Sunday 4th December was a bright, yet chilly morning across the west country. The low temperatures did nothing to deter runners, especially fans of the perennially popular Bromham Pudding Run.
This 10k race around the village of Bromham follows two flat, circular laps that regularly produce PBs. This potential for fast times is certainly one factor that makes this event so popular. The fact that runners are rewarded for the efforts with a tasty Christmas pudding at the end of the race also adds to its popularity.
Five lucky Frome club runners took to the starting line this year. Alistair Smith (MV60) was the first Frome runner past the post, recording a time of 00:49:42, which placed him third in age category. Christopher Steele (MV50) was next across the line with a time of 00:52:04. He was followed by Anne Porter (FV50) at 00:56:14 and Linda Hitchcox (V60), whose time of 00:58:44 bagged her third in category too. Sally Brooker (FV50) finished in a personal best time of 00:56:27.
The following weekend, local runners had the unique opportunity to run with tanks at the Bovington Half Marathon in Dorset. Starting and finishing at the world famous tank museum in Bovington, this hilly and muddy off-road course posed some particularly chilly challenges for participants on a bright yet cold Sunday morning.
Three intrepid Frome Running Club athletes complete the course, all crossing the line in more or less the same time. Samantha Charlton (F30-34) finished in a time of 01:58:44, Steve Ratcliffe (M45-49) in 01:58:45 and Adrian Mead (M45-49) in 01:58:46.
The festive day of running was rounded off with the inaugural Westonbirt Christmas 10k, which is held on the stunning grounds of Westonbirt House and Gardens in Gloucestershire. Shane Ford (SEN) was flying the flag for Frome at the race and completed the course in a personal best time of 00:44:35.
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
