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.