Month: June 2024

Friday saw the annual Peel Road Runners presentation evening where runners get awarded for their running achievements over the past 12 months, voted for by committee members and club members. Categories and awardees were as follows:

Best male: Wayne King, Best female: Emma Pick, Best over 35 female: Lorna Carlin, Best over 40 male: Lee Rickards, Best over 45 female: Lisa Stretton, Best over 50 male: Bob Donovan, Best potential male: Billy King, Best potential female: Emma Petricca, Most improved male: Tim Mudd, Most improved female: Claire Guffick, Marathon award: Steph Attenborough, Club runner of the year: Mike Shelton, Club runner of the year female: Natalie Walker and the Presidents award going to Alison Dolphin.

On Sunday three peelers took on the Derby half marathon, also known as the Ramathon. First home was Wayne King with a very impressive 1:19:17. Hot on his heels was Emma Pick who finished third lady home with a PB time of 1:25:21 which also earns her a championship place to the London Marathon next year. Shane Lewis completed the trio with a time of 1:38:11.

Parkrun on Saturday was as popular as ever with Kingsbury Water Park drawing the biggest number of peelers. Continuing his run of good form, Jamie Abbiss was first back for the club in third place with another impressive time of 18:39, closely followed by Luke Collins in 20:38 and Mike Shelton in 20:52. Other peelers at Kingsbury were Phil Neale 22:44, Ben Dorkins 24:06, Sarah Boffey 31:17, Wendy Bowyer 37:39, Claire Guffick 37:54 and Caroline Evans 38:44.

At Tamworth Castle Grounds Mark Boffey ran 22:54, Sophie Galloway 34:39 and Michael Stevenson 36:17.

Parkrun tourists this week included Roger Lloyd at Chasewater 24:14, Ian Orton 22:30 & Mike Hughes 38:38 at Doddington Hall, Jackie Tierney 27;50 at Holbrooks, Garth Cox 25:54 at Market Bosworth Country Park, Tim Mudd 24:10 & Carolyne Browne 29:38 at Tewkesbury. Further afield, Steph Attenborough and Jo Sharman travelled to Zamek w Malborku in Poland to complete Jo’s first parkrun volunteer alphabet and Steph’s second. Filling the volunteer tailwalker roles and with finishing times of, Steph 53:38 and Jo 53:39.

Another busy week for the club with the 4^th race of the Burton and District Summer League series taking place on Tuesday evening. The ‘Worthington 6’, hosted by Ivanhoe Runners is a one lap rural six mile trail route in Worthington Leicester. A much loved run, this year attracting over 230 runners, 29 of which were Peelers.

Emma Pick was the first member of the club to cross the finish line in a time of 36:41. Emma also achieved the status of first lady back having overtaken the leading lady with a mile to go and then held her own to finish 30 seconds ahead of her closest female competitor. Hot on her heels Jamie Abbiss finished in (36:46) with Luke Collins the third club member home (38:51) followed by Mike Shelton (40:22), Shane Lewis (40:56), Scott Chapman (41:15), Allen King (44:56), Ben Dorkins (45:14), Mark Boffey (45:26), Ian Orton (46:16), Lorna Carlin (46:21) and Georgie Mead who was second in her age category with a time of 46:21. Next came Tim Mudd (48:38), Roger Lloyd (48:45), Tony Bryan (49:08), Simon Gordon (49:30), Chris Bennett (50:14), Stewart Baker (50:49) and Sophie Galloway (51:39) before Billy King crossed the line in 51:44, again third in his age category. George Hope finished next (52:01) then Jackie Tierney (55:57), Michael Hughes (56:22), Joanne Sharman (56:48), Steph Attenborough (58:01), Carolyne Brown (58:55), Sarah Boffey (1:00:23), Sandra Ingram (1:01:55) and Caroline Evans (1:02:43). An incredible turn out for this great event.

Friday evening saw Neal and Helen Dempsey join Poplar Running Clubs ‘Rise of the Phoenix’, a 5 mile trail run at Beacon Hill Leicestershire. The duo completed the course in 1:03

On Saturday Sarah French swapped her trainers for goggles and undertook a 5.25 mile swim of Coniston Water in the Lake District. An incredible achievement but soon to be topped when Sarah takes on the 7.5 miles of Ullswater next month – good luck Sarah, we’re all behind you.

Wendy Bowyer supported a cause close to many of our hearts taking part in the St Giles Summer Solstice Walk, completing the event in 1:50 and the Sunday sunshine saw Nathan Cox take on the rolling Warwickshire countryside in the Leamington Spa half marathon, where despite the temperatures he achieved a 1:29 PB!

Weekend Park Runs were well attended as always. Fountains Abbey hosted Ian Orton (23:29) and Michael Stevenson (36:59), Stephanie Attenborough (37:17) and Joanne Sharman (37:38) took on Holbrooks (Cov) whilst the Boffey duo, Mark and Sarah, headed north to Jesmond Dene where Mark completed his second Park Run alphabet. They finished in 23:58 and 32:55 respectively.

