MEMBERS of the Frome Running Club were out and about in April taking on the annual TCS London Marathon and races as far afield as Pembrokeshire.
“The racing season got well and truly underway in April with local runners spoilt for choice in terms of terrain and distance,” the club reports.
“Things got off to a great start on 2nd April with the Devizes Half Marathon. Flying the flag for Frome were Alexander Fisher (M40) and Chris Dayman-Johns (MS) who posted times of 01:39:56 and 01:58:53 respectively.
“Over in Yeovil the following Monday, the Easter Bunny 10K offered runners the perfect opportunity to burn off any Easter overindulgences. Ted Sprules (MV60) was the first Frome runner to cross the line in 42:56, a speedy time that earned him second in category. He was followed by Julie Chilvers (FV45), who raced past the post in 51:40.
“Saturday 22nd April offered some real offroad treats for trail enthusiasts. Clare Dunning ventured over to the Pembrokeshire coastline to take part in the Endurance Pembrokeshire Half Marathon, completing the challenging coastal route in 03:10:29. Over in Bath, Dave Perrett and Giles Padfield took part in the Bath Beat 17. The two Frome stalwarts completed the 17-mile trail run in 04:09:00.
“Sunday 23rd April saw the return of the UK’s most high-profile running event, the London Marathon. Among the approximately 48,000 runners who descended on the capital for the race were three of Frome’s finest. Helen Bakunowicz was first to cross the line for Frome, posting an impressive time of 03:57:50. Ben Spicer was next to finish in a speedy 4:14:17 followed by Neil Grist in a great time of 4:39:06.
“Back in Wiltshire, the Corsham 10K put the perfect finish on the weekend. Frome fielded a strong contingent for this local favourite with ten club runners taking to the starting line. First to finish was Paul Horton (MV50) in 40:37 closely followed by Ted Sprules (MV60) in 42:08 (second in age category). Next past the post was Alexander Fisher (MV40) in 43:58, followed by David Alsford (MV50) in 45:32, Ian Holmes (MV50) in 46:23 and Chris Dayman-Johns in 48:53. Barrie Knight’s time of 50:28 earned him first in age category (MV70). Peter Clardy (MV60) crossed the line in 50:51, followed by Nicky Thomas (MV50) in 54:49 and Paul Goodwin (MV70) in 01:00:58.”
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.
Pictured: Ben, Helen and Neil with their London Marathon medals.
