Nine intrepid Frome Club runners were among the 41,003 hardy souls hitting the streets of London for the London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April, on what turned out to be the hottest race day in the event’s history.
Joseph Donworth (18-39) was the first Frome athlete to finish in an impressive 03:14:34. Hot on his heels was Lee Stone (40-44) who posted a time of 03:18:38. Keith Robinson (65-69) was next to finish, his time of 03:20:58 earning him a remarkable 3rd position in category. Ian Holmes (50-54) was next down The Mall, finishing in 03:35:17, followed by Bunty Rance (45-49) in 03:56:32, Marcus Gaffney (45-49) in 04:10:51 and Lynn Brand (55-59) in 04:14:57. Lucy Gaffney (45-49) finished in 05:03:45, followed by Laura Francis (40-44) in 05:19:28.
On the same day, the town of Corsham in Wiltshire was hosting the slightly smaller Corsham 10K race. Starting and finishing at the town’s football club, the picturesque route takes runners out into town and through quiet country lanes. Frome runner Ted Sprules (MV60) crossed the line in 00:41:42 to finish second in category, followed by Catherine Gregory (FSEN) in 01:00:39.
The following Sunday saw local runners descend on the Wiltshire village of Compton Bassett for the second fixture in the Wiltshire Road Race League, the Compton 5-mile road race. Peter Reed (M40) was first to finish for Frome Running Club with a time of 00:35:08. He was followed by Joanne Fordham (F45) in 00:36:34 and Adrian Mead (M40) in 00:43:21. Frome Running Club is currently 11th in Division A of the league and joint 16th in Division B.
On Monday, 2 April, over 400 local athletes lined up for the Yeovil Easter Bunny 10K. Two of Frome’s finest were also at the start line. Peter Grist (MSEN) completed the fast, flat course in 00:34:20, earning himself 5th position overall and 4th in category. Nick Cooper (MV50) finished a short time later in 00:43:09.
The following Sunday, proved a busy day for races. More Frome runners took to the hills for the Penselwood Tough 10k. Joseph Donworth (MSEN) led the field for Frome, completing the scenic route in 00:35:48 to take 2nd position overall. He was followed by Ian Holmes (MV50) in 00:45:37 and Lynn Brand (FV50) in 00:52:59.
On the same day, over in Wiltshire, a further contingent of Fromies took part in the Highworth 5-mile race. Peter Reed (MV40) finished in a time of 00:35:33, followed by Adrian Mead (MV40) in 00:43:30 and Anne Porter (FV55) in 00:45:22. This was race 1 in the Wiltshire Road Race League. Frome is currently in 10th position in Division A and joint 12th in Division B.
Over in Taunton, Alex Chesterton (MV50) lined up for the Taunton Marathon, crossing the line in 04:14:24. Peter Grist (MSEN) was in action again on the 8th in the Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon. He completed the scenic route along the coast in 01:15:05, bagging 4th position overall and 3rd in category out of a field of 920 runners.
The following weekend, 15th April, saw the return of the Marnhull 12K in Dorset. Peter Reed (MV40) completed the undulating course in 00:55:39, closely followed by Ben Spicer (MSEN) in 00:59:09. Anne Porter (FV55) was in action again over in East Sussex at the Brighton Marathon, her speedy time of 04:35:42 earned her 11th position in 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.
Above: Frome runners at the Compton 5-mile road race. Below: Frome runners at the Highworth 5-mile.
Emma Surridge
