November got off to stunning start with a win for Frome Running Club member Paul Horton at the Black Beacon 21 Mile Trail race on Saturday, 1 November. Paul (MV60) was the first runner to cross the finish line in this challenging race across the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Parks, posting a blistering time of 04:14:17. On the same day, Frome stalwarts Ellie Burford (FV35) and Vicki Trundle (FV40) took on the Dorset Hillfort Ultramarathon, completing the 38-mile route together in 09:46:50. Sunday 2 November saw the return of local favourite Over The Hills. Two Frome Running Club members took to the starting line of this 12k trail race in Bradford on Avon. Ben Spicer (MV40) crossed the finish line in 01:05:48, followed by Michelle Caines (FV50) in 01:14:45.

Another local trail classic returned on 9 November: The Sodbury Slog is a challenging 9-ish-mile multi-terrain challenge in south Gloucestershire. Ian Holmes (MV50) took on the challenge and crossed the finish line in 01:13:27.

Frome fielded a strong team for the second Street 5K race in the 2025/2026 series on 12 November. Alexander Fisher (MV40) finished first for Frome on the fast, flat road course, posting a time of 00:18:25 to secure second in age category. Hot on his heels was Poppy Burton-Morgan, whose time of 00:20:57 also secured her second in age category. Next to finish was Daniel Thomson in 00:21:27, followed by Barrie Knight (MV70) in 00:23:45 for first in age category, and Brett Sadler (MV70) in 00:24:45 for second in age category.

Rounding out the month was the AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon set in the Wiltshire village of Edington. Alexander Fisher (MV40) crossed the line in 01:26:06, closely followed by Michael Gorman in 01:27:53, Nicky Thomas (FV50) in 01:53:38 and Jess Johns-Hutchings (FSEN) in 01:56:17.

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.

October started in fine form for Frome Running Club with a fantastically scenic trail race in North East Somerset on 5 October. Mother Tucker’s 10K is race no. 1 in the Wiltshire Offroad Race League and Frome turned up in force. First to finish for the club was Ronan Ferguson (MSEN) in 00:43:54 followed by Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:45:26, Alex Fisher (MV40) in 00:47:02 and Paul Horton (MV60) whose time of 00:47:20 secured him second in age category. Next past the post was David Lee (MV40) in 00:50:52, Ian Pennel (MSEN) in 00:52:38, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:52:51 and Poppy Burton-Morgan (FV40) in 00:53:15. Ellie Burford (FSEN) finished in 01:00:21, followed by Michelle Caines (FV50) in 01:00:31. Lynn Brand (FV60) secured second in age category with her time of 01:04:08. Ella Kempshall (FSEN) posted a time of 01:04:32, followed closely by Megan King (FSEN) in 01:04:34 and Vicki Trundle (FV40) in 01:05:32.

On the same day, across the border in Wales, two more Frome runners lined up for the Cardiff Half Marathon. Ben Spicer (MV40) crossed the line in 01:48:09, followed by Alan Brawn (MV50) in 01:53:44. Wednesday 8 October saw the return of the Street 5K series. Michael Gorman (MSEN) was the first Fromie to finish the fast, flat course in 00:18:24, followed by Alex Fisher (MV40) in 00:18:46 (3rd in age category), Paul Horton (MV60) in 00:19:58 (1st in age category), David Lee (MV40) in 00:20:36, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:21:21 and Barrie Knight (MV70) in 00:24:16 (1st in age category). On Sunday 19 October, more runners took to the start line of the White Horse Gallop, a 12k route on bridle paths and along the Imber range. Dan Gaisford (MV40) was first to finish for Frome in 00:56:49, followed by Paul Horton (MV60) in 00:58:46 (1st in age category) and Annabel Litchfield (FSEN), who was the first female finisher in 00:59:36. Poppy Burton-Morgan (FV40) was the third female in 01:02:49, she was followed by David Lee (MV40) in 01:06:12, Ben Spicer (MV40) in 01:06:28, Claire Bowles (FSEN) in 01:11:03, Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) in 01:11:51, Joanne Thwaite (FV40) and Neal Crowe (MV60) in 01:12:13.

