Over 1,000 runners brave the heat for the Frome Half Marathon

IT was a scorching hot day for the fifth Frome Half Marathon which took place earlier this month.  Over 1,000 runners of all abilities, shapes and sizes took to the streets to put months of training into practice, with crowds cheering them on from the sidelines. 

Organisers have hailed the annual event a huge success with the people of Frome and the surrounding villages once again showing their support.

One of the organisers, Dave Perrett said, “This is a true community event which raises thousands of pounds for local charities, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of a small but dedicated group of volunteers – many of whom spend the months before the event planning every last detail to make sure it is such a success.

“The runners are made safe by lots of marshals too, and the event organisers would like to thank each and every one of these volunteers, without whom the race wouldn’t go ahead.

“The runners themselves also raise thousands of pounds for charity, with a large group resplendent in purple to support Papyrus, several wearing the vests of local charity We Hear You, and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Toby Eliot and Al O’Kane, running in their mayoral chains for local charity Frome Gateway Club. Scores of other charities were supported, too.

“The 10k race held special significance as it played host to race six of the Wiltshire Road Race League, the Somerset County Championship, and a South West Inter Counties event, with runners coming from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Avon to vie for the title.

“Local professional boxer Ryan Wheeler started the race, and then went on to run the half marathon, finishing in seventh position in 1:28:20.

“People played music along the route to help the runners on their way, whilst others sprayed hoses and offered jelly babies and ice poles to cool down those that braved the tough, hilly course.

“Local bands chipped in too, with the Cley Hill Stompers and the Frome Street Bandits playing for supporters and runners alike.

“The day was a fantastic success once again, and after such positive feedback from runners on the day and after the event, everyone is looking forward to the races returning in 2017.”

The half marathon was won by Daniel Jones of Team Bath in 1:15:12, followed by Tom Craggs of Winchester AC in 1:19:24 and Peter Grist of Wells City Harriers in 1:19:47. Georgia Wood was first female in 1:29:11, while the first Frome Running Club runner home was Keith Robinson in 1:32:51.

In the 10k, Tom Merson of Bristol and West AC was first home in 32:06, followed by

Ronnie Richmond of Bideford AAC in 32:55 and Avon Valley Runners’ Michael Towler in 33:26. Ruth Barnes of Avon Valley Runners took the first female prize with 35:29, while Joseph Donworth was the first Frome Running Club runner over the line in 36:40.

The 5k was won by Owen Parkin of Erme Valley Harries in 16:55, followed by William Laye of Bridgnorth Running Club in 17:12 and Brian Glynn of Athlos in 17:20. Team Bath’s India Ibbotson took the first female prize in 21:24, while Victor Watts led the charge for Frome Running Club in 22:30.

Georgie Starkie, race director said, “I was very pleased with how the events went his year. As usual we were full ahead of entries closing the week before the race and we had really good uptake for the Junior 1k too. This year we hosted a South West Inter-Counties event, as well as the Somerset County Road Race Championship and the Wiltshire Road Race League.

“The feedback from runners was all really positive and as usual they singled out the marshals, who make the event as successful as it has become. I am so grateful to the army of volunteers that help us on the day.

“We had lots of runners raising money for a range of local and national charities and I hope they all hit their fundraising targets! It’s wonderful to see so many good causes being supported out on the road.

“Two runners were affected by the warm conditions on Sunday and so were treated for heat exhaustion by the first aiders, who praised the quick response of our marshals. I understand that both runners are making a good recovery now and wish them all the best for a speedy return to full fitness.”

Find out more about the Frome Half Marathon at www.fromehalfmarathon.co.uk

You can buy pictures from the event here