Month: August 2026

The famous Blackpool Illuminations usually indicate the start of Autumn.  But if you were in Blackpool this weekend, you would have been fortunate enough to have a preview of what’s to come.  Blackpool Run the Lights 10k and 5k is an exciting and vibrant running event held annually.  The event offers participants a unique opportunity to combine their passion for running with the dazzling spectacle of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.  The race starts in the heart of Blackpool and follows a scenic route along the Promenade, passing iconic landmarks such as the Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach and the lively amusement arcades.  As the sun begins to set, the town’s renowned illuminations come to life, illuminating the course with a spectacular display of lights, colours and animations.  The race is for every ability level; it is flat and fast, offering the potential to achieve impressive race times.  This race is not just about the race; it’s a celebration of community and camaraderie.  Participants are encouraged to embrace the lively atmosphere, don their brightest attire and soak up the electric energy of the event.  The Peelers certainly embraced the ethos of the race, digging deep into their running fancy dress boxes for an appropriate outfit.  

First across the line for the club was Matt Salisbury, completing the course in an impressive time of 40:20.   Dan Bird was hot on his heels, coming in at 40:22.   Wayne Richardson was the next Peeler home, finishing in 45:19. Next was Allen King, 49:11, followed by Billy King, 50:05.  This was a 10k pb for Billy.  Jo Bovington followed in 50:45; Chris Bennett in 51:22; Simon Gordon in 52:11; Tracy Ford in 56:05; Gemma Pritchard in 57:59; Mark Boffey in 58:01; Carolyne Brown in 01:00;   Lisa Barnes in 01:01;  Samie Futrill in 01:01;  Val Lawson in 01:07. 

Before the event even started, the travelling Peelers made sure to enjoy everything Blackpool had to offer, from funfair rides to bubblegum ice cream.

The streets of central Birmingham were closed on Sunday to allow participants to complete the Unity 5k,  tying in with the final day of the European Athletics Championships.  Thousands of runners took on a 5k route through the city centre, using the same roads as the championship marathon earlier that day.  Ian Orton took on the challenge and crossed the line in an impressive 20:48. 

Twenty-eight members enjoyed their Saturday morning parkrun fix in fourteen different locations.  Tim Mudd visited Alderford Lake, Whitchurch and completed the course in 27:30.  Beacon Park, Lichfield was the choice of Garth Cox, finishing in 26:17 and Graham Lane in 28:05.  Three Peelers started their day with a run at the beginning and the end in Blackpool.  Wayne Richardson completed the course in 29:23; Dan Bird in 29:23 and Jo Bovington in 55:49. 

Bournemouth parkrun course consists of one small lap and two large laps with a short dash to take participants to the finish.  Mike Shelton crossed the line in 22:54.  Emma Pick achieved first female in a time of 20:15 at Conkers parkrun.  You never know where our next two Peelers will be at the weekend:  Inis Meain, Ireland, was the choice of Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough last weekend.  Jo ran the course in 34:29 and Steph in 34:32.  Kingsbury Water Park, one of the two closest parkruns for Peelers, saw Roger Eastaff cross the line in 35:06; Nicola Bannister in 38:26.  Parkruns are not just for runners; there is now a large community of people choosing to walk the course.  Two members of the Peel walking group, Alison Dolphin and Steve Andrews, crossed the line in 45:12. 

Jacqueline Tierney spent the weekend in Norfolk, completing the Sandringham parkrun in 39:16.  The home parkrun, Tamworth Castle Grounds saw Danny Beardmore over the line in 19:00; followed by Jamie Abiss in 19:36; Luke Collins in 20:51; Robert Donovan in 44:07; Sarah Boffey in 58:20 and Mark Boffey in 58:21.  Billy King travelled to Trentham Gardens (on the road to Blackpool) and finished in 29:47 followed by Allen King in 29:50.  Claire Guffick ran at Warrington in 31:30 and Lee Guffick in 51:24.  Warwick Racecourse was the choice of Michael Stevenson who crossed the line in 44:25.  Wendy Bowyer started her holidays with a parkrun at Barmouth completing in 39:47.  And finally, Ian Orton started his weekend with a run at York Community Woodland finishing in 39:54. 

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds skate park car park at 6:45 pm for a 7:00 pm start.  We also have a walking group meeting on Tuesdays, at the same time and in the same meeting place.  New members are always welcome.  Please check out our website (peelroadrunners.co.uk) or our public Facebook page for more information.

Although the Peel Road Runners are starting to get acclimatised to running in warmer temperatures, the heat definitely adds another level of difficulty to racing, and with yet another heatwave and yellow warning for Sunday’s races, less enthusiastic runners could have been tempted to stay at home!  However, the lure of the Burton 10k with its lovely downhill finish to look forward to (not mentioning the less than lovely uphill start!) was enough for an intrepid group of Peelers to head east on the A38.  Taking on the undulating course, which started and finished at Burton Athletics Club, Matt Salisbury was first home for the club in a time of 43:31 followed by Dan Bird (44:06), Luke Collins (45:34), Mike Shelton (46:44), Lorna Al-Ani (47:02), Wayne Richardson (47:22), Lorna Carlin (49:55), Katie Stretton (52:29), Lisa Stretton (52:46), Anne Whitby-Smith (54:49), Simon Gordon (54:55), Jo Bovington (55:39), Cheryl Flint (1:01:16), Sandra Ingram (1:05:10) and Helen Manton (1:06:49).

