Record-breaking start to October for Running Club

TWO intrepid club runners made their way to Salisbury at the start of October to take part in the Clarendon Marathon, a challenging off-road route that follows the ancient Clarendon Way to Winchester.

Ian Holmes (MV45-49) crossed the line in 04:09:55 to finish 10th in category, followed by Becky Webb (FSEN) in 05:11:32.

On the same day, more club runners lined up for another off-road race, the Cricklade half marathon. Joseph Donworth (MSEN) was the first to finish the 13.1-mile route, posting a time of 01:22:20, finishing 7th overall and 5th in category. Next to cross the line was Catharine Dowling (FSEN), who finished in a PB time of 01:59:14. She was followed by Anne Porter (FV60), whose time of 02:08:16 earned her 3rd position in category, and Dave Perrett (MV40), who completed the course in 02:10:35.

On Sunday 8th October, club runner Kat Uphill (FSEN) made her way to the dreaming spires of Oxford to take part in the city’s Half Marathon, where she posted a speedy time of 01:34:37. On the same day, over in Bournemouth, another contingent of Frome athletes travelled to the coast for the Bournemouth Half Marathon. Victoria Penman (FV40) crossed the line in 01:46:40. She was followed by Ellie Jones (FSEN) in 01:55:43, Julie Chilvers (FSEN) in 02:01:11 and Rachel Brenni (FV45) in 02:02:12.

Also on that Sunday, more local runners took part in the notorious Mendip Muddle, a challenging 12-mile off-road race in the heart of the Mendips. Jack Harrington (MSEN) crossed the line in 02:04:43, followed by Martin Taylor (MV60) in 02:07:51. Steve Gumm (MV40) was next, posting a time of 02:10:23, followed by Lynn Brand (FV50) in 02:16:17 and Peter Lee (V70) in 02:53:17.

Back over in Wiltshire, more local runners lined up under the gaze of the Westbury White Horse for the Westbury Lions 10K. Ted Sprules (MV60) put in another sterling performance, finishing 7th overall in 00:41:05. He was closely followed by Andrew Smallbone (MV50) in 00:41:11 and Sarah Smallbone (FV50), whose time of 00:50:31 earned her first position in category.

Finally, Frome runner Keith Robinson (V65+) was flying the flag for the club in America at the Portland (Oregon) Marathon. Completing the race in an impressive 03:09:13, he not only notched up a new personal best time but also set a new course record for his age category.

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.