Month: October 2025

Saturday saw Lee Rickards and Stuart Hatton take on the epic challenge of Marathon Eryri, formerly known as the Snowdonia marathon. With almost 850 metres of elevation and some classic Welsh wet and windy weather, it was no easy feat. The spectacular route circles Yr Wyddfa; starting and finishing in Llanberis, and includes climbs through Pen y Pass, Beddgelert, Waunfawr, and Bwlch y Groes. Glutton for punishment, Lee completed his seventh outing at the event, with a course pb of 3:22:40, shaving 4 minutes off his previous best. Meanwhile Stuart ticked this one off his bucket list by completing the event in 5:24:26.

Hosted by KP Events, the Tamworth 10k kicks off and finishes in the stunning grounds of our hometown gem, Tamworth Castle. The race features two scenic 5k loops that take runners through the castle grounds, the town centre, and the canal paths in Fazeley. With its flat, fast course and friendly atmosphere, it’s ideal for both serious runners chasing a PB and those just out to enjoy the views and soak up the vibe. As you’d expect from a local favourite, plenty of Peelers were out in force, either racing or cheering on from the sidelines. Ian Orton crossed the line first in 44:29. Georgie Mead stormed the last 200m completing in 47:56 and pipping Garth Cox to the line who crossed seconds later in 47:58. Next home was Chris Bennett 49:33 followed by Tracy Ford (52:41), George Hope (54:20), Tracy Lattimore (56:09), Sarah Boffey (57:53), Lisa Barnes (58:05), Lizzie Young (58:29), Lydia Trenfield (58:43), Emma Whorwood (1:01:37) and Alison Upton (1:05:22).

Up in the stunning Peak District, runners took on the Monsal Trail at a weekend event hosted by Nice Work, with both half marathon and 10k options available on Saturday and Sunday. Starting at the old Bakewell station, the route follows a former Midland Railway line, taking runners through four tunnels and across the breathtaking Monsal Viaduct, surrounded by some of the best scenery the Peaks have to offer.

A strong Peel turnout saw Roger Lloyd lead the team home in 1:57:48, followed by Emma Petriccia in 2:17:28. Seasoned runner Dave Fern took the opportunity to run alongside his daughter Amy Davis in her half marathon debut; the pair crossed the line together in 2:24:17. Wendy Roe also added a half marathon to her list of accomplishments, securing a time of 2:35:32, whilst husband and wife duo Claire and Lee Guffick finished in 2:28:44 and 2:35:33 respectively, with Lee smashing a massive 16-minute PB. Great running all round from the Peel crew!

There were spooky goings on in the Worksop Halloween half marathon where runners were encouraged to embrace the party atmosphere and don fancy dress. The popular event was first held in 1982 and attracts around 3000 runners each year. The leafy course winds through the autumnal beauty of Clumber Park and although known for being undulating, it still offers PB potential. Emma Pick added the event to her ever- growing list of triumphs achieving a 1:17:25 PB, taking the trophy for first female and an impressive 10^th overall.   

A few members went international this week. At the 39th Venice Marathon, Ben Dorkins joined over 20,000 runners to take on his first marathon. With warm sunshine and a splash of ‘acqua alta’ (high water), the event had a distinctly Venetian twist. Ben crossed the line in a strong 4:16. Also flying the Peel flag were Ash Baldwin, who stormed to a rapid 2:40:37 finish, and Rachel Naylor, who completed the course in an impressive 4:14:26.

Meanwhile over in Dublin jet setters Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman conquered ‘Heartbreak Hill’ at the Dublin marathon, finishing together in 5:50:23 and 5:50:24.

Despite the busy race calendar, plenty of Peelers still made time for parkrun, with some using it as a warm-up for their main event.

On the Parkrun tourism trail were Simon Gordon – Huddersfield (26:38), Emma Pick – Sandwell Valley (1st lady, 19:47), Ian Orton – Marine Parade (21:53), Michael Hughes – Thonock Lane Farm (23:46), Jonathan Allen – Troon, Scotland (25:20), Darren Truman – Colby, Wales (28:13), Jackie Tierney – Old Railway Trail, Llangollen (30:47) and at Father Collins, Ireland – Jo Sharman (44:26) and Steph Attenborough (44:37).