Solo Park Run venturers included Michael Hughes at Chipping Norton (45:18), Allen King at Long Eaton (22:51), Jamie Abiss at Canon Hill (18:37), Tim Mudd at Sence Valley (25:18), Jackie Tierney at Brunswick (27:35)  and Emma Pick at Rosliston who was the second runner home and first lady with a time of 19:22.

The more local runs saw Wayne King finish in 1^st place at Kingsbury with a personal course PB of 18:18. He was accompanied at Kingsbury by Chris Bennett (24:55), Simon Gordon hitting his 100^th Park Run milestone with a time of  (25:03), Roger Eastaff (30:43), Alison Perry (35:08), Caroline Evans (39:08) and Wendy Bowyer (39:37)

At Beacon Park Garth Cox finished in 23:33, next came Roger Lloyd achieving a Park Run PB of 23:52, followed by Dave Fern (30:37).

Finally Tamworth was the preferred choice of Phil Neale (23:30), Tim Clark (25:08) and Wendy Roe (32:25).

One of the highlights of the Peel Road Runners summer racing programme is the Washlands Women Runners relays, the third race in the Burton & District Summer League series.  The races, held on the scenic Washlands at Burton Upon Trent, consist of teams of three or four completing laps of a two mile course in the shortest possible time.  Although highly competitive between the participating clubs, they are also accessible and supportive to runners of all abilities. Thirty one Peelers represented the club with the following ladies’ results: Emma Pick (11:06 – 1^st SL), Lorna Carlin (13:43), Lisa Stretton (14:36), Joanne Sharman (16:02), Carolyne Browne (16:32), Sarah Boffey (16:59), Steph Attenborough (17:24), Caroline Evans (17:45) and Sandra Ingram (17:46). 

Representing the men, Wayne King finished first for the club in 10:40 (3^rd M45), Jamie Abbiss (10:56), Martin Hollamby (11:01), Luke Collins (11:05), Lee Rickards (11:05), James Stretton (11:13), Shane Lewis (12:23), Michael Shelton (12:23), Phil Neale (12:43), Ben Dorkins (13:09), Allen King (13:14), Mark Boffey (13:15), Billy King (13:36), Tom King (13:37), Chris Bennett (13:39), Ian Orton (13:47), Tim Mudd (13:57), Roger Lloyd (14:23), Stew Baker (14:40), Simon Gordon (14:44), George Hope (15:06) and Michael Hughes (15:43).

At the weekend’s parkruns, a group of Peelers took on the scenic two lap course at Chasewater with Claire Guffick first home in a time of 31:17, followed by Roger Eastaff (31:19), Alison Perry (35:49), Wendy Bowyer (39:53), Lee Guffick (39:54), Alison Dolphin (49:31), Sarah French (49:41) and Stephen Andrews (49:42).  Other parkrun tourists included Ian Orton at Market Harborough (23:06); Emma Pick at Conkers (19:37); Darren O’Leary (25:01), Ashley Goodman (33:30), Sarah Boffey (33:57) and Martyn Candy (36:55) at Kingsbury Water Park; Michael Stevenson (36:41) at Northallerton; Joanne Sharman (32:39) and Steph Attenborough (32:40) at Nova Prestatyn; Chris Taylor (31:31) and Stella Taylor (31:32) at Muncaster Castle; Ben Dorkins (23:35) and Tim Mudd (24:54) at Battlestead Croft, Tatenhill and Michael Hughes (39:13) at Y Promenad, Brecon.  Much closer to home at Tamworth Castle parkrun, Jamie Abbiss was first Peeler home in 18:43 followed by Chris Bennett (23:19), Lorna Carlin (23:47), Billy King (24:01), Roger Lloyd (24:07), Judith Matthews (25:16) and George Hope (28:12). Meanwhile Sandra Ingram celebrated her 25^th stint as a parkrun volunteer, a great achievement as without volunteers there are no parkruns!

Last weekend turned out to be something very rare – most Peelers were taking a well-earned rest in between races.  But not for Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman who helped to make Sherwood Pines (Mansfield) shine so bright it was hoped it could be seen in space!  Rasselbock joined forces with ‘We are Fearless’ to host the Rasselbock Rainbow Run.  The event allows runners to run for 6 hrs and complete as many 5.79km laps  (4 laps completed makes it equivalent to a half-marathon) through the beautiful forest as possible.  Steph and Joanne both completed four laps in 3:31:20. Marathon running is nothing new to this pair. Steph has completed 114 marathons (including ultras), 66 half-marathons.  Joanne, 58 marathons and 155 half-marathons.  That’s an awful lot of miles.  This run was on top of running Leicester Victoria parkrun on Saturday and volunteering at Rushcliffe Junior Parkrun as tail walkers prior to their race.  They both deserved their momento at the end!

Helen Dempsey returned to her University home to complete her fourth run in Swansea.  It was the 10th anniversary of the Swansea half-marathon which attracted elite runners, wheelchair athletes as well as club and charity runners.  Participants enjoy an iconic route that is arguably one of the most scenic coastal half-marathons there is.  Helen smashed the course in 2:45:15, her best time this season. 

