The ninth annual Frome Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Family Fun Run returned on Sunday 21 July after its 2020 cancellation.

With staggered starts, extra water points and a volunteer army, the community united to fundraise and achieve extraordinary fitness goals whilst staying safe from both the hot weather and Covid transmission risks.

More than 1,000 runners rose to the challenge, even as the weather saw temperatures of up to 27º during the morning with the renowned local support across the course with hosepipes, sprinklers and children with water guns doing their bit to create the unique Frome feeling.

Runners aged between 2 – 81 years completed the fun run, 5K, 10K or half marathon distances, with more first timer runners than ever who'd taken up running during the last year of restrictions.

Next year's provisional date has already been set as 17th July 2022.

Highlights from this year's event included a review from

Helen Bakunowicz who said: "Absolutely brilliant event. So impressed with the social distancing considerations and the staggered start. We all felt really safe. The Marshall's were brilliant and encouraging, the Frome crowd really carry you through. I'm a Froomie and I'm so proud of Frome. They really embrace the event, cheering and adding joy! The many hosepipes and children with water guns were an absolute lifesaver. I would heartily recommend this event and I shall certainly be joining in next year."

Ann Taylor said: "I have done this event every year. The best bits for me are the local charities the organisers support, the wonderful volunteers and the amazing people of Frome who come out and support the runners and today had hosepipes going all along the course, especially in the heat today."

Frome resident Natty Cordon said: "Words can't describe how grateful I am to the organisers for having the creativity and commitment to host an event in a pandemic, to all of the volunteers who kept the route well marshalled and the water free flowing, and to everyone who changed their plans to make the road closures possible, came out of their homes to cheer and sprinkled us with hosepipes as we ran. "

Richard Parr, of the event managers 'The Race Organiser' said: "To plan and deliver this event with the uncertainty of the pandemic and adapting it to put all the necessary safety measures in place, we're so grateful to every single volunteer, supporter and runner.

"This is the first major closed-road running event in the south west since restrictions began easing and we're so proud of what the Frome community has achieved, yet again."

Local charities featured heavily in fundraising efforts, including Active and in Touch, We Hear You, Fair Frome and Somerset Sight with many other individual causes proudly shown on runners' vests and in fancy dress costumes.

Local groups supporting the event on the route as marshals, water station crew and race village helpers included the Frome Rotary Club, Frome Cricket Club, the Frome Scouts and the Nunney Community Association.