A hardy band of Frome club runners took to the hills for the Mendip Outdoor Pursuits 10k on Sunday 15th October.
Following public footpaths, muddy trails, woodland and open countryside, the route took runners out across the Mendips hills, Butcombe Trail and Sandford Quarry. Michelle Caines (VF40) was the first Frome runner to finish with a time of 01:15:31. Peter Lee (MV70) posted a time of 01:28:48 to earn first position in category, while Clare Dunning (FSEN) crossed the line in 01:38:22.
On the same day, over near Chippenham, more local runners were lining up for race 9 in the Wiltshire Road Race League. The Grittleton 10K is a one-lap course ideal for fast times and PBs. And Frome’s club runners didn’t disappoint. Kat Uphill’s (FSEN) time of 00:41:26 earned her 4th position overall and 3rd in category. Shane Ford (MSEN) was not far behind with a PB time of 00:43:13, followed by Peter Reed (MV40) with another PB of 00:46:04.
The following Sunday saw more local runners taking on the White Horse Gallop. This eight-mile trail run takes competitors up Westbury Hill and along the Imber Range path to the White Horse before heading back down to Westbury. Andrew Smallbone (MV50) completed the challenge in 01:00:27 to bag 6th place overall and 1st in category. David White (MSEN) came in next in 01:09:56, followed by Michelle Caines (FV40) in 01:30:33.
Three more Frome runners travelled slightly further afield on the 22nd: Shane Ford made his way to Southsea for Great South Run, completing the fast, flat course in 01:13:19 while Ian Holmes (MV40) took part in the Abingdon Marathon, where he posted an impressive time of 03:29:13. Martin Taylor took on the Exmoor Stagger, an approximately 16-mile trail run with over 3600 feet of ascent. He completed this impressive challenge in 02:55:23.
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.