Closer to home Kingsbury hosted Ash Goodman (23:16), Anne Whitby-Smith (24:38), Tracy Ford (24:51), Lisa Stretton (25:01) Katie Stretton (25:47), Darren O’Leary (27:40), Sarah Boffey (28:20), Wendy Bowyer (36:31), Lee Guffick (36:31), Roger Eastaff (36:32), Sarah French (57:46), Alison Dolphin (57:47), Nicola Bannister (57:48) and Stephen Andrews (57:50). Babbs Mill was the choice for Garth Cox 26:06, Mike Shelton ran Beacon Park in 20:17 whilst Danny Beardmore (20:14), Allen King (23:51), Chris Bennett (24:05), Mark Boffey (24:12), Billy King (24:55), Sophie Galloway (25:08), Tim Mudd (28:16) all selected Tamworth.

The canicross Peel contingent were at Alcester for the 2^nd instalment of the canicross midlands series. Rob Mace ran in the master male short course with Murphy, on his first competitive outing. The duo achieved 2^nd place overall. In the long course Neal Dempsey ran Lillian and Elvis achieving 3^rd place and came 2^nd in the short course with Banana, Pine and Paddington. Helen Dempsey placed 4^th in the female vet long course with Sydney and Hugo and 6^th in the female vet short course with Patch.

Lydia Trenfield had a busy end of the week starting with Hyrox Birmingham, her first competitive event which she nailed in 1 hour 18 minutes. With just 24 hours notice Lydia then took on her first full marathon distance, completing the New York virtual marathon, secure a place in next year’s event. In true Peel spirit, members joined her at various stages, including the Tamworth 10k, to support her journey. Lydia’s grit and determination saw her complete the distance in 5:27. A brilliant example of club camaraderie and resilience!

On the last weekend before the clocks go back for winter, Peeler Lydia Knight was lacing up her trainers for the Rugby Half Marathon.  Set in Rugby town centre, the route follows two gently undulating loops of the town.  Starting at Hart Field, the route goes out on to the country roads, returning to the town centre on a linear nature reserve, which is a disused Great Central railway line.

Lydia finished in an amazing chip time of 1:54:33 which was a PB. Well done Lydia!

Parkrun events 

At the local Tamworth Castle Grounds first Peeler back was Christine Rosser in (25:54) followed by Sophie Galloway (26:21), Lydia Trenfield (28:00), Tim Mudd (28:.02), Charlotte Fielding (28:52) and Owen Slater (30:40). 

The Peelers were out also out in force at Kingsbury Water Park with Ash Goodman first back for Team Peel in (23:23), followed by Lisa Stretton (24:48), Ben Dorkins (25:21), Katie Stretton (26.04), Darren Truman (27:19), Lee Guffick (32:20) which was a fantastic PB, Roger Eastaff (35:38), Claire Guffick (35:40), Emma Whorwood (35:45), Martyn Candy (40:11) and Alison Dolphin (43:17).  

Travelling to Beacon Hill Country Park Emma Pick finished in (21:37).  Michael Shelton ventured to Sutton Park finishing in (21:56),Sandra Ingram travelled to Newborough Forest finishing in (29:52) and Ian Orton travelled to Braunstone and finished in (21:30).

Venturing to Warrington Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough both finished in (55:46) and at Daventry Garth Cox finished in (23:53).

At Brunswick Park Mark Boffey was first Peeler bac in (23:59) followed by Chris Bennett (24:28) and Allen King (26:47).  At Coronation Park Michael Hughes was first Peeler back in (22:43) follows by Tracy Ford (25:22) and Jacqueline Tierney (30.30)

Peelers walking group

Peel Road Runners walking group meets on a Tuesday evening in the carpark by the Tamworth Castle skate park at 6.50pm.  The group walks various routes for around 1 hour each week.  Come along and give it a try, details can be found at www.peelroadrunners.co.uk  

Peel Road Runners were once again well represented across a wide range of parkruns this weekend, with members turning out in impressive numbers and producing a fine set of results.

At Long Eaton, Emma Pick produced a speedy run, finishing as first female in a time of 16:45.

