A Trio of Frome runners completed the Ham & Lyme Ultramarathon earlier this month, a 50k route to Lyme Bay with 2,600ft of climbing.
Poppy Burton-Morgan (5:32), Ian Holmes (5:54) and Dan ‘Tommo’ Thomson (7:29) lined up with 300 competitors in baking hot 29 degree C heat.
“I absolutely adored running Ham to Lyme”, said Poppy, who placed fifth. “In my classically over-ambitious way I set out to podium and was moving between second and third place for the first 15 miles. The heat was immense, so I decided to just run for vibes in the second half – before jumping in the sea to cool off.”
“This was my first ultra and a real test of my endurance,” said Tommo. “A superb and friendly event and a beautiful journey across hills, fields and forests. I ran sections with friends, met new people along the way, and sampled the plentiful aid station snacks.
“My wife met me with ice lollies mid-race, which was a lifesaver! Cresting a hill and finally seeing the sea was such a relief. The final mile was all downhill with the crowds cheering you into the finish line: Amazing.”
On the day of the race, Poppy had joined Frome Running Club exactly one year ago. “Honestly, I joined because I was writing a poetry show about running and needed content, but in the process discovered that I love racing, and beating lots of men. Over this first year, with the support of the club, I’ve become a better runner, run my first marathon (3:22 in London) and now my first ultra. I can’t wait to step up to 50 miles next year!”
Frome Running Club offers both off and on-road training to beginners and ultramarathoners alike. The club welcomes new members, whatever the ability. For more details, visit www.fromerunningclub.co.uk.
Report: Luke O’Sade
Picture: Poppy