Also on the 19th, Frome stalwart Ian Holmes (MV50) completed the Abingdon Marathon in 03:39:20, while closer to home, Alex Fisher (MV40) finished the Lightning Bolt 10K in Chippenham in 00:38:19, followed by Dave Perrett (MV40) in 00:54:01.

The following weekend, Lynn Brand (FV60) took on the 10.1-mile Stickler in Dorset, finishing the challenging off-road course in 01:53:07. Another cohort of Frome runners travelled to Calne for the 10K Clock Change Challenge. Alex Fisher (MV40) crossed the line in 00:38:44, followed by Poppy Burton-Morgan, who was third female and 1st in age category with her time of 00:44:27. Emma Yeo (FV50) finished in 00:48:24 for 2nd in age category, followed by John Yeo (MV50) in 00:48:43 and Emma Evans (FV45) in 00:59:00. Two days later, Barrie Knight rounded out the month with the New Forest 10 Mile, finishing the mixed terrain race in 01:30:17.

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.

July started in style on Saturday 5th with the return of a local(ish) favourite the Ham & Lyme ultra. This multi-terrain ultramarathon offers two distances, 50K from Ham Hill to Lyme, and 100K for runners who want to race to the sea and back. Three Frome club runners took to the starting line for the 50K, Ian Holmes (MV50) crossed the line in 05:45:16, followed by Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 06:12:05 and Ellie Burford (FV35) in 06:30:03. Sian Meaney (FSEN) took on the 100K challenge and finished in an amazing time of 14:26:00 to bag second female overall.

Just a few days later, on Tuesday 8 July, more Frome runners lined up for the next race in the Westbury 5K series. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish the fast, flat three-lap course in a time of 00:18:16. Hot on his heels was Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:19:02, Sam Baraud (MSEN) in 00:20:15 and Keith Vance (MV50) in 00:20:38. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) crossed the line in 00:21:18, followed by Lauren Penny (FV40) in 00:21:48, and Barrie Knight (MV70), whose time of 00:23:45 earned him second in age category. Next past the post was Megan King (FSEN) in 00:23:45, followed by Ella Kempshall (FSEN) in 00:24:39.

On Friday, 11 July, two of Frome’s finest travelled to Gloucestershire for the Westonbirt 10K. Emma Yeo (MV50) and John Yeo (FV50) took part in the two-lap race through the grounds of the arboretum, finishing in 00:54:51 and 00:54:54 respectively. Also on Friday, 11 July, Vicki Trundle (FV40) took on the Hope Trail 36-hour ultra, a timed, multi-lap endurance race, where participants complete as many laps of a 5-mile course as they can in 36 hours. Vicki put in an incredible performance, completing 75 miles within the time limit.

Race 5 in the Wiltshire Road Race league took place on Tuesday 15 July in the form of the Heddington 5K. Once again, Frome fielded a strong team producing great results. Michael Gorman (MSEN) finished in 00:18:17, followed closely by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:18:23, Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 18:48:00, Sam Baraud (MSEN) in 00:20:39 and Keith Vance (MV50) in 00:20:43. Claire Bowles (FSEN) was next to finish in 00:22:04, followed by John Yeo (MV50) in 00:23:15, Ellie Burford (FV35) in 00:23:38, Emma Yeo (FV55) in 00:23:39 and Megan King (FSEN) in 00:23:54.

20 July saw the third race in the Lightning Bolt 10K series in Langley Burrell, Chippenham. Alexander Fisher (MV40) completed the fast, flat 10K road route in 00:38:09, followed by Joanne Thwaite (FV40) in 00:50:09, Barrie Knight (MV70) in 00:50:42 and Peter Clardy (MV60) in 00:53:45, both Barrie and Peter’s times earning them second in their respective age categories.

