THE annual Frome Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Family Fun Run returns for its ninth edition on Sunday 18th July with a special waved start and new location to keep it Covid-19 safe.
Starting and finishing on the playing fields of Selwood Academy, more than 1,400 runners are expected to take in the Family Fun Run, 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. Between 8.15am and 9.45am, runners will gradually cross the start line and take over the town streets until 1pm.
Organisers are still seeking volunteers who can help with route marshalling throughout the town for just a few hours on race day. The event is still powered by volunteers, ranging from 14 to 86 years of age providing the famous Frome friendliness around the course, helping to keep runners safe and feeling strong all the way to the finish line.
For safety, local roads will be closed for periods between 8.15am – 1.00pm. A guide to approximate closures times for areas and specific streets is available at fromehalfmarathon.co.uk.
Winning a Silver award from independent review site Racecheck for the last event in 2019, the event is renowned for its community spirit, friendly atmosphere and the beauty of the course.
Along with official charity partners Active and In Touch Frome and the Frome Activities and Sports Trust, local charities The Pod, We Hear You, Open Storytellers and Fair Frome all have runners coming out to fundraise to help communities recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Beginning in 2012, led by volunteers from Frome Running Club and Frome Rotary Club, the success of the event has seen runner numbers more than double since that first year and a Racecheck Silver Award making it one of the top-rated half marathons in the UK.
Richard Parr, event director of the Frome Half Marathon says, “It’s more important than ever to raise money for good causes and keep active, so we’re thrilled to have the support of the local authorities and the community to safely get back together for a special day of celebration.”
