Month: November 2021

The indomitable V75+ Peel Road Runner Bob Donovan has been out running another marathon to add to his impressive tally of well over 100 marathons run since the age of 75. On Thursday he took on the Big Bear Events ‘Big Foot’ Challenge at Daventry, an event where runners have 6 hours to complete as many (or as few) 5k laps of the trail course as they wish. Not wishing to waste a minute of the opportunity, Donovan used 5 hours, 52 minutes and 28 seconds of his 6 hours to cover a distance of 27.8 miles. He commented that in sections where a loose chipped path had been laid, his feet really suffered but that the cool and sunny weather compensated for the pain!

On Saturday at the Betwys-y-coed trail challenge in North Wales, canicross runners Helen and Neal Dempsey with their dogs, Banana and Sydney, took on the “most technical run we do” as Helen described the course. However, the scenic course and sunny weather conditions compensated for the toughness of the route and made for enjoyable running conditions. On Sunday, Team Dempsey moved to Newborough Forest on Anglesey to run the 5k course paired with their other dogs, Minstrel and Hugo.

On Sunday, three Peelers travelled to Clowne in north east Derbyshire to compete in the Clowne half marathon. This iconic race organised by the Clowne Road Runners is renowned for its undulating course and excellent organisation. This year proved to be no different, although the very cold temperature (around 2° at the start) and exposed parts of the course made for a very chilly run. Chris Bennett was first back for the club in 1:59:59, with Darren Truman crossing the line in 2:02:46 and Val Lawson in 2:19:18.

Also on Sunday at the Sphinx AC Coombe 8 mile trail race at Combe Abbey near Coventry, Kathryn Adams ran a great race under difficult conditions. Having gone off course at one point and having negotiated the infamous water crossing, she rallied round to finish in a very impressive time of 1:04:00.

With many local parkruns cancelled due to Storm Arwen, only one Peeler managed to run on Saturday. Michael Stevenson crossed the line at Warwick Racecourse in 31:56.

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Skate Park car park at 6.45 pm

A quieter week this week for most Peel Road Runners with fewer local races to tempt our club runners. However, parkrun still had a good turnout of Peelers with Kingsbury luring the most to run 5k at 9.00 am on a Saturday morning. First home was Club Chairman, Lee Rickards who finished in 5^th place in a time of 18:45. He was followed by Rob Mace in 19:43; Mike Shelton in 21:29; Malcolm Bembridge in 22:13; Ben Dorkins in 22:31; Judith Matthews in 26:21; Marcus Fairburn in 26:22; Sophie Galloway in 29:00; Darren Truman in 29:02; Jackie Tierney in 29:12; Clara Walton in 29:34; Sandra Ingram in 29:41; Lee Guffick in 36:09; Alison Dolphin in 36:21; Chris Norris and Nicola Bannister in 46:59.

Parkrun tourists this week included: Roger Lloyd at Cannock Chase in 45:07; Ian Cooper (28:21) and Tanya Murphy (30:11) at Brueton; Garth Cox in 23:39 at Walsall Arboretum; Wayne King (19:08) and Sarah French (35:51) at Conkers; Andy Pickard in 22:01 at Concord, Sheffield; Michael Stevenson in 32:25 at Northallerton; Stuart Hatton in 25:18 at Holkham, Norfolk; Joy Sykes in 29:34 at Milford Waterfront, South Wales and Tim Mudd at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Southam.

Emma Whorwood acted as a ‘hi-vis hero’ at Kingsbury parkrun by volunteering to help run the event.

In Durham on Sunday 14th November, Peelers Natalie Walker and Craig Smith took part in the Saturn Running Remembrance Run (a 3.28 mile multi lap course along the River Wear). The race was stopped at 11.00 am so that runners could pay their respects during the two minute silence. Walker and Smith managed to cover 31.5 miles in a time of 5:10:51, whilst raising an amazing £2530 in aid of the Royal British Legion. This is the first event before Walker takes on the Arctic Survival Challenge in aid of the Royal British Legion in 2022.

At the KP Events Tamworth 10k on Sunday the start of the race was delayed until after the two minute silence, which all runners and spectators respected. Running conditions for the race were pretty near perfect with cool and overcast weather and no wind. The two lap course took in Peelers Way, the canal towpath to Fazeley and then back into town via the Ladybridge before finishing in the Castle Grounds. Wayne King was first home for the Club crossing the line in 13^thplace and a time of 37:45 and 2^nd in M40-44 category. This on its own would be a good finish time, but was even more impressive as King had run the Rutland 10k night run on Friday, finishing in 5^th place and a time of 39:45. Chris Bennett was second Peeler home in a time of 46:49 and 13^th in the very competitive M40-44 age category. Stella Taylor was the first lady home for the club in a time of 52:11 and 3^rd in the F45-49 category. She was followed by Clara Walton in a time of 58:32; Helen Manton in 59:00 and husband and wife team Neal and Helen Dempsey in 1:08:22.

