On the weekend of the 14th & 15th May, running conditions proved much more pleasant across the region, with temperatures staying mercifully lower than the previous record-breaking weekend.
There were plenty of races for all appetites, from off-roaders and road runners to long distance enthusiasts.
In Dilton Marsh, nearly two hundred runners turned out for the first ever Dilton Dash race. Frome was also well represented, with three runners taking home silverware for the club.
Anthony Sprules was first to cross the line for Frome in the 10km race, posting a time of 48:24. Hot on his heels was Giles Padfield at 49:55. Next past the post was Fran Hunter who, with a time of 52:07, took home the trophy for second female overall. Laura Coleman crossed the line soon after at 54:20, followed by Adrian Mead 57:01, Emma Evans 60:09, Sally Brooker 66:12 and Iain Brownlie 72:54. The juniors also put on a sterling performance at the 3 km race. Samuel Evans completed the distance in 12:44, earning himself the second place trophy. Toby Evans came home in 00:15:14 while Mary Evans posted a time of 00:16:28, netting herself the third place trophy for girls.
Over in Radstock, the approximately 10km Jack and Jill off-road challenge, provided a number of gruelling hills, including the infamous incline in Kilmersdon where Jack and Jill supposedly came tumbling down.
Joseph Donworth (SM) stormed home at 41:08 to take third position overall and second position in his age category. Lee Stone (MV40) crossed the line next at 44:22, followed by Paul Grogan (MV40) 45:11, Ian Holmes (MV40) 49:25, Joel Sudworth (MV40) 00:52:50, Stephen Ratcliffe (MV40) 53:35 and Martin Taylor (MV50) 54:16. The first woman across the line was Emma Surridge (FV40) at 55:35 followed by Fleur Rush (FV40) at 57:44. Roger Devereux (MV50) came in next at 01:00:16, followed by Richard Tewkesbury (MV 60+) 01:00:40, Simone Dumergue (FV40) 01:00:50, Laura Ryan (SF) 01:03:39, Peter Lee (MV60+) 01:08:24, Jason Eacott (MV40) 01:10:11, Nathaniel Collier (SM) 01:13:18, Andrew Barton (MV40) 01:13:19 and Maxine Barton (FV40) 01:13:19.
In Bristol, Steve Jackson and Adella Jackson ran the Bristol 10km in club col-ours, posting times of 55:17 and 56:41 respectively.
A further five intrepid athletes were over the border in Wiltshire taking part in the Marlborough Downs 20-mile trail race challenge. Debbie Craven-Smith (FV40) was first to finish with a time of 03:25:05. She was followed by Christopher Fleming (MV40) 03:37:40, Emma Flexon (FV40) 03:53:47, Steve Carroll (MV50) 03:53:47 and Richard Corp (MV40) 03:53:55.
Frome Running Club offers both on and off-road training and welcomes new members, whatever the ability. For more details, visit fromerunningclub.org.uk