A strong group of Peelers took on Kingsbury Water, where Ashley Goodman finished in 23:40, followed by Anne Whitby-Smith in 24:37. Darren Truman completed his run in 27:59, with Claire Guffick and Alison Upton finishing in 30:38 and 31:55 respectively. Lee Guffick crossed the line in 35:51, followed by Wendy Bowyer in 37:08 and Emma Whorwood in 38:12. Stephen Andrews rounded off the group’s efforts in 57:00.

At Warwick Racecourse, Michael Stevenson represented the club with a time of 41:00.

Over at Beacon, three Peelers took to the course. Mike Shelton recorded a time of 20:48, followed by Garth Cox in 22:43 and Roger Lloyd in 23:35.

Ahead of their Chicago marathon, Jo Sharman and Steph Attenborough ran together at Cornerstone Lakes finishing in 56:25 and 56:26 respectively.

A large group headed to Tamworth Castle Grounds, where Jamie Abbiss ran well to record 20:27. Chris Bennett followed in 24:38, with Tracy Ford close behind in 24:48. Matt Salisbury and Allen King both finished in 26:02, with Billy King achieving his 50th parkrun in 26:04 and Sophie Galloway finishing in 31:49.

At Black Rocks, Ian Orton ran an excellent time of 21:34, with Michael Hughes close behind in 21:49.

Finally, at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Jacqui Tierney completed her run in 28:51.

Seasoned marathon runners Jo Sharman and Steph Attenborough flew across the pond to take part in the Chicago Marathon in Illinois. It is one of the seven World Marathon Majors which saw Jo gain her 4^th star and Steph her 5^th – fantastic achievements. Sunny blue skies greeted the pair as they lined up for their marathon which starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests. Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighbourhoods. Steph and Jo completed the marathon together in 6:21:06 and said they had an amazing experience.

The Peelers meet every Tuesday evening at the skate park car park at 6.45pm for a 7pm start with a choice of different paced running groups and a walking group.

It was a very busy weekend of running with many events taking place last weekend. 

Up in Chester, nine Peelers took part in the marathon, which also completed the triple for some who had already taken part in the half marathon and 10k earlier in the year.

Jenna Colin (3:38 – 15 minute PB), Ian Orton (3:51 – 18 minute PB), Lorna Carlin (4:00), Michael Hughes (4:15), Billy King with his first marathon (4:47), Allen King (4:47),  Neal Dempsey (5:00), Sarah Boffey also with a PB (5:01) and Mark Boffey (5:04). Helen Dempsey also completed the Chester Metric marathon in 3 hours 20, her PB for the course. 

Wayne King was over in Jersey and ran a very quick marathon in 2 hours 54. Lisa Ellen travelled to Wales for the Cardiff half marathon, finishing in 2 hours 18. 

Closer to home, Lydia Knight took part in the Mencap Sutton park 10k race with a PB of 54.04 and Ashley Baldwin at Alcester 10k, 34:49. 

Parkruns were still popular despite quite a few events being cancelled due to Storm Amy. Castle Grounds was the most popular event with Roger Lloyd first back (23:39) followed by Tracy Ford (24:58), Sophie Galloway (25:19), Christie Rosser (25:36), Chris Bennett (28:17), Darren Truman (32:50), Mark Boffey (32:51), Owen Slater (33:50), Sarah Boffey (34:51), Allen King (65:56) and Billy King (65:56).

Out and about Jackie Tierney at Tetbury Goods Shed (31:14), Michael Stevenson at Warwick Racecourse (42:38), Garth Cox at Babbs Mill (23:42), Tim Mudd (28:29) and Carolyne Browne (29:30) at Rosliston and Michael Hughes (23:33) at Banbury. 

Over in Poland – at Zalew Zyrardowski – Jo Sharman and Steph Attenborough (both in 46:49) not only completed this parkrun but it also meant that other achievements were ticked off. Jo completed her 5^th volunteering alphabet and Steph completed a very impressive 6^th volunteering alphabet – the first person ever to do so!

And last but very much not least at Coronation Park, Emma Pick finished in 1^st place with an amazing time of 18:02.

Peel Road Runners meet on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 6.45 for 7 at the Skate Park Castle Grounds. Visit www.peelroadrunners.co.uk for more details.