In spite of scorching heat the eighth Frome Half Marathon returned to the streets today (July 18) with hundreds of runners pounded across the town, supported by crowds of applause.

Many onlookers were amazed that some of the runners looked perfectly at ease, running as the temperature headed over 30 degrees.

The fastest runner across the half marathon course was James Dwyer who ran it in 1 hour thirteen minutes and 55 seconds.

In a sign of how popular the event is - being described as the best half marathon in the UK - second place was a runner from a Swansea club, with a time of 01:16:07, in third a competitor who ran it in (01:17:27) from the Epson Harriers.

The fast female runner was Kirsteen Welch who completed the course in 01:21:13.

Frome fire service was also on hand to hose down runners as they headed past the station- which is why Nub News spotted many runners drenched in water as they headed down Bath Street before the final climb to the finish line at Selwood Academy.

Frome Masons, Frome Carnival and Frome Active and in Touch volunteers were some of those helping marshal the race.

Top work from everyone involved and if you were inspired by the dedication and the athleticism, the next half marathon, the ninth event in Frome is already scheduled for July 17, 2022.