Not all Peelers put their feet up for the weekend however; Peelers once again kicked off Saturday morning at a parkrun.  Aston Hall welcomed Allen King 24:13 and Chris Bennett 24:23.  Dolgellau, North Wales, saw Jamie Abbiss  finish in 19:10.   Mark Boffey 23:28, Sarah Boffey 32:56 and Michael Hughes 34:45 ventured to  King George V Playing Field, the home of  Cheltenham parkrun.  A popular venue on Saturday was Kingsbury Water Park.  James Stretton achieved 3rd with a time of 19:46, followed by Peel Chairperson Mike Shelton 21:44, Phil Neale 22:50, Simon Gordon 24:14, Katie Stretton 25:04, Lisa Stretton 25:10. Jacquie Tierney 27:10, Roger Eastaff 31:35, Martyn Candy 37:56, Claire Guffick 43:12, Alison Dolphin 43:18 and Lee Guffick 43:21.  Tim Mudd attacked Sence Valley Forest Park in a time of 24:47.  Emma Pick ran at Sherwood Pines in 20:48; Ben Dorkins further afield at South Shields in 23:14.  Tamworth Castle Grounds was also a popular choice.  Roger Lloyd 24:28, Wendy Roe 33:16, Stella Taylor 37:44 and Vicky Bowyer 37:58.  Michael Stevenson ran at Warwick Racecourse, 36:43 and finally Ian Orton completed Y Promenad, Brecon,  in 23:59.

Behind the scenes members are busy preparing for the Peel event of the year – the Gate Gallop.  This event has been run for over 25 yrs raising over £110,000 for St. Giles Hospice.  This year’s event will take place on Sunday, 28th July at the Anker Valley Sports Complex in Amington, Tamworth.  It is an off road, traffic free event and is part of the Burton and District Summer League.  The event includes a 600m Children’s race, a 4.4k Fun Run (ages 9 and above) and a 10k (ages 15 and over) race.  Online entries are now open so book your place. 

The first weekend of June did not disappoint, with the Peelers taking full advantage of the lovely sunny weather on both Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday it was the annual Royal Sutton Fun Run 2024, as almost 5000 runners took part in the glorious sunshine.  The route takes runners on an 8.5 miles hilly course including the infamous ‘Cardiac Hill’, finishing with a nice down hill run back into Sutton town Centre.  As always, the spectators were out in force along the course route with many cheering on friends and family in the beautiful Sutton Park.

Luke Collins was the first Peeler home in an amazing PB time of (57:48) followed by Ian Orton (1:12:57), George Hope (1:19:15) and Lisa Barnes (1:42:48).  Wendy Bowyer, Ann Hill and Nicola Pearce all crossed the line together in true Peeler’s fashion in (1:59:00).

Earlier in the week Peeler Wayne King took part in the ‘Trent 5’ on Wednesday 29^th May.  Taking a scenic route along Beeston Canal and the banks of the river Trent, the course is a fast and flat surface for runners.  Wayne did not fail to impress with a fantastic 9^th place finish and a time of 29:56.

Parkrun events

The Peelers took full advantage of the lovely weather, attending many of the local Parkrun events too.  Many runners attended the local Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun.  Chris Bennett was the first Peeler back in an impressive (22:51) followed by Lorna Carlin (24:00); Roger Lloyd (24:25); Helen Chyla (26:40); Sophie Galloway (28:51); Wendy Roe (31:41); and Dave Fern (31:42).

There was also a strong attendance at Kingsbury Waterpark Parkrun too.  With Ashley Goodman the first Peeler to cross the line in a fantastic (24:12); followed by Darren O’Leary (25:48); Sarah Boffey (34:04); Alison Perry (34:37), Chris Taylor (34:37); Ann Hill (35:16); Vickie Bowyer (37:03); Stella Taylor (37:43); Caroline Evans (38:30),

Many Peelers travelled further afield too with Ian Cooper finishing in (23:22) at Babbs Mill, and at Beacon Park Mike Shelton came in at (21:01).  Tim Mudd ventured to Brunswick Park and finished in (25:31), Garth Hughes ventured to Hastings High School and finished in (25:28).  Emma Pick attended Monsal Trail and finished in an amazing (19:16) and was the first female back.  Ian Orton attended Oxford and finished in (24:24) and Ben Dorkins attended Sence Valley Forest Park and came in at (22:11). 

Hadrians Wall

When he isn’t running Peeler Simon Gordon is taking on some amazing trekking challenges.  On Sunday Simon completed the Hadrians’s Way long distance path.  Last year Simon completed the Western Half over 3 days.  This year Simon completed the Eastern Half over 4 days walking from Bowness on Solway near Carlisle, covering 84 miles in total, and finishing in Wallsend in Newcastle on Sunday.  Stretching from coast to coast across Northern England, the trail takes in some stunning scenery.  What a fantastic achievement.