followed by Dave Williams in 00:05:42 (2nd in age category) and David Lee in 00:05:48 (first in age category).

On Saturday 8 June, Sian Meaney took to the start line of another long distance challenge, this time the South Downs Way 100, a one-hundred mile race taking in the entire South Downs Way National Trail. Sian completed this impressive feat in 27:26:03. The following day, on Sunday 9 June, Paul Horton (MV50) took part in the Cheddar Gorge Half Marathon, earning first place in age category with a time of 01:55:36. On Tuesday 9 June, Frome fielded a strong team at the second race in the Westbury 5k Series. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was again first to finish in 00:19:23, closely followed by Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:19:32. Dave Williams (MV60) was also back in action, bagging second in age category with his time of 00:19:58. Next past the post was Keith Vance (MV40) in 00:20:36, followed by David Alsford (MV50) in 00:20:35 and Emma Surridge (FV40), who secured second in age category with 00:20:48. David Lee (MV40) finished in 00:21:18, followed by Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 00:22:00, Ben Spicer (MV40) in 00:22:09 and Victoria Stather (FSEN) in 00:23:54. Wednesday, 12 June, lone runner Daniel Thomson (MSEN) competed in the Yeovilton 5K series, posting a speedy time of 00:21:37.

The Wiltshire Road Race continued on Saturday 15 June with the Broad Town 5, race four in the league. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish the five-mile road race 00:32:53, closely followed by Paul Horton (MV60) in 00:33:04 (3rd in age category), Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:33:15, David Williams (MV60) in 00:33:57 (2nd in age category) and Emma Surridge (FV40) in 00:35:31 (3rd in age category). Next past the post was David Alsford (MV50) in 00:36:29, followed by David Lee (MV40) in 00:36:41, Ellie Burford (FSEN) in 00:38:17. Kayleigh Philps (FSEN) debuted for Frome, with an impressive time of 00:41:11, followed by Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:43:33 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 00:47:47.

More Frome runners finished the month in style on Saturday 29 June with the Ham & Lyme 50K ultramarathon. Starting at Ham Hill Country Park and weaving its way to the sea to finish in Lyme Regis. Emma Surridge (FV40) finished the route in 6:19:03, followed closely by Ian Holmes in 6:19:31.

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.

From one to 26 – May offers races of all distances to Frome’s club runners

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 4 th 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 Yeovil 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 3 rd place in this event in the previous year.

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

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.

Marathon season at FRC

And they’re off! Marathon season gets underway for Frome Running Club

April saw Frome runners take to the starting lines of numerous marathons at home and abroad. A host of local classics offered plenty of options for runners looking for shorter distances too. Daniel Thomson got the month off to an explosive start with the Powderham Power Run in Devon on Saturday, 6 April. Daniel completed the ten-mile multi-terrain race around the grounds of Powderham Castle in an impressive time of 01:32:14. The following day, Sarah and Jason Burns took to the streets of France’s capital for the Paris Marathon. Sarah (FV40) finished in a brilliant time of 03:45:40 followed by Jason (MV50) in 04:21:59. Sunday 7 April also saw the return of the Bratton Hilly, a picturesque, multi-terrain 11K run up and down the Westbury white horse. David Alsford (FV50) crossed the line for Frome in 01:00:05, closely followed by Lynn Brand (FV60), whose time of 01:06:15 earned her first in age category. Wednesday 10 April saw the first of Yeovil Town Running Club's 5K Summer Series. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was the first Frome runner to finish the course in a blistering time of 00:19:41. Hot on his heels was Dave Williams (MV60) in 00:19:53, followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:21:39 and Brett Sadler (MV60) in 00:22:53.

