Month: September 2022

With the week commencing 19^th September being England Athletics’ ‘RunAndTalk’ week, Peel Road Runners Mental Health Champion Emily Holiday spoke to the Peelers before their Club run on Tuesday evening. “We are starting the club run tonight at a slower pace and encouraging everyone to run with someone they wouldn’t normally run with. This week many RunAndTalk events are being held up and down the country and we felt it was especially fitting to hold ours tonight as many people are returning to the club following summer holidays and we have had many new members join us recently. We are also heading towards winter, which can be a challenging time for many particularly with the added news of rising energy prices therefore, these special club runs are important to remind everyone at Peel Road Runners that as a running club we value our members, and we are here to listen if anyone would like to talk. These events are a reminder to take care of yourselves, check in with yourself regularly and talk about mental health. We all have different reasons for running; for some that is physical health and fitness, for others it’s community and for some it is part of their self-care for regulating their emotions, mental health and well being. For me, I joined the Peel Road Runners to make some friends .. the benefits to my mental health have been a bonus! One thing I really like about this club is how there is no judgment when someone returns from taking a break, people are always just really pleased to see you. Yesterday, as a nation we said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth ll, many news headlines this morning reported how we came together in unity across the UK. This struck a chord with me as I feel this is something we have as a running club, we often come together to support and encourage one another, participate in community events and local running events, and to celebrate one another’s successes. I feel proud to be a part of the Peel Road Runners and I know many of you feel the same”.

“I owe so much to my Peel family for my happiness and well being. After 26yrs of running and feeling like it’s my last phase to be able to jog, walk and run with such supportive friends does me a power of good. To always be invited and included in our adventures means so much.  When I can’t run I will always support you.” Chris N

“Running helped me with my mental health massively through lockdown. After being told to self isolate and a relationship break up, I was inspired by my running friends to complete virtual running challenges which basically gave me the inspiration to get out of bed every day and help my team to achieve the goals set. This in turn gave me a focus and stopped me losing my mind. I am forever grateful for that.” Sandra I

At the Tissington trail half marathon, an enthusiastic group of Peelers took on the challenge of running 13.1 miles from Parsley Hay back to Ashbourne on a linear course. Veteran 70+ Peeler Chris Norris had stated that this would be her last half marathon and she was well supported by other runners from the club. Chris finished in an impressive time of 3:47:21 (not many ladies of her age would contemplate going for a run, let alone a trail half marathon!). Other runners included Claire Guffick (2:14:32 pb); Emma Petriccia (2:19:57 pb); Emma Whorwood (2:20:12); Roger Eastaff (2:34:29 pb); Lee Guffick (2:51:07 pb); Nicola Peace (3:00:29); Sam Harris (2:44:57); Ann Hill (3:13:59); Sarah French (3:14:05) and Alison Dolphin (3:47:19).

At Sunday’s Stafford 10k four Peelers took on the challenge of a speedy 10k with Chris Bennett first back for the club in 48:17, followed by Tony Bryan in 50:39 and Helen Dempsey and Neal Dempsey in 62:55.

At Kingsbury parkrun Tim Clark 22:44 put in the speediest time for the club, with the remaining Peelers running the parkrun as part of their ‘long run’ marathon training. Most had run at least 14 miles before taking on the 5k parkrun, even so some creditable times were recorded: Mike Shelton (25:09); Darren Truman (27:24); Allen King (27:25); Ben Dorkins (27:57); Clara Walton (28:26); Joanne Harvey (30:12) and Sandra Ingram (32:48).

Parkrun tourists included: Mark Boffey at Rosliston (29:04); Tim Mudd at Brierley Forest (40:24); Garth Cox at Walsall Arboretum (23:19); Ian Orton at Babbs Mill (25:36) and Jackie Tierney and Joy Sykes at Beacon (28:34 and 31:56 respectively).

