Author: PeelRR

This week Peel Road runners visited Flax Hill Primary School. Qualified running coach Michael Shelton was accompanied by Club Secretary Alison Dolphin and club mascot Trev the bear. The duo led sessions with 12 classes ranging from year 3 to year 6. The sessions involved a variety of running themed games where children were invited to take part in walking, jogging or running. Topics covered how to pace, and the health benefits of running including the benefits to mental health. The children were enthusiastic about their learning and were invited to enter the Tamworth Gate Gallop Children’s run.

Peel Road Runners organise the annual Tamworth Gate Gallop in aid of St Giles Hospice, a race that has been run for over 25 years and has raised over £100,00 for the charity. The Gate Gallop is an enjoyable event comprising of a 10km off road run, a 4.4km fun run and a 600m children’s run. Entries are invited for this year’s event which is due to take place on Sunday 26th June 2022 at Anker Valley Sports Complex. There will be family entertainment and refreshments with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice.
On Saturday morning at Kingsbury Water Parkrun Roger Eastaff celebrated completing his 50th parkrun in 43:11. Roger Lloyd, who finished in 42:46 was accompanied by his Flaxhill student daughter Fran after being inspired by the Peel Road Runners school visit.

Fellow Peelers also running at Kingsbury Water included Mike Shelton (20:41), Allen King (22:21), Rachael Rickards (22:26), Ben Dorkins (22:33), Philip Neale (23:04), Chris Bennett (22:38), Lisa Stretton (24:02), Dave Fern (24:57), Stuart Hatton (25:17), Jacqueline Tierney (28:32), Ian Grigg (38:54), Claire Guffick (43:13), Alison Dolphin (43:14), Emma Whorwood (43:14), Stephen Andrews (43:15), Ann Hill (43:16), Alison Perry (43:17), Lee Guffick (43:18), Wendy Bowyer (43:19), Sarah French (43:20), and Clara Walton (53:40).

Nearby at Chasewater parkrun, Garth Cox completed in 23:33 and at Babbs Mill, Mark Boffey finished in 28:57. Over at Warwick Racecourse Michael Stevenson made a time of 31:26 and Tim Mudd ran 25:51 at Rugby.

Saturday saw the Peel Road Runners ‘take over’ at Kingsbury Water parkrun with the Peelers out in force running the scenic 5km course and taking up the vital volunteer roles on the day.

The first Peeler to cross the line was Allen King (21:40) followed closely by Martin Hollamby (21:57) who was also volunteering as a pacer for other runners. Rachael Rickards was next (21:57) followed by Lisa Stretton (23:40), Garth Cox, also running as a pacer (25:39), Ashley Goodman (26:06), Carl Brittain (26:52), Stuart Hatton (27:57 as a pacer), Sophie Galloway (29:47 as a pacer), Dave Fern (33:19 as a pacer), Lee Rickards (34:11), Kelly Porter (36:03), Stephen Andrews (53:13). Nicola Bannister (54:23) and Wendy Bowyer (54:27) brought up the rear as the tail walkers on the day.

Off the course, Event Director Mike Shelton was supported by Richard Benham (volunteer co-ordinator), Ben Dorkins (Communications), Allen King and Donna Lancaster (pre-event set-up). Sarah Barber, Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick, Alison Upton stepped in as barcode scanners at the finish, Mark Boffey and Roger Eastaff were time keepers. Sandra Ingram and Helen Manton managed the finishing funnel, Stella Taylor was number checker, and Ann Hill and Philip Neale handed out the finish tokens. Ian Grigg welcomed the first timers, Darren O’leary took on the lead bike duties and Penny Randell was the photographer. Finally, the all-important course marshals were Chris Bennett, Lisa Fletcher, Sarah French, Jacob Harris, Ken Jordan, Emma Whorwood, Darren Truman and Margaret Jordan.

