Author: PeelRR

It’s the time of year when the focus turns to marathons and last weekend saw five Peelers in action at the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the second largest marathon in the UK. Having tackled numerous storms and lots of wet weather to get those much needed long training runs in over the winter months, those taking part were rewarded with a surprisingly dry Manchester and great conditions on the day. The hard work paid off with PB’s and milestones for all who ran.

First to cross the line was Lee Rickards achieving an incredible sub 3 hour PB time of 2:57:27. Next through for the Peelers was Allen King, smashing an hour off his previous marathon PB, crossing the line in 3:42:34. Mike Shelton and Trev the Bear came in at 4:17:48, completing their 10^th marathon together and continuing to raise awareness for the amazing work of St Giles Hospice, whilst husband and wife team Claire and Lee Guffick both PB’d with fantastic times of 5:01:24 and 6:07:53 respectively. A huge Peeler well done to all involved, we’re very proud of you.

Meanwhile Saturday saw a stalwart and much admired member of the club, Dave Fern, complete his 200^th Park Run at Kingsbury Water Park. Dave was first home in his age category in a time of 30:24.

Also competing at Kingsbury were Ben Dorkins (21:53), Darren O’Leary (23:17), Tim Clark (25:06), Lisa Stretton (25:45), Simon Gordon (26:13), Stuart Hatton (27:22), Marcus Fairburn (28:38), Laura Bowyer (31:02), Sarah Boffey (33:50), Alison Perry (37:39), Wendy Bowyer (43:31) and Stephen Andrews (47:10).

Wayne King led the pack at Tamworth Park Run, crossing the finish first and securing a PB at the same time in 18:12. He was followed by one of the newer club members Jamie Abiss in a time of 20:14 with Chris Bennett (22:46), Time Mudd (24:04), Roger Lloyd (24:26), Tony Bryan (24:30), Judith Matthews (25:38) and Sophie Galloway (25:57) all hot on one another’s heels. Wendy Roe represented the club at Lichfield Beacon Park with a time of 30:51.

Park Run touring Peelers included Jackie Tierney (27:25) at Northampton, Garth Cox (23:29) at Walsall and Ian Orton (24:17) and Michael Hughes (34:45) at Hanley. Emma Pick visited Rother Valley and secured the position of 3^rd female (20:45) whilst over at Babbs Mill Roger Eastaff secured a time of 33:05 chased down by Ann Hill (45:29), Alison Dolphin (45:30) and Sarah French (45:34). Finally over at Irchester Steph Attenborough finished in 35:56 with Joanne Sharman, another new Peeler, closing in on her in a time of 36:20. Next week will see many of the Peelers head down to London to participate or support fellow members in the iconic London Marathon. We’d like to wish the best of luck to all taking part; may all your efforts and training pay off but most of all have an incredible time and enjoy the experience.

Storm Kathleen certainly didn’t deter and damper the Peel Road Runners spirits this week with many of the club attending races, despite the weekends very blustery conditions. 

At the first BDSL race of the season the club were out in force at the ‘Run in the Forest’ held at Conkers Waterside Centre in Derbyshire. Held over a 5-mile course almost entirely off road, compromising of some hard packed trails and canal tow paths, the route takes in some of the fine scenery the National Forest has to offer.

Wayne King was first home in a fantastic time of (30:57); followed by Martin Hollamby (31:49); Emma Pick (34:23); James Stretton (36:23); Phil Neale (37:17); Darren O’Leary (39:25); Mark Boffey (39:39) (PB); Tim Mudd (40:49); Ian Orton (41:17); Chris Bennett (41:18); Lisa Stretton (41:29); Kirsty Welsh (42:35); Simon Gordon (44:06); Billy King (45:36); Darren Truman (45:55); Michael Hughes (48:04); Joanne Sharman (48:55); Sarah Boffey (50:30); David Fern (51:16).

Whilst Luke Collins and Michael Shelton tackled a very muddy Challenge Event ‘A Coventry Way’.  The Challenge is a 40-mile circular long-distance trail with the route starting and finishing at the Heart of England Social Club in Meriden.  The majority of the route is off-road and passes through mainly agricultural land in Warwickshire and Solihull.  The Challenge is held annually, with Luke and Michael finishing in a very impressive 9 hours 30.

With a city centre start and finish, Jacqueline Sheasby completed the Sheffield Half Marathon in a very impressive 2:15.  The event boasts a stunningly scenic route with views of the Peak District on some very challenging hills.

Also finishing in an impressive time of 2:15, Lisa Ellen took to the streets of London to see all the sites in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Through the City of London and the City of Westminster, passing St Pauls Cathedral, Guildhall, Tower of London and along the Thames to Big Ben, the route was also filled with musical performances, DJ’s dancers and much more.  

Cathedral to Castle

With the return of the 7^th local Lichfield Cathedral to Tamworth Castle run, the Peelers were out again for this much loved event. Covering a 10-mile multi-terrain course from Lichfield Cathedral, passing through Hopwas Woods and finishing at Tamworth Castle.  First Peeler back was Allen King with a fantastic PB time of (1:16:08); followed by Helen Chyla (1:34:08); Andrew Gillman (1:34:26); Natalie Walker (1:34:42); Stuart Hatton (1:35:14); Sophie Galloway (1:36:19); Emma Petricca (1:43:34) (PB); Val Lawson (1:50:31); Laura Bowyer (1:51:35) (Frist 10 mile event and PB); Wendy Roe (1:59:19) (First 10 mile event and PB); Claire Guffick (1:59:20); Michael Ball (1:59:38) (First 10 mile event and PB); Helen Dempsey (2:06:19) and Neal Dempsey (2:06:19); Roger Eaststaff (2:07:48); Lee Guffick (2:07:49)

Parkrun events

The busy weekend didn’t put the Peelers off attending many of the local Parkrun events too.  Many runners attended the local Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun.  Allen King was the first Peeler back in an impressive (21:56) followed by Phil Neale (22:09); Garth Cox (25:08); Roger Lloyd (25:20); Simon Gordon (26:05); Judith Matthews (26:25); Joanne Harvey (29:33); Sophie Galloway (33:48); Emma Whorwood (36:01).