With the Tamworth AC Tamworth 5 mile race being the final race in the Burton & District Summer League for 2022 and it being so local, Peel Road Runners were able to put out a good number of runners at this year’s event. The race, promoted by Tamworth Athletics Club, started in the Athletics Stadium before heading out on cycle paths up through Stonydelph and Wilnecote before returning to finish on the track at the Athletics Club. First home for the club was Wayne King in 30:26 followed by Zac Gibbons in 34:14; Scott Chapman (34:41); Emma Pick (34:59); Mark Boffey (35:51); Ben Dorkins (36:58); Lorna DSilva (38:13); Craig Smith (38:11); Chris Bennett (38:40); Ian Orton (40:02); Allen King (40:14); Darren Truman (40:16); Andrew Gillman (41:35); Stuart Hatton (42:23); Dave Fern (44:09); Sarah Boffey (46:44); Emma Livingstone (48:39); Jackie Tierney (50:01); Sandra Ingram (50:09) and Emma Whorwood (51:18).

On Sunday, the Four Oaks Financial Services Lichfield half marathon drew a good number of runners to their event, which started at King Edwards School in Lichfield before following a route passing Whittington Barracks, Whittington village, Fradley village, then following lanes to finish at Stowe Pool, Lichfield. Phil Neale was first back for the Peelers, finishing in a time of 1:42:22, followed by Michael Hughes in a personal best time of 1:49:15.

Also on Sunday, Val Lawson took on the undulating and scenic Nanpanton Scouts Charnwood Challenge near Loughborough. Starting in the village of Nanpanton, the 10 mile course took runners along tracks and paths taking in Windmill Hill at Woodhouse Eaves, Broomriggs Farm and Beacon Hill Country Park clocking around 2000 ft of climb. She finished in a course personal best time of 2:09:59.

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury saw another good turnout of Peelers many of whom helped Peeler Dave Fern celebrate his 70^th birthday by singing “Happy Birthday” to him before the run! First Peeler to cross the finish line was Mike Shelton in 20:26 and 8^th position overall. Next to finish was Darren O’Leary (24:59); Darren Truman (26:15); Jason Church (26:21); Clara Walton (28:31); Carolyne Browne (29:27); Dave Fern (29:28); Jackie Tierney (29:35); Roger Eastaff (30:21); Wendy Bowyer (40:44); Claire Guffick (tail walker 55:31) and Lee Guffick (tail walker 55:50).

Parkrun tourists included: Garth Cox (22:58) and Tim Mudd (34:09) at Walsall Arboretum; Chris Bennett (23:26) at Conkers; Joy Sykes (31:57) at Tyne Green, Hexham and Stephen Andrews (38:57) at Watermead Country Park, Leicester.

Hi-viz volunteers this week included Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick, Ann Hill, Sarah French, Alison Dolphin, Allen King, Chris Norris, Mike Shelton, Alison Perry and Wendy Bowyer.

On Sunday 4^th September, Sophie Galloway took part in the Sheffield 20 mile race. Organised by Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club, the race was run on pavements and good quality, well compacted trails and had little elevation. The course began with 2.5 laps of the main lakes in Rother Valley Country Park, after this it followed the Trans Pennine Trail to Staveley, returning along the same route before finishing with another half lap of Rother Valley. It was billed as being an affordable 20 mile race for runners preparing for autumn marathons and was a perfect race for Sophie, who will be running the London Marathon on a Peel RR Club place in October. She finished the race in a personal best time of 3:26:00.

On Sunday 11^th September, several Peel Road Runners journeyed north to take part in the Great North Run. The iconic half marathon was being held on its traditional course this year, after having a change of route enforced last year due to Covid restrictions. First back for the club was Stephen Baker in 1:35:51, followed by Rob Mace in 1:43:09 with Ian Orton crossing the line in 1:53:30. Judith Matthews was next to finish in 1:54:47, followed by Sandra Ingram (returning to fitness after a long period off running due to injury) in a time of 2:16:59.