Elsewhere at Sizewell parkrun, Jacqueline Tierney was the 7th lady to complete in a time of 29:04. Henley Wood saw Tim Mudd complete in 26:06. Whilst at Babbs Mill Ian P Cooper completed in 26:18 and Tanya Murphy in 36:00. At Warwick Racecourse Michael Stevenson ran in 31:02.

Down south in Oxfordshire, Clara Walton completed the 7.4k route around Blenheim Fun Run, set at the World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace. Clara ran with her beautiful dog Nanook completing in 54:08, Clara’s son Dylan at just 6 years old completed the 1-mile Fun Run in 11:18.

At Coombe Abbey Park in Warwickshire, Robert Donovan took part in the Big Bear Swan Challenge; an event where you choose to run as many 3.3-mile laps as you like. Robert ran an impressive 8 laps which is the equivalent of just over the marathon distance.

Last Saturday (7th May) in the stunning Heartlands of Wales, Luke Collins made his ultramarathon debut in the HOWUM 2022, a challenging hilly 30 mile race that meanders through the scenic areas of the Sarn, Glyndwr’s Way, Severn Way and Wye Walk. Luke finished in 22nd place with a time of 5 hours 30 minutes.

Peel Road Runners organise the annual Tamworth Gate Gallop in aid of St Giles Hospice, a race that has been run for over 25 years and has raised over £100,00 for such a worthy cause. The Gate Gallop is an enjoyable event comprising of a 10km off road run, a 4.4km fun run and a children’s run. Entries are invited for this year’s event which is due to take place on Sunday 26th June 2022 at Anker Valley Sports Complex. There will be family entertainment and refreshments with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice.

A quieter week as far as racing is concerned, so the Peelers concentrated their efforts on the weekend’s parkruns with a couple of personal bests to show for it.

At Kingsbury, on form Wayne King finished second overall in a personal best time of 18:34. He was followed by Rob Mace in fifth place overall and a finishing time of 19:47. Crossing the line in fifteenth place and in a personal best time of 22:05 was Allen King, who is showing great form since joining the club. First lady home for the club (and third female) was Rachael Rickards in a time of 22:18. Other Peelers taking on the course at Kingsbury included: Ben Dorkins (23:14); Zoe Schnepp (23:45); Lisa Stretton (24:04); Chris Bennett (24:05); Darren O’Leary (25:48); Stella Taylor (27:06); Jackie Tierney (27:38); Carl Brittain (27:54); Jo Insley (28:56); Sophie Galloway (29:00); Clara Walton (29:07); Claire Guffick (29:54); Emma Whorwood (30:29); Roger Eastaff (32:11); Phil Neale (33:15); Darren Truman (33:16); Lee Rickards + mini Peeler (33:59); Sarah French (34:10); Alison Upton (34:43); Lee Guffick (36:39) and Wendy Bowyer (39:33).

Parkrun tourists included: Michael Stevenson (32:35) at Leamington; Tim Mudd (27:23) at Shipley Country Park; Tanya Murphy (38:38) at Babb’s Mill and Mark Boffey (26:54) at Ashbourne Recreation Ground.

Next week (on Saturday 14^th May) sees the Peel Road Runners “takeover” at Kingsbury parkrun, when club members will be taking on many of the volunteer and pacing roles for the event.

What’s not to love about a road or trail race and the extra day’s holiday this Bank Holiday weekend certainly provided the Peelers with plenty of opportunities to test their racing legs at events all over the country. 