The Yeovil Evening Opens track meet on 31 July, put the perfect finish on the month. Alexander Fisher (MV40) and Sam Baraud (MSEN) took part in the 1500m race (B group). Alex finished in second place with a time of 00:04:51 while Sam finished in 8th, posting a time of 00:05:13.

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.

June saw some incredible performances from Frome Running Club members, under at times challenging conditions with high temperatures throughout the month.

Things got off to a speedy start on 1 June with the Gloucester 10K. Frome runner Daniel Thomson (MSEN) took to the starting line in the historic town of Crewkerne, finishing in 00:45:25. The next highlight in the June calendar was the AVR Westbury 5K, the second in the 2025 series of four races, and race 3 in the Wiltshire Road Race League. Frome fielded a strong team with Alexander Fisher (MV40) finishing first in 00:18:05, followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:20:24, Keith Vance (MV50) in 00:20:34, and Barrie Knight (MV70), whose time of 00:23:29 earned him first in age category. Jess Jones-Hutchings (FSEN) was next to finish in 00:24:09, followed by Ella Kempshall (FSEN) 00:25:07 and Megan King (FSEN) in 00:25:17. The following day, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) was in action again in the Yeovilton 5K series (race 3). He crossed the line in 00:21:21, followed by Brett Sadler (MV70) in 00:24:52.

14 June was a busy day for club runners. Kicking things off was the return of the Broadtown 5, a five-mile race over country lanes in the Wiltshire village, under the steady gaze of the local white horse. This was race 4 in the Wiltshire Road Race League and Frome’s club runners turned up in droves, earning precious points. Alexander Fisher (MV40) was again first to finish in a speedy time of 00:30:50. Hot on his heels was Michael Gorman (MSEN) in 00:31:44, followed by Dan Gaisford in 00:32:54, Keith Vance (MV50) in 00:34:58 Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:35:12, Sam Baraud (MSEN) in 00:35:25, and David Lee (MV40) in 00:35:42 (MV40). Clare Bowles (FSEN) was the first woman to finish for the club in a blistering time of 00:37:06, closely followed by Jo Fordham (FV50) in 00:39:05, Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 00:39:37, John Yeo (MV50) in 00:41:04, Megan King (FSEN) in 00:41:08, Jess Jones-Hutchings (FSEN) in 00:41:19, and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:41:33. Barrie Knight (MV70) finished in 00:41:50, bagging third in age category. He was followed by Alan Brawn (MV50) in 00:43:27, Geraldine Fowler (FV40) in 00:43:40, Vicki Trundle (FV40) in 00:45:09, Rachel Brenni (FV50) in 00:49:00, Suzanne Ingle (FV40) in 00:49:46, Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 00:51:22, and David Alsford (MV50) in 01:00:21. Peter Clardy (MV60) was also in action on the 14th over in Wiltshire at the Bishops Cannings 5000 Dash, completing the multi-terrain course in 00:31:50.

On the same day, Paul Horton (MV50) took on a challenge of a different kind with the South Downs Way 100, a 100-mile race over the entire South Downs Way National Trail. Paul put in a fantastic performance, finishing the gruelling route in 24:27:38 to win first in age category!

The Martock 10K on 15 June was the next race in the calendar. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) finished the race in 00:44:16 followed by Lauren Penny (FV40) in 00:46:23. Three days later, Daniel Thomson was on the starting line again for the Brean Banger, Daniel completed the 10K multi-terrain race in 00:56:24.

There was plenty of mid-week action to be had on Thursday, 26 June, with Sam Baraud (MSEN) completing the Great Chalfield 10k in 00:44:26, and Alexander Fisher (MV40) taking part in the 800m and 3000m events at the Yeovil Track Meet, completing the races in 00:02:26 and 00:10:39.

Rounding out the month was Daniel Thomson again, who took on the Gloucester 10K, completing the course in 00:46:07.

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.

