The annual Frome Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run saw 1,299 runners take on their challenge on Sunday, 15th July, in temperatures reaching 29 degrees.
Billed by organisers as ‘The Best Little Half Marathon’ in the UK, the event is renowned for its community spirit, with more than 100 volunteers powering the operation, and residents along the route setting up ice buckets, hosepipes, sprinklers and even water pistols!
Capturing the feeling on the day, half marathon runner Eloise Nice said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you to the good people of Frome, supporting the half marathon, 10K and 5K. Your smiles, clapping and words of encouragement were more uplifting than you know…to every person that had a hosepipe or a water gun, you are absolute legends! Thank you so much to all the organisers. This is a great event for our community…one of the best small half marathons there is!”
The event raised thousands of pounds for local charities including We Hear You, The Pod Charity, Fair Frome and Sound Foundation Community Care, with many other individual causes proudly shown on runners’ vests and in fancy dress costumes.
New course records were set in the 5K, with male winner Benjamin Tickner setting an incredible 15:04 and female winner Clare Martin taking almost three minutes off the previous female record with her 19:01.
Runners aged 11-80 years old took part in the adults’ races, with more than 100 children and their accompanying grown-ups kicking off the day with the 1K family fun run. Full results are available at frome halfmarathon.co.uk.
The races were started by Mayor of Frome, cllr Richard Ackroyd and Michael Nicholson, trustee of Sound Foundation Community Care, the event sponsor.
In a genuine first for the event, half marathon runner, Chris Lewis, proposed to his girlfriend, Yasmin, only a few miles into the race, as she offered him a bottle of water from the side of the road. With their family and friends looking on, the moment was caught on camera as Chris got down on one knee, before heading off to finish his race. See the video on the Frome Half Marathon Facebook page.
Richard Parr, of the event managers ‘The Race Organiser’ said,“There’s nowhere like Frome to run a brilliant, unforgettable race. Even with the challenging hills and the unrelenting sunshine, the local support gives you goosebumps and makes anything possible. The entire operation is powered by volunteers – uniquely delivered with the community at its heart. We’re planning for next year already!”