The Uttoxeter half marathon acts as a counting race in the Burton & District Summer League and is organised by Uttoxeter Road Runners. It’s always a favourite race with the Peelers, starting at Uttoxeter racecourse and following an undulating and scenic route around the lanes south of Uttoxeter before finishing with a cramp-inducing downhill gallop back onto the racecourse. Unfortunately, several key members of the team were unable to run due to injury or illness, but the club was well represented with Club Chairman Lee Rickards first to cross the finish line in a time of 1:32:00. Emma Pick continued her impressive return to form and had a very strong race finishing as 5^th female and 3^rd in age category (FSen) and a time of 1:35:25. Next home was Rachael Rickards as 10^th female, 3^rd in age category (F40) and a time of 1:42:13. She was followed by Zac Gibbons in 1:43:22; Allen King (first time at Uttoxeter and a huge personal best time of 6 minutes and 43 seconds!) in 1:46:55 and Carolyne Browne in 2:00:32 and 3^rd in age category (F55).

Meanwhile, over at the Great Birmingham Run half marathon, Emma Livingstone was also knocking out a personal best time of 2:12:00, taking 8 minutes off her previous personal best! Michael Shelton also took on the Birmingham half marathon for St Giles Hospice and finished in a time of 1:37:04, whilst Jude Matthews and Donna Reid ran the course together and finished in 1:52:14. Finally Jo Insley, making a welcome return after some time out from racing, finished in 2:02:16.

Peelers like a challenge and Clara Walton, not content with one race this week, took on the Big Bear Bluebell Challenge at Hartshill Hayes on Tuesday and completed 17.7 miles in a time of 4:45:52 on the undulating trail route. Following up on this success, she then went on to run the Great Birmingham Run 10k on Sunday in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and finished in a very creditable 59:45.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Milton Keynes was the destination for the Dempsey Duo! Helen Dempsey completed the MK half marathon in a time of 2:28:33, a course personal best by 3 minutes, whilst husband Neal Dempsey ran a personal best time in the marathon finishing in 4:40:28. 

Taking on Mo Farah in the London Vitality 10k was the challenge for many runners on Monday, which saw Peeler Jackie Tierney (F55) continuing her current run of good form to cross the line in an impressive 56:29. 

Joy Sykes travelled to Yorkshire to take part in the Tadcaster Sprint Triathlon (pool swim 400m, cycle 13km, 6km run) which she finished in 1:36:31.

Also on Monday, Martin Hollamby competed in the undulating and testing course of the “Big Way Round” 50k, an ultramarathon trail run around the spectacular Winchester countryside taking in parts of the South Downs Way and the Itchen Way. Having run a well-paced race, he finished in a time of 4:16:48 and 6^th place overall.

Crossing into Leicestershire, on Saturday Garth Cox took on the Wymeswold Waddle 5 mile road race on an out and back course famous for its uphill “out”, which he completed in a strong time of 39:07.

The weekend parkruns also saw a good turnout of Peelers with Kingsbury once again the biggest draw. First to complete the 5k course in a time of 19:24 and in 3^rd place was Rob Mace. He was followed by: Mike Shelton (20:42); Ben Dorkins (22:38); Lisa Stretton (23:47); Simon Gordon (24:34); Chris Bennett (24:49); Tim Mudd (24:59); Martin Hemming (25:56); Garth Cox (27:41); Jackie Tierney (27:43); Mark Boffey (27:43); Darren Truman (27:44); Claire Guffick (28:36); Roger Eastaff (30:34); Joy Sykes (31:42); Alison Perry (32:52) and Chris Norris (46:18). Sarah French volunteered at Kingsbury parkrun to help with the event (as all parkruns are run by volunteers).

Parkrun tourists included: Tanya Murphy (39:13) at Brueton, Solihull and Mick Stevenson (30:30) at Northallerton.

At the Malvern trail half marathon on Saturday, five Peelers tackled the hilly course taking in over 2500 ft of climb on the iconic Malvern hills. The dry and sunny, but very windy weather made for good running conditions with far reaching views across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. First to cross the finish line for the club in a time of 2:25:58 and in 66^th place was Mark Boffey. He was followed by Darren Truman in 2:39:12 and 108^th place; Simon Gordon in 2:39:15 and 109^th place and Lorna Carlin in 2:39:18 and 110^th place. Unfortunately, following a harsh fall on the course, Phil Neale was forced to withdraw from the race. Luckily his injuries were only minor, but sadly the same could not be said for his wrecked phone!

