The year got off to a stormy start for Frome Running Club.
Snow, hail and race cancellations didn’t dampen the spirits of club runners, who eagerly took to the starting line at a number of local events. First to kick off the action was Daniel Thomson (MSEN), who took part in the Sir Walter Raleigh Third race on 4th January. Starting and finishing in the coastal town of Budleigh Salterton in Devon, this 8.4-mile route (a third of a marathon) visits the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child. Daniel completed the picturesque route in 01:15:00.
The next date in the running calendar for Frome’s club runners was perennial favourite, The Longleat 10K on 26th January.
As customary, Frome fielded a sizeable team of runners who braved strong winds, hail and cold temperatures to complete the gruelling hilly course around the Longleat estate and its grand house.
First past the post for Frome was Alexander Fisher (MV40), who finished in 00:42:15, followed by Daniel Thomson (MSEN) in 00:49:22 and Andrew Fowler (MV40) in 00:51:02. Chris Dayman-Johns (MSEN) finished in 00:52:35, closely followed by Emma Yeo (FV50) in 00:53:04. Chris Chivers (MV40) was next, crossing the line in 01:04:24, followed by Tina Searle (FV60) in 01:17:37.
Rounding out the month was race four in the Street 5K series on 29th January. With the original event on 8th January cancelled due to snow and stormy weather, three Frome stalwarts took to the starting line to put their 5K times to the test. Once again, Alexander Fisher (MV40) was first to finish for Frome, with a time of 00:19:20. Daniel Thomson (MSEN) completed a busy first month of the year with a time of 00:21:12, while Barrie Knight (MV70) posted a time of 00:25:21.
Frome Running Club offers both on- and off-road training and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. For more details, visit www.fromerunningclub.co.uk.
Pictured: Frome Runners brave the storm at the Longleat 10K