May’s racing challenges started on Saturday 10th with the Semington Slog, a 10K mixed-terrain race through the village of Semington and the along the Kennet & Avon Canal. First to finish for Frome was Alexander Fisher (MV40), whose time of 00:40:07 earned him 4th position overall and 2nd in category. Peter Reed (MV50) finished in 00:46:43 for second in age category, and Peter Clardy (MV60) also scored second in age category with his time of 00:54:18. On the same day, Frome runner Ian Holmes (MV50) took to the Ridgeway National Trail to take part in the Ridgeway 40, a 40-mile trail race from Avebury to Streatley-on-Thames. Ian completed the feat in 09:06:05. On the same Saturday, two more Frome stalwarts lined up for the West Country Ultra Hilly 50, a fifty-mile trail race along the North Somerset coast taking in 7337ft of elevation. Paul Horton (MV50) came in 4th overall with a time of 10:57:20 while Vicki Trundle (FV40) finished as seventh woman in 14:08:24.

On Sunday, 11 May, two Frome runners took to the streets of Bristol for the Great Bristol Half Marathon. Emma Yeo (FV50) was first past the post for Frome with a time of 01:57:13, followed by John Yeo (MV40) in 02:14:36. A few days later on 13 May, the third race of the Wiltshire Road Race League, The Westbury 5K, was held on a three-lap route of the Westbury Trading Estate. Frome again fielded a strong team headed by Michael Gorman (MSEN) who finished in a speedy 00:17:57. He was followed by Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 00:18:12, Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:18:40, Sam Baraud (MSEN) in 00:20:24 and Keith Vance (MV50) in 00:20:30. Emma Surridge (FV40) finished in 00:21:31, followed by Tallis Mason (U16), who earned first in category with a time of 00:22:42. Barrie Knight (MV70) posted a time of 00:23:41 for third in age category, he was followed by Megan King (FSEN) in 00:23:47, Jess Jones-Hutchings (FSEN) in 00:23:56 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 00:26:38.

Back in Somerset, Daniel Thomson (MSEN) lined up for the Portcullis 10K in Langport on 18th May. Daniel completed the 10K mixed-terrain route across the Levels in 00:52:39. Daniel Thomson was back in action on the 21st in the Town Tree Trail 10K Race, crossing the line in 00:48:46. Earning the prize for the most-far-flung race in May was Peter Clardy (MV60) who took part in the Memorial Day 4 Miler in Montgomery County, USA. Peter crossed the line for Frome in 00:34:40.

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.

Always a busy running month, March saw a slew of challenges for Frome’s club runners, with distances to satisfy long- and short-distance fans. First off, on Sunday, 2 March, was local classic The Imber Ultra, a 33 ½-mile multi-terrain ultramarathon taking runners around the Imber Range Perimeter Path. A hardy band of Frome runners took to the starting line with Paul Horton (MV50) crossing the finish line first for the club in 05:18:39. He was followed by Sian Meaney (FSEN) in 05:57:57 and Vicki Trundle (FV40) in 07:26:21. On the same day, more of Frome’s finest lined up for the Chippenham Spring 10 Mile a fast, flat 10 mile route through the town and surrounding country roads. Alexander Fisher (MV40) crossed the line in a speedy 01:05:43, followed by Alan Brawn (MV50) in 01:23:18 and Nicky Thomas (FV50) in 01:23:21, Julie Chilvers (FV50) in 01:34:18 and Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 01:42:03.

The following Sunday 9 March, another band of Frome runners took a trip to the seaside (Seaton) for The Grizzly, a 20-mile multi-terrain route encompassing bogs, streams, beaches, clifftops and steep hills. Dan Gaisford (MV45) finished first for Frome in a time of 03:13:12, followed by Emma Surridge (FV45) in 03:45:38 and Ian Holmes (MV55) in 03:55:02. Next past the post was Ellie Burford (F35) in 04:07:27, Clare Dunning (F35) in 04:07:42 and Ben Spicer (MV40) in 04:19:58.