On Sunday, the irrepressible V75+ distance runner Bob Donovan was out on the trails again! This week he was taking part in the Tissington trail marathon, an out and back race along the Tissington trail at Ashbourne. The course is quite deceptive in that the first 13.1 miles are a steady uphill drag, which can drain the legs before the turnaround and run back to Ashbourne. Bob completed the course in a time of 5:57:40 and achieved first (and last!) in age group and was awarded a special plaque for his achievement!

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury once again saw the largest turnout of Peelers. First to finish the 5k course in 5^th place and a time of 20:09 was Rob Mace. He was closely followed by Rachael Rickards, who finished as 3^rd female in 18^th place overall in a time of 22:15. Other runners included: Ben Dorkins (22:46); Jackie Tierney (28:37); Clara Walton (29:51); Roger Eastaff (30:19 – personal best); Emma Whorwood (30:28 – personal best); Alison Perry (31:52); Ann Hill (40:03); Stephen Andrews (40:15) and Chris Norris (45:46).

Parkrun tourists included: Claire Guffick (29:47) and Lee Guffick (38:44) at Sutton Park; Michael Stevenson (31:23) at Warwick Racecourse; Tim Mudd (25:41) at East Park, Wolverhampton and Garth Cox (23:43) at Beacon Park, Lichfield. Omitted from last week’s report: Emma Pick finished as 1^st lady in a time of 20:01 and 8^th place overall at the Conkers parkrun on Saturday, 16^th April.

With fewer races being held over the Easter weekend, it was the Peel poochies who were making all the headlines for the club at the Canicross Midlands series final at Catton Park. Rob Mace (running with Axis) finished a brilliant season of racing by winning the senior men’s long course canicross series. Not content with winning the long course series, Rob also came second in the senior men’s short course series running with Molly or Base. Also celebrating success was Neal Dempsey, who finished second in the vet male long course canicross running with Banana and second in the two dog short course series of races running with either Banana, Hugo, Paddington or Sydney over the season. 

On Monday Rachael Rickards competed in the fast and flat Boston half marathon, a course renowned for its personal best potential. She ran a very strong race to finish in a time of 1:40:18 just slightly over her personal best time, but still making her 9th female and first in age category in a field of 512! A great result!

Further to last week’s individual successes at the South Derbyshire Road Runners Conkers 5 mile race, the Peel ladies’ team currently stand second in the Burton & District Summer League whilst the men’s team are in third place. The next League race will be the Uttoxeter half marathon on Sunday, 1^st May.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury once again proved the most popular venue for Peel Road Runners. First to finish this week was Luke Collins in a personal best time of 21:00, followed by Allen King also in a personal best time of 22:27. Next to cross the line was Ben Dorkins (23:18); Darren O’Leary (25:20); Stella Taylor (26:48); Caroline Evans (29:19); Claire Guffick (29:22); Joy Sykes (32:05); Alison Perry (32:49); Emma Whorwood (32:49); Roger Eastaff (32:56); Alison Upton (34:09); Ann Hill (34:09); Lee Guffick (39:04); Stephen Andrews (40:34); Wendy Bowyer (43:41) and Chris Norris (46:33).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Garth Cox (23:44) at Walsall Arboretum; Dave Fern (24:44) and Roger Lloyd (45:58) at Conkers; Zoe Schnepp (25:03) at Exeter Riverside; Ian Cooper (28:26) and Tanya Murphy (35:18); Tim Mudd (25:50) at Woodgate Valley Country Park, Birmingham; Jackie Tierney (29:22) at Trentham Gardens, Stoke and Mark Boffey (30:23) at Hastings High School, Burbage.

Peel Road Runners welcome new members of all abilities and are now enjoying summer club runs on trails and paths around Tamworth. 

