BRISTOL Half Marathon, an annual 13.1-mile course that takes runners under the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and offers spectacular views along the Avon Gorge and Bristol harbour side, took place this year on Sunday 17th September.
Lee Stone was the first Frome club runner to finish in a time of 01:25:59. He was followed by Shane Ford in 01:42:17, Pete Larman in 01:42:24, Steve Gumm in 01:51:37 and Clare Dunning in 02:25:17.
On the same day, over in Wiltshire, more local runners lined up for the Melksham 10K. Frome’s club runners produced some great results here, with club runners Joseph Donworth, James Bishop and Andrew Smallbone winning first team prize. Joseph Donworth (MSEN) was also the first Frome club runner to finish in 00:35:05, followed by James Bishop (MV40) in 00:40:10 and Andrew Smallbone (MV50) 00:40:58. Sarah Smallbone (FV50) crossed the line in 00:49:48, earning herself second place in category and a PB for the distance.
Club runner Graham Farley (MV50) ventured further afield to take part in the Grimsthorpe Castle 10k. He completed the picturesque, off-road course in 01:00:49.
Andrew Smallbone was back in action the following Sunday in Sherborne for the Camelot Challenge half- marathon, completing the hilly off-road race in 01:50:33.
On the 24th, local runners welcomed the return of the Mells’ Scenic 7. Organised by Frome Running Club, the challenging course once again offered runners more than enough in the way of steep hills, challenging terrain and impressive landscape, following a 7-ish mile route from Mells through the villages of Great Elm and Buckland Dinham before returning to Mells.
Luke Oakes (MSEN) was the first Fromie to finish, posting a time of 00:57:13. Hot on his heels was Pete Larman (MV40), who recorded a time of 00:57:40. Neil Munns (MV40) was next with a time of 00:59:43, followed by Ben Spicer (MSEN) in 01:05:04, Sarah Smallbone (FV45) in 01:07:03, Martin Taylor (MV60) in 01:07:34 and Ellie Burford (FSEN) in 01:09:14. Lynn Brand (FV55) completed the course in 01:09:22, followed by Julie Chilvers (FV35) in 01:10:30, Richard Turner (MV40) in 01:11:38 and Rachel Brenni (FV45) in 01:13:31.
Frome Running Club offers both on and off-road training and welcomes new members, whatever the ability. For more details, visit www.fromerunning club.co.uk.
