The new year got off to a cracking start for Frome with the South West Club & County Cross Country Championships on Sunday 6 January at Yeovil, Aldon Hill.
Joseph Donworth (MSEN) was in action again, completing the 9K senior men’s course in 00:34:24. The following Saturday, 12 January, hailed the return of the Bath Skyline 5 and 10K night races. Starting from 6pm in the evening, the two courses take runners out around the hill tops of the Bath skyline, offering a good mix of terrain, open fields, woodland trails and broad stretching views over the countryside and the city of Bath. Emma Evans (FV40-49) completed the 5K route in a time of 00:35:46, earning herself first in category. Julie Chilvers (FV40-49) and Emma Surridge (FV40-49) took on the 10K course. Julie completed the course in 01:02:32, bagging fifth position in category, while Emma crossed the line in 01:04:41. Yet more Frome runners turned up the following day for the Bath Skyline 10K day race. Peter Clardy (MV60) finished first in category posting a time of 00:54:29. He was followed by Emma Surridge (FV40-49) in 01:01:08, Julie Chilvers (FV40-49) in 01:01:20 and Nigel Williams (MV60) in 01:10:23.
Saturday, 19 January, saw a challenge of a different kind with Beyond the Far Side. Starting and finishing at Leighton Sports Centre, Westbury, participants can choose between a 10K option or complete as many 5.30-mile circuits as possible in 6 or 12 hours – with each circuit including an overall elevation of 850 feet. Sarah Smallbone took on the 10K challenge, finishing in a time of 00:59:47. Andrew Smallbone chose the 6-hour option, completing 26.5 miles in 05:10:28.
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.