Christmas and New Year are traditionally quiet times on the local race circuit, but the break did not last long and Frome’s club runners soon found the perfect way to kick off the 2017 in style.
On Sunday 8th January, a number of brave souls lined up for the Rough ‘n’ Tumble 10 in Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire. Covering roughly 10 miles, this challenging off-road event takes runners out along footpaths and tracks through picturesque countryside, with a number of steep ascents and descents thrown in for good measure.
Joseph Donworth (MSEN) was the first Frome club runner to finish in a time of 01:14:51, earning himself tenth position overall.
He was followed by Chris Stringer (MSEN) in 01:40:36 and Richard Corp (MV40) in 01:43:00. Victoria Penman (FV35) was the first of the club’s female runners to cross the line, posting a time of 01:43:44. She was closely followed by Rebecca Webb (FSEN) in 01:45:25, Lynn Brand (FV55) in 01:58:39 and Emma Flexon (FV35) in 02:28:23.
There were more off-road thrills and spills to be had two weeks later at the Doynton Hard Half Marathon on Sunday 22nd January.
As the name suggest, the hard half is not for the faint-hearted. The route mostly follows muddy public footpaths, bridle paths, and country lanes, taking runners through swollen rivers and up challenging climbs.
Chris Stringer (MSEN) finished first for Frome in 02:08:36. Richard Corp (MV40) crossed the finish line not long after in 02:14:05, followed by Lucy Gaffney (F45-54) in 02:31:50 and Mark Aston (M60-69) 02:58:14.
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
