Runners feel the love for Frome!

The eighth annual Frome Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run had another record-breaking day on Sunday 21st July.  

“More than 1,400 runners reveled in the unique Frome feeling created by volunteers and residents who came out to support them across the course,” said Richard Parr, the race organiser.

“Runners from across Somerset and the South West were out in force, aged between 3 – 81 years completing one of the fun run, 5K, 10K or half marathon distances. They ranged from first-time runners and charity fundraisers, to veteran athletes from local running clubs including Avon Valley Runners, Southville Running Club and our very own Frome Running Club. 

“With 557 people finishing the half marathon, 502 finishers in the 10K and 238 finishers in the 5K, a grand total of over 18,000 kilometres were ran inside three hours – that’s the same as going from Frome to Shanghai and back!”

Local charities featured heavily in fundraising efforts, including The Pod Charity, We Hear You, Fair Frome and Somerset Sight with many other individual causes proudly shown on runners’ vests and in fancy dress costumes.

Amongst the runners were Frome Mayor, cllr Mark Dorrington while Josh Payne-Gover, who was left paralysed by an accident last year, completed the 5k, raising money for The Stars Appeal who have helped him during his recovery (see story above).

Loving the Frome locals

“Famous for the local support out on the route, runners were full of praise for the town through their feedback, social media posts and online reviews at ‘the TripAdvisor for run events’ Racecheck,” continued Richard “The event is currently on track for a Silver Racecheck Award, with reviews flying in, averaging 4.7 out of 5.

“Social media posts throughout the day proved that the local and regional reputation of the race is well earned:

“Roz Jones: “Yet again a fantastic event!! Can’t fault it!! Many thanks to everyone involved. Will definitely be back again next year!!”

“Kerry Stenner: “It’s incredibly well organised and the support is fantastic. It’s one of the best events I’ve ever been to. This is my second time, and though I hate those hills I’ll be back again next year!”

“Elaine Koller: “Great race but it was the local support from residents that made it for me.”

“David Wright: “Great event, thanks to the organisers. Also the best support from residents I’ve ever experienced.”

“Jason Garrahan: “I travelled down from South Wales to run this today and I have to say despite by body being wrecked from those hills at the end, I thought this was the best supported half marathon I have done. The people of Frome were so supportive today at every point of the course, especially with their hosepipes. You should feel very proud about your town and this event.”

Richard Parr, of the event managers ‘The Race Organiser’ said, “Frome has proven yet again that it is the best little half marathon in the UK! The amazing community comes together to offer a big race day experience with genuine support from every single runner – you just don’t get the same Frome feeling anywhere else.

“As the event gets ever more popular each year, we’ll keep on talking to the wonderful community groups who help us deliver it to ensure it keeps getting better and better and continues to benefit everyone in the town.”

Fundraising and 

local organisations

Local groups supporting the event on the route as marshals, water station crew and race village helpers included the Army Cadet Force Frome, Frome & Selwood Rotary Club, Frome Carnival Club, Frome Cricket Club, the Frome Scouts and the Nunney Residents Association. 

New course records

New course records were set in a number age and gender categories across all three distances:

Two female records were broken in the V40 and V60 Half Marathon categories, by Serane Stone of Tiverton Harriers (1:24:20) and Diane Pease of Southville Running Club (1:59:38), with a new male V50 record set by Richard Swindlehurst of Poole AC (1:20:57).

In the 10K, Teresa Lovern of Somer AC set the only new course record for the female V60 category (50:30).

In the 5K, a new all-time female course record of 19:43 was set by Katherine Uphill, whilst Sergio Morales came close to the male course record with 16:38, setting a new standard for his male V40 category.