At Kingsbury parkrun, Mike Shelton was first over the line for the club in a time of 21:21, closely followed by Ben Dorkins in 21:50. Other Peelers at Kingsbury included Darren O’Leary in 24:24; Stella Martin in 25:49; Sophie Galloway in 26:36; Jackie Tierney in 29:27 (her 100^th parkrun at Kingsbury); Joy Sykes in 29:48; Roger Eastaff in 31:12; Alison Upton in 33:53; Ann Hill in 37:29; Lee Guffick in 37:39; Sarah French in 38:08; Alison Dolphin in 38:11; Wendy Bowyer in 39:11; Stephen Andrews in 39:58; Emma Whorwood in 42:12 and Chris Norris in 44:57.

Parkrun tourists this week included: Marcus Fairburn in 26:11 at Conkers; Andy Pickard in 22:53 at Rotherham; Mick Stevenson in 30:51 at Hove Promenade; Garth Cox in 24:23 at Bedworth; Roger Lloyd in 43:26 (running with daughter, Alicia) at Beacon and Tim Mudd in 26:25 at Watermead near Leicester.

Running is a funny sport that has grown in popularity immensely over recent years. It doesn’t really matter whether you consider yourself to be a “racing whippet” out to get a personal best at whatever distance you choose, or a “back of packer” happy to chat to other runners, whilst taking in the sights and sounds around you. The Peelers are such an eclectic mix of people and the races and events that they get involved in reflect this!

On Thursday night (4^th November) and Friday morning (5^th November) Mike Shelton ran in the Market Harborough Tunnels Run. This is a unique 5 mile out and back race which required competitors to run through the dark and atmospheric 422 m long Oxenden tunnel. The race on the Thursday evening started at 7.30 pm and Mike Shelton completed this in a time of 35:47 and 21^st place. The Friday re-run on the same course started at 6.30 am and he completed this race in a time of 36:47 and 25^th place. Very consistent running!

Also on Thursday 4^th November, superstar V70 runner Bob Donovan completed the Enigma Running Caldecotte Lake trail marathon at Milton Keynes. The race required runners to complete multiple laps of the path around the lake up to marathon distance, which he completed in a time of 5:47:46. “It was very cold and windy today!” was his only comment after the race … 

On Sunday, Val Lawson ran the Dark & White Events Grindleford trail run, which had been postponed from earlier in the year due to Covid. The 9.1 mile run included 1168 ft of ascent and covered very varied terrain. She completed the course in a time of 2:09:04 and 4^th out of 5 runners in the F60 category.

At the Canicross Midlands 5k event at Marston Lodge, Rob Mace ran with Axis finishing in 4^th position and then ran the 3k course with Molly where they finished in 2^nd place. Neal Dempsey also ran the 3k course with his dogs, Banana and Hugo, also finishing in 2^nd place in his category. Helen Dempsey competed with Minstrel and Sydney, gaining good experience at the distance.

Disappointed not to be able run the New York marathon that he had trained so hard for (travel restrictions to the USA were lifted the day after the marathon was held), George Hope ran his own version of the marathon around the streets of Tamworth! He completed his 26.2 mile course in a time of 4:31:22, all the more impressive due to the lack of supporters and refreshments out on the course!

There was a brilliant turnout of Peelers at Saturday’s parkrun, perhaps because there were fewer local races to tempt them this weekend. Running at the club’s parkrun “home”, the first Peeler to cross the line was the ever-reliable Ben Dorkins in a time of 21:50. He was followed by Chris Bennett in 22:58, Richard Satchwell in 23:16, Darren O’Leary in 24:23, Stella Martin in 26:22, Simon Gordon in 27:34, Darren Truman in 28:46, Chris Taylor in 29:00, Sophie Galloway in 30:09, Sandra Ingram in 30:27, Jackie Tierney in 30:31, Clara Walton in 30:39, Claire Guffick in 30:57, Roger Eastaff in 31:47, Sarah French 35:26, Nicola Bannister in 38:27, Alison Dolphin in 38:32, Wendy Bowyer in 39:31, Stephen Andrews in 41:22 and Christine Norris in 45:55. Club member Mike Shelton was Race Director for this parkrun on Saturday.

Parkrun tourists this week included Marcus Fairburn with a time of 26:47 at Conkers; Andy Pickard in 26:18 at Concord, Sheffield; Garth Cox 23:36 at Chasewater; Ian Cooper 25:57 at Babb’s Mill and Tanya Murphy in 31:24, also at Babb’s Mill; Joy Sykes in 28:36 (course pb and 1^st in age category); Lisa Vickery in 32:34 at Beacon and Michael Stevenson in 31:11 at Dallas Burston polo club in Southam, Warwickshire.

Finally, a keen and enthusiastic group of Peelers were able to take part in some formal structured training at Tamworth Athletics Club on Wednesday evening, lead by Tamworth AC coach Derek Bolton. The Peelers relished the opportunity to run on the quality track at the athletics club and all benefitted from Derek’s coaching expertise.

Light rain? The BBC weather forecast didn’t quite match up to the reality of the weather on Sunday morning, but that did little to deter those hardy Peelers from racing.

