As the temperature drops and weather turns wetter, conditions are proving ideal for lovers of mud and off-road races.
This year’s 10-ish-mile Sodbury Slog didn’t disappoint, providing enough hills, ditches and mud baths to make any hardened trail runner’s heart sore. There were plenty of representatives from Frome Running Club at this year’s race on 12th November. Pete Larman (VM40) was first to cross the line in 01:13:46, to bag 6th position in category. He was followed by Ian Holmes (VMV40) in 01:23:43, Victoria Penman (VL35) in 01:27:20, Stephen Ratcliffe (VM50) in 01:31:30 and Fiona Norris (VL50) in 01:43:52. Jo Fordham (VL35) was next to finish, posting a time of 01:54:12, followed by Sara Elliott (VL50) in 02:16:38, Anne Porter (VL60) in 02:23:43, Felicity Young (VL50) in 02:23:52, Laura Ryder (VL35) in 02:28:31, Sally Brooker (VL50) in 02:28:46 and Bruce Lockyer (VM50) in 02:33:30.
On the same day, two other Frome runners lined up for another local off-road challenge: The Bath Hilly 10K. Starting and finishing at Bath race course, the route takes runners up steep hills and along rough tracks with plenty of stiles and kissing gates along the way. Andrew Smallbone finished for Frome in 01:09:51, followed shortly after by Sarah Smallbone in 01:16:39.
On the following weekend, 19th November, there was more off-road fun on offer with the Bath Skyline 10K. This hilly course starts and finishes at the university of Bath, and takes runners up into the countryside surrounding the city. Andrew Smallbone (MV50) was the first Frome Club runner to finish in 00:50:43. He was followed by David White (MSEN) in 00:56:58, Sarah Smallbone (FV50) in 01:05:10, and Julie Chilvers (FV40) in 01:04:04.
The Castle Combe Chilly 10K on the same Sunday gave local runners the chance to hit the tarmac once again. This flat course follows the Castle Combe race track, offering plenty of potential for fast times. Ted Sprules (SUPVET60) didn’t disappoint, posting a time of 00:40:26 to earn 1st position in category. He was followed by Kat Uphill (SEN), who finished 3rd position in category with 00:41:17. Peter Reed (VET) crossed the line in 00:47:55, followed by Laura Ryan (SEN) in 00:49:48, Richard Riley (SUPVET) in 00:52:19 and Graham Farley (SUPVET) in 00:52:55.
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.
Picture: Frome’s club runners at the Sodbury Slog
