This Easter Bank Holiday weekend marked the season finale of the Canicross Midlands competition for Peelers Neal Dempsey, Helen Dempsey and Rob Mace. To complete the full series, competitors must run seven races in the same class, no small feat.
Held at the beautiful Catton Park, the team delivered fantastic performances alongside their four-legged partners. Neal Dempsey secured 2nd place in the two dog long course with Elvis and Lilian, and another 2nd place in the short course with Banana and Pine. After an incredible ten seasons, Banana has now officially hung up her trainers for a well-earned retirement.
Rob Mace also impressed, taking 3rd place in the masters short course with Murphy, an outstanding achievement in his debut Canicross season.
Helen Dempsey successfully completed the full series in both the short and long courses with Patch and Sydney, rounding off a brilliant season for the Peelers team.
Parkrun Events
Peel Road Runners were out in force on Saturday morning, with members taking part in 16 different Parkrun events across the country.
- Black Swan Lake: Athena Mansell finished in 25:22.
- Bournemouth: Mike Shelton crossed the line in 20:55.
- Brighton & Hove: Jacqueline Tierney completed her run in 35:51.
- Crewe: Graham Lane finished in 27:10.
- Eden Project: Danny Beardmore ran an impressive 19:45.
- Exmouth: Tony Bryan finished in 29:33.
- Keswick: Michael Hughes completed his run in 25:25.
- Ormskirk: Joanne Sharman finished in 31:27, followed by Stephanie Attenborough in 34:52.
- Rogiet: Ian Orton crossed the line in 23:51.
- Rutland Water: Tracy Ford finished strongly in 24:24.
- Sence Valley Forest Park: Tim Mudd ran 26:15, followed by Carolyne Browne in 26:54.
- Y Promenad, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos: Mark Boffey finished in 25:03, with Sarah Boffey completing her run in 43:03.
Closer to home:
Kingsbury Water Park
Ben Dorkins was the first Peeler back in 23:52, followed by: Darren Truman (30:38), Roger Eastaff (32:14), Chris Taylor (33:10), Emma Whorwood (34:57), Claire Guffick (34:57), Alison Upton (35:00), Stephen Andrews (35:56), Ann Hill (41:53), Nicola Bannister (42:16), Alison Dolphin (43:04), Jo Insley (47:49) and Christine Norris (67:19).
Tamworth Castle Grounds
Wayne Richardson led the Peelers home in 23:07, followed by: Dan Bird (23:49), Sophie Galloway (26:46), Jo Bovington (27:10), Marcus Fairburn (28:23), Owen Slater (30:02), Lee Guffick (36:34) and Cheryl Flint (40:38).
Beacon Park
First Peeler back was Lee Rickards in a rapid 18:07, followed by: Tom King (21:53), Billy King (22:44), Allen King (26:20), Sam Futrill (26:30) and Chris Bennett (26:55).
Market Bosworth
Emma Pick delivered a standout performance, finishing in an excellent 19:38.
Cannock Chase
Roger Lloyd travelled over and completed his run in 23:15.
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