Frome runners spring into action

THE Baltic temperatures that visited the region during February and March didn’t deter Frome’s hardy runners. With a broad selection of races to choose from, Frome’s club runners put in great team performances in numerous races both close to home and further afield. 

A club spokesperson said, “Rounding out February was the winter edition of the Bowerhill Bomber; this Melksham-based trail race offers 5k and 10K distances covering country lanes, fields, and towpaths. In the 10K race, Andrew Smallbone put in a stellar performance, finishing in 00:45:02 to bag fifth overall. Hot on his heel was Ellie Burford, who finished in 00:52:19. Sarah Smallbone represented Frome in the 5k distance and was the fourth female to cross the line with an impressive time of 00:27:16.

“The Terminator, another perennial favourite in the trail-running calendar, also took place on Sunday 26th February. Emma Surridge (FV40) was the first Fromie to cross the line in 01:56:27, closely followed by Julie Chilvers (FV40) in 02:08:57.

“The following weekend, David Lee (MVET) and Barrie Knight (supvet 70) flew the flag for Frome at the Castle Combe Chilly 10K. David crossed the line in 00:46:09 closely followed by Barrie, whose time of 00: 49:36 earned him first position in category. On the same day, over on the north coast of Devon, Paul Horton (MV55) competed the Bideford Half Marathon, posting an impressive time of 01:27:01, earning himself fifth position in category.

“Meanwhile, on the south coast of Devon, Ian Holmes stormed his way through the gruelling 20-mile grizzly trail race, posting an impressive time of 03:40:17. Another Frome stalwart, Vicki Trundle, took on the Imber Ultra, completing the challenging 33-mile trail route in 07:14:15.

“Sunday 12th March saw the return of the Bath Two Tunnels series of races, and Frome runners were again out in force across a range of distances. Helen Bakunowicz (FV40) and Barrie Knight (MV70+) took to the starting line for the half marathon, completing the distance in 01:57:18 and 01:57:54 respectively, with Barrie once again bagging first position in category. Alexander Fisher completed the Return Ticket 10km in 00:44:37, followed by Chris Chivers in 01:06:30. Clare Dunning completed the Hilly Ticket 10k in 01:27:10.

“Over in south Wiltshire on the same weekend, there was more off-road fun to be had at the Larmer Tree Spring races. Ben Spicer took on the 20-mile distance, crossing the line in 03:43:47, while Rachel Bala completed the half marathon in 02:49:27.”

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: Frome runners at the Bath Two Tunnels.