Taking on the challenge of a first marathon is a ‘rite of passage’ for many runners and the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, 10^th April proved to be just that for Peeler Emma Whorwood. Emma completed her first marathon supported by Matthew Harris at the iconic seaside course in a very creditable time of 5:18:06.

Also on Sunday, the Run in the Forest 5 mile race took place at the Conkers Discovery Centre in Moira. The race, promoted by South Derbyshire Road Runners, is the second race in the Burton & District Summer Race League series and attracted a large turnout of runners from local running clubs. First home for the Peelers in a very competitive field was Martin Hollamby in a time of 30:58 and 10^th place overall. He was followed by Rob Mace (32:58); Lee Rickards (33:34); Emma Pick (33:44) making her first in age category and second female finisher; Mike Shelton (33:50); Zac Gibbons (35:19); Rachael Rickards (35:57); Lisa Stretton (38:43); Darren Truman (38:56); Mark Boffey (39:35 personal best); George Hope (39:38); Tony Bryan (40:27); Simon Gordon (40:29); Garth Cox (40:36); Dave Fern (41:39); Judith Matthews (42:26); Stuart Hatton (42:27); Caroline Evans (48:07); Helen Manton (48:36); Emma Livingstone (48:51); Jackie Tierney (49:01) and Joanne Harvey (50:38). In the children’s 1 mile race, mini Peeler Sally Schnepp crossed the line in a speedy 11:51. 

In a landmark weekend for Peel parkrunners, records were being created at events across the country. Jackie Tierney celebrated running her 200^thparkrun at Hastings High School parkrun in Burbage finishing in a time of 29:51. She was supported by Peelers Mark Boffey (24:08) and Tim Mudd (26:12). Meanwhile at Kingsbury parkrun, Chris Norris celebrated her 100^th parkrun, whilst Lee Guffick celebrated his 50^th parkrun. Celebrating in style and supported by others from the club, they ran the course dressed as unicorns and fairies! At Kingsbury, Zoe Schnepp was the first Peeler home in a time of (23:34), followed by Allen King (24:46); Mike Shelton (25:19); Garth Cox (26:04); Joy Sykes (32:32); Stella Taylor (32:52); Chris Norris (51:15); Lee Guffick (51:18); Claire Guffick (51:19); Ann Hill (51:20); Alison Perry (51:21); Sarah French (51:22); Kelly Porter (51:23); Wendy Bowyer (51:25); Roger Eastaff (51:27) and Nicola Bannister (52:49). Other parkrunning Peelers this weekend included: Carolyne Browne (27:15 and first in age category) at Banstead Woods, Coulsdon; Kathryn Adams (23:30) at Coventry; Clara Walton (29:54) at Didcot; Ben Dorkins (23:03) at Chasewater; Michael Stevenson (30:45) at Warwick Racecourse and Rob Mace (20:52) at Woodgate Valley, Birmingham.

With the spring marathon season in full swing, six Peelers headed north to take on the fast and flat course of the Therme Manchester marathon. With almost perfect weather conditions, the race started at Old Trafford before heading into the city centre, then wound its way out to Salford Quays, Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Baguley and Sale Moor before finishing back near Old Trafford. Martin Hollamby continued his recent run of great results by finishing in a sub-3 time of 2:50:26, a personal best of over 8 minutes! Not to be outdone Kathryn Adams (running her first marathon in a Northbrook AC vest, though registered with Peel RR for the race) was first Peel lady to cross the line after the 26.2 miles in a time of 3:38:05 and also ran a personal best time of over 17 minutes! Michael Shelton also ran well to finish in a time of 3:45:24. On a day of personal bests, George Hope continued the theme knocking an astonishing 27 minutes of his previous marathon best to finish in 3:49:25. Finally, Donna Lancaster ran a strong and well paced race to cross the finish line in 4:19:33, followed by Allen King (running his first marathon in a Peel vest) in a time of 4:42:54. 