At the rescheduled Coventry half marathon, Wayne King ran at an amazing pace considering the weather conditions to finish in a personal best time of 1:22:00. Also running at Coventry, Ash Goodman and George Hope finished together in a time of 1:53:00.

Postponed from last week, the first race in the Derby Runner Derby & Staffs Cross Country League was held on Sunday at Poplars Farm, Anslow near Burton Upon Trent. The League draws in teams from the Derby, Burton, Tamworth and Lichfield and always provides for healthy competition and a great atmosphere between the clubs. The course at Anslow, based on an equestrian cross country course, is always challenging as it includes a log jump, hills and descents and a knee deep water splash, none of which were made any easier after the torrential rain. Despite the change of date affecting the numbers attending, the Peelers were still able to field teams in both the men’s and women’s event. First to cross the line in 5^th place and a time of 33:29 was Robert Dyjak, running as a second claim runner closely followed by Club Chairman, Lee Rickards in a time of 36:54 and 13^thplace. Rob Mace was close on his heels, finishing in 15^th place and a time of 37:24 whilst Mike Shelton finished next in 39:42 and 28^th place. Other runners putting in great performances included second claim Scott Chapman in 32^nd place, second claim Andrew Pickard in 41^st place, Chris Bennett in 55^th, Roger Lloyd in 58^th , Darren O’Leary in 60^th and Lee Guffick in 69^th place.

Representing the Ladies, Lorna DSylva was first back for the club finishing her first ever cross country race in 27^th position. She was followed by Sophie Galloway in 41^st place, Val Lawson in 44^th place, Claire Guffick in 48^th place and Jackie Tierney in 50^th place.

On Saturday, Peelers Claire Guffick, Kelly Porter, Roger Eastaff, Lee Guffick, Stephen Andrews, Wendy Bowyer and Alison Dolphin not content with running a 5k parkrun in torrential rain at Sutton Park also ran the Royal British Legion Poppy Run 5k in the same location. Luckily, the earlier rain had been replaced by glorious sunshine in time for the run, which made for a much more enjoyable experience. 

As usual lots of Peelers kicked off their weekends by running at parkrun. At Kingsbury, Ben Dorkins was first over the line in 23:10 followed by Mark Boffey in 25:05 and Jackie Tierney in 30:57. Parkrun tourists included: Mike Shelton and Claire Guffick, Kelly Porter, Roger Eastaff, Lee Guffick, Stephen Andrews, Wendy Bowyer and Alison Dolphin (a warm up before the Royal British Legion Poppy Run 5k!). At Babb’s Mill, Ian Cooper finished in 23:49 whilst Tanya Murphy was a “hi-vis hero” at the same venue, volunteering as a marshal. Finally, Mick Stevenson ran at Warwick racecourse in 32:08, Rob Mace had an impressive finish at Edgbaston reservoir in 19:41 and Andy Pickard ran at Concord, Sheffield finishing in 23:23.

An enthusiastic team of Peel Road Runners were under starter’s orders for their first cross country race of the winter season due to be held at Poplars Farm Equestrian Centre near Burton on Sunday, when news came through that the event had been postponed for a week.  Sadly cross country spikes and trail shoes were put back into the cupboards, while road trainers became the order of the day.

On Sunday, Carolyne Browne represented the Peelers at the last ever Rock ‘n Roll Running Series Liverpool half marathon. Runners on the 13.1 mile course were entertained by live music and bands every mile, which made for a great atmosphere. Carolyne finished in an excellent time of 1:57:29, not far short of her club record for FV50 at this distance.

With cross country cancelled this weekend, many Peelers were drawn to the Saturday morning challenge of a 5k parkrun. Once again Kingsbury parkrun proved the most popular venue with Ben Dorkins being the first Peeler to cross the line in a time of 21:59. Other Peelers at Kingsbury included: Chris Bennett (22:58), Phil Neale (23:13), Darren O’Leary (24:34), Mark Boffey (25:06), Stella Martin (27:21), Claire Guffick (29:16), Joy Sykes (29:40 – course PB), Chris Taylor (30:24), Jackie Tierney (30:49), Roger Eastaff (31:40), Emma Whorwood (34:44), Alison Dolphin (36:50), Lee Guffick (37:05) and Stephen Andrews (44:10). 

Parkrun tourists this week included: Kathryn Adams at Coventry parkrun, who was second lady and finished in a personal best time of 21:44. At Sandwell Valley Rob Mace also finished in second place in an impressive 19:53. At Conkers parkrun Marcus Fairburn finished in 27:24, with Ann Hill (39:35) and Sarah French (39:36). At Concord parkrun in Sheffield Andy Pickard crossed the line in 23:46, whilst Nick Neale ran at Seaton, Devon in a time of 21:11. Further north, Mick Stevenson ran at the Northallerton parkrun finishing in a time of 31:36; at Babbs Mill, Ian Cooper (23:58) and Tanya Murphy (29:42) were the sole club representatives. At Warwick racecourse, Tim Mudd galloped over the course in 26:32 and at Beacon parkrun in Lichfield, Ash Goodman finished in 22:28, followed by Sophie Galloway (29:00) and Lisa Vickery (31:59).