Month: July 2026

This weekend was one of the UK’s most challenging endurance events, the gruelling Lakeland 100 ultramarathon in the Lake District.

Peeler Martin Hollamby was among the competitors who lined up for the iconic race, which started in Coniston on Friday 24 July and took runners on a demanding 100-mile circuit through some of the country’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The event is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier ultra-distance trail races.

Demonstrating exceptional determination and resilience, Martin crossed the finish line in 327th place from a field of 489 finishers, placing him among an elite group of athletes able to conquer the formidable challenge.

The Lakeland 100 takes runners on a clockwise loop of the Lake District, passing through remote valleys and fells including Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Haweswater and Ambleside before returning to Coniston. Competitors face around 6,300 metres of ascent and descent, rugged terrain, overnight running and unpredictable weather conditions. Organisers allow a maximum of 40 hours to complete the course.

Often referred to as the “Ultra Tour of the Lake District”, the race is renowned for its difficulty, with many entrants failing to complete the course each year. Congratulations to Martin on an outstanding achievement.

Parkrun Events

Peel Road Runners once again demonstrated the club’s remarkable enthusiasm for parkrun, with members taking part at no fewer than 13 different venues on Saturday morning. From local favourites at Tamworth Castle Grounds and Kingsbury Water to the historic setting of Rome’s Caffarella parkrun, the club was represented by 42 runners across the UK and beyond.

The performance of the day belonged to Emma Pick, who claimed the title of first female finisher at Caffarella parkrun in Rome. Emma crossed the line in an outstanding 19:15, securing third place overall and producing one of the club’s fastest performances of the weekend.

At Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 370 runners took part, Danny Beardmore led the Peel Road contingent with an impressive 7th-place finish in 19:19. He was followed by Wayne Richardson (22:54) and Ashley Goodman (23:03), both recording excellent top-40 finishes. Sophie Galloway was the leading Peel Road female runner at the event, stopping the clock at 24:43. Also representing the club were Martin Hemming (24:47), Cheryl Flint (27:49), Chris Bennett (30:30), Darren Truman (31:18), Jo Bovington (43:26), Allen King (52:34), Samantha Futrill (52:35) and Alison Perry (1:01:15).

A strong contingent also headed to Kingsbury Water parkrun, where James Stretton was first home for the club in 19:40, finishing eighth overall. Other notable performances came from Mike Shelton (22:04), Katie Stretton (24:35), Lisa Stretton (24:44) and Simon Gordon (26:30). Completing the Peel Road line-up were Carolyne Browne (27:55), Roger Eastaff (33:22), Claire Guffick (33:32), Stephen Andrews (34:51), Lee Guffick (35:03), Ann Hill (35:54), Emma Whorwood (38:16), Alison Upton (38:17), Nicola Bannister (41:34) and Alison Dolphin (47:14).

Elsewhere, Peel Road’s parkrun tourists were spread across the country. Ian Orton recorded a superb 21:22 at Conwy parkrun, finishing 14th overall, while Athena Mansell posted 26:37 at the busy Cheltenham parkrun, which attracted 724 runners. Graham Lane completed Beacon parkrun in 28:47, while Tim Mudd tackled the challenging terrain of Haughmond Hill parkrun, finishing in 28:45.

At Queenswood Country Park parkrun, Mark Boffey crossed the line in 28:52, with Sarah Boffey following in 38:53. Jonathan Allen enjoyed a visit to scenic Mount Stuart parkrun, recording 32:03, while Garth Cox completed Chasewater parkrun in 34:14.

Further afield, Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough represented Peel Road at Queensway parkrun, finishing in 31:12 and 43:58 respectively. Chris Taylor completed Market Bosworth Country Park parkrun in 37:00, while Jacqueline Tierney showed great determination at Flint Castle parkrun, recording 1:00:54.

A special mention also goes to Paul McCann, who completed the aptly named Peel parkrun on the Isle of Man in 52:57, ensuring the club’s colours were represented at an event sharing the club’s name.

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday evening at Tamworth Castle Grounds Skate Park at 6.45 pm.  Come along and give it a try; details can be found at: www.peelroadrunners.co.uk

Peel Road Runners turned in another impressive team performance at the latest Burton and District Summer League fixture, the Worthington 6. Organised by Ivanhoe Runners, the popular six-mile midsummer trail race follows an out-and-back route along the scenic Cloud Trail on the edge of the National Forest. Despite challenging hot and humid conditions, the Peelers recorded a host of excellent performances throughout the field.

Emma Pick led the club home with an outstanding run, finishing second female overall in a superb time of 37:02. There was further success for the club as Lorna Al-Hilal claimed first place in the FV45 age category, completing the course in an impressive 45:02.

Wayne King was the first Peel Road Runner man across the line in a speedy 37:33, followed by Matt Salisbury in 41:42 and Michael Shelton in 41:53. Daniel Bird finished in 43:38, with Ian Orton close behind in 43:51. Wayne Richardson completed the course in 45:56, while Philip Neale recorded 47:01.