The Devizes Half Marathon was back with a new course on Sunday 14 April. Frome runner Emma Surridge (FV45) completed the course in 01:38:09, earning herself second in age category. On the same day, James Arnall-Culliford (MV45) travelled slightly further afield to compete in the Manchester Marathon, completing the 26.2 miles in a PB time of 03:19:04. The following Sunday, 21 April, three Frome runners joined over 50,000 athletes in nation’s capital to take part in the London Marathon. Ian Holmes (MV55) crossed the line on The Mall in a very respectable 03:44:35, followed by Lynn Brand (FV60) in a speedy 04:10:17. Lizzie Boher (FSEN) completed her first-ever marathon in an impressive time of 04:36:49. On the same day over in Corsham, Frome fielded a sizeable team at the Corsham 10K, the first race in the 2024 Wiltshire Road Race League. Paul Horton (MV50) crossed the line in 00:39:55, bagging fourth in age category. He was followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:41:30, Andrew Smallbone (MV50) in 00:44:35, Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 00:45:30 and David Lee (MV40) in 00:45:55. Next past the post was Jo Fordham (FV50) in 00:47:06, followed by David Alsford (MV50) in 00:46:42, Ellie Burford (FSEN) in 00:47:38, Ben Spicer (MV40) in 00:48:34, Victoria Stather (FSEN) in 00:49:11, Nicky Thomas (FV50) in 00:51:12, Sarah Smallbone (FV50) in 00:52:09 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:53:28. The strong turnout catapulted Frome into third place in the league table. On the last Sunday of the month, two more Frome runners, crossed the River Severn to compete in the Newport Marathon. Paul Horton (MV55) was again the first Frome runner to finish, posting a time of 03:15:41, while Emma Surridge (FV45) finished in 03:41:42.

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.

FRC strides into spring

The month started in style on Sunday 3 March with the Chippenham Spring 10 Mile, which starts and finishes in Monkton Park in the heart of Chippenham. James Arnall-Culliford (MV40) was first to finish for Frome Running Club, posting an impressive time of 01:06:53. Next past the post was Alan Brawn (MV50) in 01:18:46 followed by Ben Spicer (MV40) in 01:21:00. The following Sunday, Alex Fisher (MV40) was in action at the Castle Combe Chilly 10K putting in a PB performance of 00:41:28. Just three days later, Alex posted another PB in Street at the last race in the 2023/24 Street 5K series, comfortably breaking the 20 minute mark with a time of 00:19:51. Hot on his heels were David Lee (MV40) in 00:21:11 and Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:21:38. They were followed by Brett Sadler (MV60), whose time of 23:59:00 earned him first in age category. Sunday 17 March proved to be a busy day for local runners with the return of the Bath Half. As usual, Frome fielded a strong team, with Alex Fisher again leading the field with another speedy PB time of 01:32:00. He was closely followed by Jay Bigford (MV45) in 01:33:07, David Alsford (MV55) in 01:44:37 and Christopher Steele (MV60) in 02:01:57. Next past the post was Clare Dunning (FV35) in 02:04:43, Chris Chivers (MV40) in 02:28:02 and Gemma Scorgie (FV35) in 03:54:04. On the same day over in Devon, three more Frome runners took on the 20-mile Grizzly and its sister race the 9-mile Cub, both covering gruelling multi-terrain routes with bogs, streams, beaches, and very steep hills. Paul Horton (MV55) crossed the finish line of the Grizzly in 03:06:35, bagging second in age category. He was followed by Emma Surridge (FV45) in 03:46:32 and Ian Holmes (MV55) in 03:55:34. Ellie Burford (FV35) completed The Cub in 01:43:38, earning herself second in age category. The prize for the furthest traveller of the month goes to Anne Denman who travelled to New York City to take part in the New York Half Marathon, completing the iconic route in 02:11:19. Rounding out the month was the Hullavington 20, twenty-mile road race following a gently undulating and picturesque course, near Chippenham. Sarah Burns (FV40) was first past the post for FRC in a time of 02:37:15, followed by Jason Burns (MV50) in 03:10:21 and Lynn Brand (FV60) in 03:10:51, whose speedy time earned her first in age category.

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.

Frome surges forward into February races

Nestled in the Somerset Levels, the village of Street offers the ideal conditions for the fast, flat 5K series of races organised by Wells City Harriers. On Wednesday, 14 February, a hardy bunch of Frome runners celebrated Valentine’s Day by taking to the starting line of the penultimate race in the 2023/24 Street series. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first past the post with a blistering time of 00:20:02, closely followed by David Lee (MV40) in 00:21:19. Brett Sadler (MV60) crossed the line in 00:23:33 with Daniel Thomson (MSEN) following in 00:23:38. Four days later, on Sunday, 18 February, David Alsford (MV50) took part in the SMartt Smasher 10k, a flat multi-terrain traffic-free 10k run along the picturesque national cycle network from Calne to Stanley, near Chippenham. David put in a stellar performance, posting a time of 00:46:28.