At the Cathedral to Castle 10 mile multi terrain race, 30 Peelers ran the scenic course from Lichfield to Tamworth. The race started in Beacon Park, Lichfield before passing Lichfield Cathedral and weaving its way through town and out along lanes and trails to Whittington village, crossing the Whittington Firing Ranges, passing through Hopwas Woods, Wigginton Park and finishing with a (rather cruel!) loop of the Castle Grounds. First Peeler home was Wayne King in a time of 1:02:46, 3^rd in age category and 9^th overall. He was followed by Rob Mace in 1:06:00, 9^th in age category and 20^th overall and Phil Neale in 1:12:50. Rachael Rickards was first female back for the club in a time of 1:13:29, 3rd in age category and 7^th female finisher equalling husband Lee’s time. Other Peelers included Luke Collins (1:13:33); Lisa Stretton (1:18:32 personal best); Darren Truman (1:19:26 personal best); Lorna Carlin (1:20:13); Simon Gordon (1:21:07); Dave Fern (1:25:31); Carolyne Browne (1:25:48 personal best); Donna Reid (1:26:05); Judith Matthews (1:26:08); Helen Chyla (1:26:31); Chris Bennett (1:26:47); Joanne Harvey (1:26:50); Rachel Browne (1:27:20); Tim Mudd (1:29:23); Stuart Hatton (1:30:37); Jo Insley (1:31:28); Stella Taylor (1:33:19); Tony Bryan (1:38:26); Claire Guffick (1:40:45 personal best); Sarah Boffey (1:42:04); Jackie Tierney (1:43:07); Neal Dempsey (1:43:09 personal best); Emma La Planche (1:44:39); Helen Dempsey (1:52:17 personal best); Roger Eastaff (1:54:54); Sam Harris (1:58:39); Lee Guffick (2:07:09); Nicola Bannister (2:07:09) and Ann Hill (2:07:11). 

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury once again proved the most popular with the Peelers. First to finish for the club was Rob Mace in a time of 20:25. He was followed by Garth Cox (24:24); Jason Church (26:19); Mark Boffey (28:25); Darren Truman (28:25); Jackie Tierney (28:54); Stella Taylor (32:57); Sarah French (34:19); Alison Dolphin (36:29) and Chris Norris (46:21). 

Parkrun tourists included Michael Stevenson at Leamington (32:17); Tim Mudd at Arrow Valley, Redditch (26:11); Tanya Murphy at Brueton (34:15); Ben Dorkins (22:27) at Walsall and Joy Sykes (29:38) at Blyth Links, Northumberland.

The sun shone on Saturday at Kingsbury Water Park as Mark Boffey celebrated his 100th parkrun milestone with his Siberian Husky Mando. The duo completed the 5km course in a time of 26:51. Other Peelers running with their four-legged friends at Kingsbury included Neal Dempsey with Banana, finishing in 29:50, Helen Dempsey with Hugo, clocking 33:24 and Rob Mace crossing the line with Molly in 25:01.

As usual the Peelers running solo at Kingsbury Water Park were out in force with Mike Shelton finishing in 8th place and a time of 20:17. He was followed by Phil Neale (23:50), Jacqueline Tierney (29:16), Claire Guffick (30:42), Alison Perry (32:02), Emma Whorwood (32:11), Stella Taylor (32:46), Clara Walton (33:02), Ann Hill (33:14), Chris Taylor (35:40), Alison Dolphin (36:30), Lee Guffick (38:41), Stephen Andrews (38:59), Wendy Bowyer (41:24), Nicola Bannister (41:25), Ian Grigg (43:14) and Darren Truman (43:16). 

At the Coventry parkrun, Kathryn Adams impressed, finishing second lady on the day with a time of 20:59. Elsewhere Tim Mudd ran 26:06 at Dudley, Ben Dorkins 24:13 at Sutton Park and Michael Stevenson 30:55 at Warwick Racecourse. Ian Cooper finished the Babbs Mill parkrun in 25:11 and was followed by Tanya Murphy with 33:57. 
Much further afield and north of the border at the University of Stirling parkrun, Joy Sykes ran with her dog Charlie to finish in 32:33. 