Lorna Carlin crossed the line in 47:37, with Ben Dorkins finishing in 48:18. Katie Stretton ran 49:09, Billy King recorded 50:18, and Simon Gordon finished just a second later in 50:19. Lisa Stretton completed the course in 50:42, Roger Lloyd in 50:59, and Chris Bennett in 51:19.

The club’s strong depth continued with Phoebe Wade finishing in 54:00, George Hope in 54:58, Lydia Trenfield with a PB in 55:13, Carolyne Browne in 55:18, Jo Bovington in 55:57, and Cheryl Flint in 56:08. Graham Lane completed the race in 1:00:14, Lisa Barnes finished in 1:00:45, and Helen Manton crossed the line in 1:05:59.

After the race, the runners were able to cool off with a well-deserved cold drink and enjoy the party atmosphere at the back of the Malt Shovel whilst enjoying the music, BBQ and ice cream. Congratulations to all who took part.

Peel Road Runners were once again represented across the country at a variety of parkrun events, with Emma Pick producing another outstanding performance by finishing as first female at Trentham Gardens parkrun in a superb time of 19:32.

At Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, Wayne Richardson led the club home in 23:21. Katherine Bradley was next across the line in an excellent 24:01, followed by Wayne King in 25:43. Cheryl Flint completed the course in 28:12, George Hope finished in 28:29, and Jo Bovington rounded off the club’s performances with a time of 42:52.

Kingsbury Water parkrun attracted another strong Peel Road Runners turnout. Katie Stretton was the first club member home in 24:10, closely followed by Lisa Stretton in 25:36. Roger Lloyd recorded 26:28, Ann Hill crossed the line in 34:43, Lee Guffick completed the course in 35:17, Garth Cox ran 41:12, and Nicola Bannister finished in 42:28.

Elsewhere, Ian Orton recorded an impressive 22:17 at Dolgellau parkrun, while Tim Mudd completed Brueton parkrun in 27:33. Graham Lane ran 29:03 at Beacon parkrun, and Ash Goodman finished Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun in 32:33.

Mark Boffey represented the club at Oldham parkrun, finishing in 26:26, with Sarah Boffey recording 37:40 and Jacqueline Tierney completing the course in 49:56.

Further afield, Joanne Sharman finished Wimbledon Common parkrun in 33:45, while Stephanie Attenborough volunteered as a tail walker to complete the event in 1:05:14.

Wayne King really gave it some welly at the Wellingborough 5-mile race on Sunday, a scenic and undulating 5-mile road race through the Northamptonshire countryside. King completed the race in a rapid 30:21, finishing in a fantastic 15^th place overall.

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

Conditions were near-perfect for Park runs far and wide this weekend, and the Peelers showcased some excellent results at various locations. Full details below

Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun

Iain Downie 23:22, Richard Satchwell 24:20, Roger Lloyd 27:21, Stuart Hatton 28:29, Jonathan Allen 28:58, Jo Insley 33:11, Dave Fern 44:24, Carolyne Browne ( tail walker)1:00:49

Rosliston parkrun

Katherine Bradley 24:23

Kingsbury Water parkrun

Mike Shelton 21:49, Katie Stretton 23:59, Ben Dorkins 24:06, Anne Whitby-Smith         26:16, Graham Lane 29:23, Roger Eastaff      33:13, Darren O’leary 33:19, Chris Taylor 34:51, Nicola Bannister 42:39, Jacqueline Tierney 57:06

Monsal Trail parkrun

Emma Pick 19:55

Chasewater parkrun

Garth Cox 38:49

Perton Playing Fields parkrun

Joanne Sharman 33:55, Stephanie Attenborough 48:00

Flegg High parkrun

Sophie Galloway 25:09

Kilkenny Lane Country parkrun

Ian Orton 21:45

Shrewsbury parkrun

Wayne Richardson 22:11

Sam Cart took on Black Country Half Marathon and bagged a PB, completing the course in a very impressive 1:53:47. The popular course starts in Wolverhampton and takes runners along the canal towpaths into central Birmingham. Not only did Sam hit a half marathon PB, but every milestone was also a pb 10k,15k,10 mile and 20k. That’s great going Sam; well done

Joanne Sharman opted for taking on Tittesworth half marathon as their tail runner whilst supporting a friend through her first half marathon.  Tittesworth Reservoir sits in the shadow of The Roaches — the dramatic gritstone escarpment that defines the western edge of the Peak District. This race combines easy reservoir-side running with steep climbs onto the heather moorland above, offering impressive views over Staffordshire and the Cheshire Plain. In Jo’s words, the hills were as tricky going down as they were up. Jo completed the course in a fantastic 5:26:30. Amazing work

If you would like to consider joining the Peel Road Runners, we meet at the Skate Park car park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.45 pm. Please message our Facebook page, Peel Road Runners public page, for further information