The final race in the 2024/25 Street 5K series took place on Wednesday, 12 March. Six Frome runners flexed their 5K muscles on the fast, flat route. Alexander Fisher (MV40) crossed the line in 00:18:50, followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in in 00:20:39, David Lee (MV40) in 00:21:02 and Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) in 00:22:31. Barrie Knight (MV70) finished in 00:23:55 followed by Brett Sadler in 26:30.

The Bath Half Marathon made a welcome return on Sunday 16 March. As customary, Frome fielded a strong team, headed by Alexander Fisher (MV40), who again finished first for the club, posting a time of 01:26:50. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) was hot on his heels with a time of 01:39:21, followed by Stephen Jackson (MV45) in 01:41:08, Ben Spicer (MV40) in 01:47:37, Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 01:50:40 and Chris Chivers (MV40) in 02:16:15.

The following Sunday (23 March) saw the start of the Wiltshire Road Race League with this year’s inaugural race The Highworth 5. Frome got its campaign off to a great start with a very strong field of runners taking on the 5 mile race on country roads. Once again, Alexander Fisher (MV40) finished first in 00:31:33, followed very closely by Dan Gaisford (MV40) in 00:31:49, James Arnull-Culliford (MV40) in 00:33:23 and Sam Baraud (MSEN) in 00:36:28. David Alsford (MV50) crossed the line in 00:37:26, closely followed by Ellie Burford (FV35) in 00:37:56 and Barrie Knight (MV60+) in 00:39:45. Emma Yeo (FV55) finished in 00:40:04, followed by Clare Dunning (FSEN) in 00:40:14, Julie Chilvers (FV50) in 00:44:14, Paul Goodwin (MV60+) in 00:46:47 and Suzanne Ingle (FSEN) in 00:47:52.

On the same day, over in Hullavington, Paul Horton (MV50) took on the Hullavington 20, a twenty-mile road race through the gently undulating countryside of Wiltshire. Paul completed the course in a time of 02:26:53.

On Sunday, 30 March, Daniel Thomson was in action again, this time in Yeovil for the town’s half marathon, completing the route in 02:46:09.

Finally, to mark the changing seasons, more Frome club runners took part in the Spring Clock Change Challenge in Calne on 30 March. Alexander Fisher (MV40), finished in 00:39:39, followed by Emma Yeo (FV55), whose time of 00:49:34 earned her first in age category. John Yeo was next to finish in 00:50:54 followed by Emma Evans (FV50) 00:59:04.

January got off to a stormy start for Frome Running Club. But snow, hail and race cancellations didn’t dampen the spirits of club runners who eagerly took to the starting lines of a number of local events. First to kick off the action was Daniel Thomson (MSEN), who took part in the Sir Walter Raleigh Third race on Saturday, January 4. Starting and finishing in the coastal town of Budleigh Salterton in Devon, this 8.4-mile route (third of a marathon) visited the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child. Daniel completed the picturesque route in 01:15:00. 

The next date in the running calendar for Frome’s club runners was perennial favourite The Longleat 10K on the 26th of January. As customary, Frome fielded a sizeable team of runners who braved strong winds, hail and cold temperatures to complete the gruelling hilly course around the Longleat estate and its grand house. First past the post for Frome was Alexander Fisher (MV40), who finished in 00:42:15, followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:49:22 and Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 00:51:02. Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) finished in 00:52:35, closely followed by Emma Yeo (FV50) in 00:53:04. Chris Chivers (MV40) was next, crossing the line in 01:04:24 followed by Tina Searle (FV60) in 01:17:37.

Rounding out the month was race 4 in the Street 5K series on Wednesday the 29th of January. With the original event on the 8th of January cancelled due to snow and stormy weather, three Frome stalwarts took to starting line to put their 5K times to the test. Once again, Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish for Frome with a time of 00:19:20. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) completed a busy first month of the year with a time of 00:21:12, while Barrie Knight (MV70) posted a time of 00:25:21.

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.