THE cooler autumn temperatures provided the perfect conditions for running at the start of September and Frome Club runners availed of the many on and off-road races available.
On Sunday 3rd September, club runner Ian Holmes (MV40), made his way down to Dorset’s picturesque Corfe Castle to take part in The Beast off-road race. True to its name, the approximately 12-mile route had more than a few challenges in store, offering tricky terrain and steep climbs. Ian completed the hilly course in a time of 01:52:33.
On September 8th, Frome club runner Steve Ratcliffe (MV50) took part in the Cheddar Challenge 6K Canicross race with his dog Sid. The two went on to win the race, posting an outstanding time of 00:40:49. Two days later on September 10th, two-legged runners lined up for the Cheddar Gorge Challenge 10K, an off-road route that takes participants all the way along the Cheddar Gorge cliff. Sarah Smallbone (FV50) was flying the flag for Frome. Her speedy time of 01:08:18 earned her 2nd place in category.
September 10th proved a particularly busy day for the club’s runners. Over in Chippenham, local athletes welcomed the return of the Chippenham Half Marathon. Six runners from the club took to the starting line. Keith Robinson (MV60) was the first Fromie to finish, posting a time of 01:29:19. He was followed by Kat Uphill (FSEN) in 01:33:05, Peter Reed (MV40) in 01:56:20, Chapper Boulton (MV50) in 02:01:33, Anne Porter (FV60) in 02:05:12 and Sarah Perrett (FV40) in 02:08:23.
Club runner Victoria Penman travelled slightly further afield on the same Sunday to take part in the world’s largest half marathon, the Great North Run. She completed the 13.1 miles in 01:50:07.
The Warminster Carnival Chase 10K was a slightly smaller affair, but none the less challenging for local athletes. Ted Sprules (MV60) bagged 4th position overall with a time of 00:42:10. Shane Ford came in 5th overall with a time of 00:44:51, while Stuart Stenhouse crossed the line soon after in 00:48:56. Finally, over in Wiltshire, David White lined up for the Great Wishford 10K, completing the course in a time of 00:54:07.
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.
Emma Surridge