Finally at the Cannock Chase Trail Half Marathon, Caroline Evans ran her first Canix race with Luca, her Hungarian Vizsla. Running a beautiful but challenging course with over 1,600ft elevation, they completed the race in a time of 2:55:15.

With a feeling of spring in the air and a spring in the step of the Peel Road Runners keen to get back to road racing, the Aldi Ashby 20 road race made a welcome return after a two year absence due to Covid restrictions. The race, organised by Ivanhoe Runners, is extremely popular with runners testing their fitness for upcoming spring marathons and also for those moving up from half marathon distance. It also has a reputation for being one of the best 20 mile races in the country, so is well respected among the running community. Ian Allen of Spa Striders was the race winner in an impressive finish time of 1:44:29 with Wayne King the first Peeler to finish the race, having run a very respectable time of 2:09:45 in 27^th place overall and 6^th in age category. Next to finish for the Peelers was Club Chairman Lee Rickards, who had a superb race crossing the line in 2:19:38, knocking 15 minutes off his previous personal best time at the distance! Another Peeler in great form at the moment is Malcolm Bembridge, who finished in 2:27:41 and 19^th in his MV50 age category. Stephen Baker also ran well in a time of 3:08:57, with Sophie Galloway claiming her famous Ashby 20 sweatshirt in a time of 3:38:26 and Emma Whorwood (3:41:08) and Helen Manton (3:43:11) completing the Peel team.

The Stafford half marathon is another iconic road race making its return this year and proving popular with runners both local and from further afield. With the dry and warm weather conditions making for good running, Tony Bryan ran a well-paced race to cross the line in a personal best time of 1:55:07, followed by Joanne Harvey in 1:56:55, Andrew Gillman in 2:05:00 and Helen Dempsey in 2:28:18.

It almost goes without saying that V70+ Peeler Bob Donovan will have run another marathon at the weekend and, not wanting to disappoint, he took on the Pierrepoint Plod 45k (28 miles) run at Holme Pierrepoint in Nottingham on Sunday and finished the 9 lap course in a time of 5:52:00 . Asked about the race, Donovan said, “I got first in my age bracket. Come to think of it, I got last as well. Most of those in my age bracket are not stupid enough to do this!”.

Running at the Canicross Midlands event at Cannock Chase on Saturday, Rob Mace ran the long course of 5k with Axis finishing in 2^nd place; the short course of 2.5 km with Molly finishing in 4^th place and the “odds and bods” course with Base finishing in 1^st place overall.

Saturday morning parkruns proved as popular as ever with Claire Guffick celebrating her 50^th parkrun at Kingsbury supported by a great number of Peelers! First home for the club was Mike Shelton in a time of 20:47, followed by Allen King in 22:41. Trevor Thompson was next over the line in a time of 24:18, followed by Darren O’Leary (24:45); Darren Truman (24:56); Mark Boffey (26:40); Jackie Tierney (28:31); Claire Guffick (29:24); Roger Eastaff (31:01); Joy Sykes (31:24); Ann Hill (33:28); Stella Taylor (34:01); Sarah French (34:41); Lee Guffick (36:38); Alison Dolphin (37:15); Nicola Bannister (42:37); Wendy Bowyer (42:42) and Christine Norris (46:28).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Ian Cooper (24:56) and Tanya Murphy (35:07) at Brueton, Solihull; Tim Mudd at Markeaton, Derby (26:07); Dave Fern (24:57) and Roger Lloyd (44:22) at Conkers; Mick Stevenson (30:53) at Northallerton; Garth Cox (24:09) at Chasewater and Ben Dorkins (28:18) at Beacon, Lichfield.