A cold and stormy January came to a close with a real highlight for local runners in Wiltshire.
Held this year on 29th January, the Slaughterford 9 is a multi-terrain nine-mile race that follows an undulating course with 900 feet of ascent and descent.
Joseph Donworth (MSEN) was the first Frome club runner to cross the line in 01:00:09, earning himself 6th position overall and 5th position in category. He was followed by Peter Larman (MV40) at 01:12:45, Giles Padfield (MV40) at 01:14:32, Victoria Penman (FV35) 01:23:07 and Stephen Ratcliffe (MV40) at 01:24:09. Next to finish was Richard Corp (MV40) at 01:24:31, Martin Taylor (MV50) at 01:25:46, Rebecca Webb (FSEN) at 01:27:31, Lynn Brand (FV45) 01:34:46, Sam Charlton (FSEN) at 01:35:34, Mary Gilchrist (FV45) at 01:38:43, Jan Lake (FV45) at 01:45:11 and Emma Flexon (FV35) at 01:57:44.
The following Sunday saw another good turnout of club runners for the Longleat 10k. Starting in front of the magnificent Longleat House, the race a hilly affair, with a significant climb at the beginning and the end. Jerry Rayner (MSEN) was first to finish for Frome with a time of 00:39:31. He was closely followed by Kat Uphill (FSEN), whose finished as the second woman overall with an outstanding time of 00:42:07. Anthony Sprules (MV60) was next to finish in 00:43:43, followed by Shane Ford (MSEN) in 00:45:21, Julie Chilvers (FV40) in 00:51:25, Chapper Boulton (MV55) in 00:53:46, Peter Reed (MV45) in 00:53:23, Zoe Boulton (FSEN) in 00:54:01, Natalie George (FSEN) in 00:54:59 and Rebecca Horsfall (FSEN) in 00:54:32.
Over on the Isle of Portland on the same day, runners were lining up for the Portland Coastal full and half marathon. This dramatic, rugged course taking runners along coastal cliffs and past hidden coves, rewarding participants with stunning views the Isle of Portland. Ian Holmes was the first Frome club runner to finish, posting a time of 04:35:57. Next was Steve Carroll with a time of 04:38:55 followed by Vicki Trundle in 05:13:10. Ellie Jones was the first Fromie to complete the half marathon course, recording a strong time of 02:34:05. Sara Elliott and Fiona Norris crossed the line together shortly after in 02:55:25 with Emma Flexon completing the club contingent with a time of 02:59:52.
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