Also on Sunday, the Solihull half marathon saw Adrian Jelley finish well in a time of 1:39:32, followed by Lydia Trenfield in 2:06:46 and Jo Sharman in 2:38:38 (her fastest half marathon this year). 

As ever, parkrun proved a popular way to start the weekend with Iain Downie the first Peeler home at Tamworth Castle in 23:21, followed by Sophie Galloway (26:42) and Cheryl Flint (28:11).  A larger group of Peelers ran at Kingsbury parkrun with Ash Goodman first home for the club in 24:00, followed by Darren O’Leary (24:53), Katie Stretton (25:11), Ben Dorkins (25:28), Lisa Stretton (25:48), Lisa Barnes (31:03), Allen King (31:26), Ann Hill (34:19), Roger Eastaff (35:15), Helen Dempsey (37:08), Neal Dempsey (37:09), Nicola Bannister (40:28) and Jackie Tierney (48:35). Running at Aviemore, Jonathan Allen finished in 28:19, whilst at Holyrood, Edinburgh Tim Mudd stopped the clock on 27:50 closely followed by Carolyne Browne  (27:51).  At Macclesfield parkrun, Mark Boffey ran in a time of 26:18 followed by Sarah Boffey (33:09).  At Bittesby Country Park, Lutterworth Garth Cox finished in 27:47 and at Ushaw Historic House, Durham Jo Sharman finished in 32:15 with Steph Attenborough park walking (1:02:17).  Ian Orton ran at Hull parkrun in 20:28 and Athena Mansell ran at Cheltenham in 26:36.  At Gorleston Cliffs Great Yarmouth, Billy King crossed the line in 25:18 and at Northampton, Anne Whitby-Smith ran in 25:06.  Finally at Beacon Park Lichfield, Graham Lane crossed the line in 29:29, whilst at Rosliston Dan Bird was first home for the club in 22:50 followed by Wayne Richardson (23:14) and Jo Bovington (45:03).

Before the weekend’s parkrun action got underway, Joanne Sharman celebrated a remarkable milestone by completing her 200th and 201st half marathons on consecutive days.

On Saturday, Joanne travelled to the Saturn Running “Have You Ever Seen a Nessie in the Thames?” event. Set along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames, the multi-lap course combines well-made paths, tarmac and a short grass section, with runners having up to seven hours to achieve their chosen distance. Joanne completed her half marathon in 3:24:10, bringing up her landmark 200th half marathon.

Not content to stop there, Joanne was back in action on Sunday at the RunThrough Bedford Autodrome Half Marathon. The event is held on the former motor racing circuit designed by ex-Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer and is renowned for its smooth tarmac surface, sweeping bends and traffic-free route. Despite completing a half marathon the previous day, Joanne produced an excellent run, finishing in 2:52:48, an impressive 32 minutes quicker than Saturday’s effort.

Saturday’s parkruns were blessed with favourable summer running conditions, with warm temperatures, light winds and dry conditions providing ideal circumstances for runners across the country.

Another packed parkrun weekend saw Peel Road Runners delivering strong performances at a variety of events across the country, with members ranging from Scotland’s Moray coast to Surrey, Nottinghamshire and across the Midlands.

A strong club turnout was recorded at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 363 runners took part. Leading the Peel Road Runners home was Wayne Richardson, finishing 31st overall in 22:26. He was followed by Billy King (23:16), Jo Bovington (25:17), Mark Boffey (25:24), Lydia Trenfield (27:29), Darren Truman (29:32), Sarah Boffey (33:22), Alison Perry (39:26), Dan Bird (42:55) and Cheryl Flint (43:11).

At Kingsbury Water parkrun, where 247 runners lined up, Darren O’Leary led the Peel contingent with an impressive 24:53. He was followed by Chris Bennett (28:31), Allen King (28:36), Lisa Barnes (32:28), Claire Guffick (33:56), Ann Hill (34:40), Stephen Andrews (34:59), Roger Eastaff (35:00), Martyn Candy (39:03), Nicola Bannister (40:19) and Lee Guffick (49:19).

There were standout performances elsewhere, with Emma Pick continuing her excellent form by finishing 1st female and 15th overall at Wollaton Hall parkrun in a superb 21:03. At Holme Pierrepont parkrun, Ian Orton secured a top-25 finish, crossing the line in 20:51, while Ash Goodman recorded 23:07 at Babbs Mill parkrun and Jackie Tierney tackled Victoria Embankment parkrun in Nottingham, crossing the line in 58:26.

At Battlestead Croft parkrun, Iain Downie led the Peel runners home in 23:11, followed by Owen Slater in 28:39. Meanwhile, Roger Lloyd posted a strong 24:27 at Beacon parkrun, Graham Lane completed Monsal Trail parkrun in 29:11 and at Warwick Racecourse parkrun, Michael Stevenson finished in 42:48.

Further afield, Jonathan Allen ran 27:34 at Nairn Links parkrun in Scotland, while Garth Cox completed Severn Valley Country parkrun in 31:23.

The club was also represented in southern England, where Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman completed Egham Orbit parkrun in 52:02 and 52:04 respectively.

With members taking part at thirteen different parkrun venues, achieving category honours, top-25 finishes and personal successes along the way, it was another excellent weekend showcasing the enthusiasm and spirit of Peel Road Runners.