With their race cancelled at short notice last year due to over-running roadworks, and their usual course unavailable due to HS2 works, Lichfield Running Club were relieved to be able to hold their annual and very popular 10k race on a new course this year. The undulating route started in Beacon Park before taking runners out to the west of the city along undulating country lanes and then returning to finish in the park. In-form Peeler Wayne King ran a brilliant race to finish in a personal best time of 37:37, 8^th overall and first in the M45 age category. Next across the line was George Hope in a time of 50:11, followed by Michael Hughes (also in a personal best time) of 52:37; Garth Cox in 52:59 and Emma Barley in 1:12:14.

There was a good turnout of Peelers at Saturday’s parkruns, with Kingsbury the biggest draw again. First to cross the finish line for the club was Tim Clark in 23:01, very closely followed by Phil Neale in 23:31 and Mike Shelton (24:20); Darren O’Leary (25:46); Jason Church (26:38); Dave Fern (26:50); Darren Truman (26:55); Richard Satchwell (27:05); Owen Slater (27:15); Lisa Stretton (27:29); Jackie Tierney (29:18); Claire Guffick (29:25); Roger Eastaff in a personal best time of 29:32; Clara Walton (29:50); Alison Upton (32:50); Ann Hill (37:36); Sarah French (38:04); Lee Guffick (38:59) and Wendy Bowyer (44:58).

Parkrun tourists included: Ian Cooper at Brueton (29:12) and Mick Stevenson at Warwick Racecourse (32:06).

On Sunday, 3^rd September Ultra Runner Peel Road Runner Neal Dempsey took on the challenge of the Rat Race Man v Mountain in Snowdonia. The legendary mountain adventure run started at sea level at Caernarfon Castle and followed quiet country lanes and rough tracks and footpaths to the summit of Snowdon, before descending down by the railway to Dinorwic Quarry. Here runners took on an array of punishing obstacles including the infamous Vertical Kilometre and a swim in Llyn Padarn! With an approximate distance of 22 miles and 5055 ft of climb, runners also faced the challenge of typical Snowdonia weather which added to the fun! Dempsey crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 6 hours saying “the swim was the best bit!”

Also taking on an equally arduous challenge was Peel Road Runner Martin Hollamby, himself no stranger to ultra distance events. He ran the Peak Running Limestone 50, a 50 mile trail run taking in some of the spectacular scenery of the White Peak starting and finishing in Castleton, Derbyshire. The run had 7500 ft of climb and, and as an UTMB qualifying race, required runners to self-navigate over varied terrain. Hollamby finished the route in 9:50:47 and 4^th place overall. Commenting on the event afterwards he said, “I was in 2^nd place at one point, but fell off the pace massively in the second half. I was able to collect myself and get in under 10 hours despite desperately wanting to walk for the last 20 miles or so! Can thoroughly recommend the course and the organisation (and the marshals) were superb. I’ll be back!” At the Baslow Checkpoint, decked out as an 80’s disco, Peeler Val Lawson volunteered to support the runners (who were taking on 100 mile, 50 mile and 33 mile distances) by marshalling for Peak Running. 

As usual, Kingsbury parkrun proved a good draw for Peelers on Saturday morning. First home for the Peelers was Ben Dorkins in a time of 22:34, closely followed by Mark Boffey (22:48) and Tim Clark (23:04). Next to finish was Mike Shelton in 23:48 and Lisa Stretton (24:24); Garth Cox (24:33); Dave Fern (25:27); Stella Taylor (28:17); Jason Church (29:13); Owen Slater (29:15); Clara Walton (31:38); Roger Eastaff (31:44); Joy Sykes (32:09); Alison Perry (32:12); Ann Hill (37:57); Sarah French (38:08); Alison Dolphin (40:16); Wendy Bowyer (42:12) and Stephen Andrews (42:14).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Chris Bennett (24:58) at Conkers; Ian Orton (23:48) at Barry Island, Glamorgan (23:48); Tim Mudd at Bideford (26:00) and Sophie Galloway and Sandra Ingram at Beacon, Lichfield who crossed the line together in 32:03.