Sunday 25 February proved to be a busy day with Frome runners participating in five different races from Somerset to Malta. In Bath, Anne Porter (FV60) braved the cold, wet weather to take part in the Two Tunnels 10K, making the most of the fast, flat course to post a speedy time of 01:00:10, which earned her first position in age category. Over in Pewsey, local off-road classic, The Terminator, was back with a bang and plenty of mud courtesy of the wet start to the year. The conditions underfoot made the 12-mile hilly course even more challenging. First to finish for Frome was Emma Surridge (FV40) in a time of 02:04:15, closely followed by Ian Holmes (MV50) in 02:06:00. David Alsford (MV50) followed soon after in 02:08:44. On the same day over in Berkshire, Paul Horton (MV50) represented the club at the Wokingham Half Marathon, crossing the line in an exceptional time of 01:26:14. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) was again flying the flag for Frome, this time in London, for the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run 10k. Daniel crossed the line in a speedy time of 00:46:15. The prize for the furthest distance travelled by a Frome runner in February undoubtedly goes to Vicki Trundle (FV45-49) who made her way to Malta for the Life Star Malta Marathon. Braving pouring rain, Vicki crossed the finish line in 04:35:02.

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.

A hilly start to 2024 for Frome Running Club

2024 got off to a strong start for Frome Running Club with two favourites fixtures in the racing calendar in January. First up was the Slaughterford 9, an approximately nine-mile multi-terrain race starting and finishing in Corsham, comprising steeply undulating countryside with a brutal hill at the end. Frome fielded a team of six runners to take on the challenging route. Paul Horton (MV50) finished first for the club in a time of 01:08:12, bagging fifth in age category. Hot on his heels was Ronan Ferguson (MSEN) in 01:09:10, followed by Emma Surridge (FV40) in 01:18:35 (3rd in age category), Ben Spicer (MV40) in 01:26:43, Emma Evans (FV40) in 01:44:27 and Lynn Brand (FV60) in 01:47:16 (2nd in age category). On the same day over in Longleat, another six Frome runners took on the steep hills of the Longleat 10K. Alexander Fisher (MV40) led the pack with a speedy time of 00:42:54. He was followed by Jo Fordham (FV50), whose time of 00:48:45 earned her 2nd in age category. Clare Dunning FSEN was next to cross the line in 00:57:05, followed by Gareth Newport (MSEN) in 01:04:03, Jeremy Smeddle (MV60) in 01:07:06 and Gemma Scorgie (FSEN) in 01:36:09.

Starting February in strong form, lone Frome runner Ian Holmes took part in the Doynton Hard Half on 4 February, completing the challenging off-road half marathon in 02:32:52. The local race classics kept coming with the Wiltshire 10 on February 11, a ten-mile road race starting and finishing in Melksham. Alexander Fisher was once again the first Frome runner to finish in 01:12:54, followed by David Lee in 01:15:32 and Alan Brawn in 01:26:29. Next to finish was Nicky Thomas in 01:27:01, followed by Clare Dunning in 01:34:59 and Anne Porter in 01:38:38. Also on February 11, husband and wife team Andrew and Sarah Smallbone took on the Warminster Three Sisters 10K race. Starting and finishing in Warminster, the race takes runners over the three hills of Battlesbury, Middle and Scratchbury on Salisbury Plain. Andrew (MV50) completed the run in 00:50:35 to secure 4th position overall with Sarah crossing the line in 01: 06:00.

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.

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Please take a look around our website, you’ll find all sorts of things about our club and if you like what you find you’re welcome to join us. Some members enjoy entering local races on road and off road. Other members just enjoy going out weekly for a social run and a chat. We also have social events throughout the year and welcome new members to come and join these events.

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Club Training Nights are every Wednesday evening. 6.45pm . Frome Rugby Club. Gypsy Lane. Frome. BA11 2NA

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Frome Running Club 5K Time Trial results

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