There was also a strong attendance at Kingsbury Waterpark Parkrun too.  With Claire Guffick the first Peeler to cross the line in (28:27); Jacqueline Tierney (28;50); Lee Guffick (37:03); Nicola Bannister (43:04); Alison Dolphin (43:18); Wendy Bowyer (46:02); Vickie Bowyer (46:03)

At Cannock Chase Parkrun Emma Pick ran (24:13), whilst at Warwick Racecourse Parkrun Michael Stevenson ran (37:05)

Further afield at Blyth Links Parkrun Joe Sykes ran (31:47), whilst at Wollaton Hall Parkrun Ian Orton run (25:33), with Michael Hughes coming in at (48:39); whilst at Battlestead Croft Parkrun Tim Mudd crossed the line at (26:17).

The Easter break has been a quiet time for races with many Peelers completing long runs for marathon training or on holiday before over-indulging in chocolate! However, Stewart Baker earned his chocolate egg, quite literally, by taking part in the Chasewater Easter Egg 10k. The race followed 2 laps of the reservoir along undulating paths and trails which he completed in a PB time of 54:37 rewarded with a medal and a creme egg!

The Peel Canicross teams were out at a very muddy Catton Hall for the weekend with Rob Mace (running with Drama and Glory) placing 1st and Neal Dempsey (running with Banana and Elvis) placing 3rd in the weekend and the overall season for the series, with Helen Dempsey also competing.

It was a particularly busy weekend for Parkruns with plenty of Peelers in action at Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun. Chris Bennett was the first Peeler to cross the line in 23:34 followed by Tim Clark (25:59), Natalie Walker (26:25), Zoe Schnepp (26:40), Sophie Galloway (27:06), Helen Chyla (28:36), Owen Slater (28:44), Dave Fern (29:39), And Wendy Roe (31:53).

At Kingsbury Water Parkrun a good contingent of Peelers saw Darren O’Leary finish in 24:20, Simon Gordon (28:11), Claire Guffick (32:28), Roger Eastaff (35:53), Lee Guffick (35:59), Ann Hill (36:31), Nicola Bannister (43:28), Alison Dolphin (44:19), Wendy Bowyer (44:38), Alison Perry completed her 50th parkrun in 55:10 followed by Stephen Andrews (56:42).

The Easter weekend presented an opportunity for some Parkrun tourism. At the seaside, four Peelers tackled the incredibly challenging Great Yarmouth North Beach Parkrun, considered the hardest Parkrun in the UK, which is ran entirely on energy sapping soft sand. First Peeler to cross the line was Mark Boffey in 27:06, followed by Ian Orton (29:30), Sarah Boffey (41:48) and Michael Hughes (54:25). Also, beside the seaside Mike Shelton completed Bournemouth Parkrun in (21:38). Up in the Lakes Ben Dorkins ran Keswick Parkrun in 22:13, whilst at Victoria Dock in London Jackie Tierney ran 27:11. Lee Rickards ran an impressive 17:47 and bagged a 30 second PB at Long Eaton Parkrun. At Beacon Parkrun Tim Mudd ran 24:33 and Ian Cooper completed Edgbaston Reservoir in 26:56. Garth Cox ran University of Northampton Parkrun in 24:26 whilst at Conkers Emma Pick ran in 22:12 and Marcus Fairburn 30:03.

Wednesday evening saw the club attend the final coached track session of the season at Tamworth Athletics Club, running 8 x 2-minute hard efforts. Many thanks to Derek Bolton for delivering the sessions and we look forward to returning in the Winter.

With many of the club’s members taking part in events last weekend, most got back to enjoying the local Parkruns this week.

The majority were at Kingsbury waterpark where Emma Pick finished in 8^th position and was first female home in 21:09. Next was Phil Neale (22:10), Darren O’Leary (23:14), Ben Dorkins (24:40), Chris Bennett (25:19), Simon Gordon (26:14), Claire Guffick (30:22), Stella Taylor (32:02), Chris Taylor (32:03), Lee Guffick (34:55), Emma Whorwood (35:26), Ann Hill (42:20), Nicola Bannister (42:50), Wendy Bowyer (43:24), Stephen Andrews (46:10) and Alison Perry (46:11).

At Tamworth Castle Grounds Roger Lloyd was first in with a time of 25:52, followed by Wendy Roe (31:52), Sandra Ingram (33:33) and Sophie Galloway (35:20). 

We were well represented at many other Parkruns near and far with Steph Attenborough at Aston Hall (34:50), Mike Shelton at Lichfield (20:37), Ian Cooper at Burnham & Highbridge (29:44), Marcus Fairburn at Conkers (30:32), Ian Orton (24:03), Jacky Tierney (27:38) and Michael Hughes (37:07) at Newtown, Joy Sykes (35:39) at Roberts Park West Yorkshire, Tim Mudd (24:51) at Worcester Pitchcroft and finally Sarah Boffey (28:00) at Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln.

As a club, we continue to see many new members, so if you would like to join us, we meet next to the Skate Park in Castle Grounds at 6.45 for a 7pm start. Tuesdays are a social run and on Thursdays we have sessions covering different areas of running. Last Thursday, one of our club coaches Mark, led a session focusing on hills which, as you can see from the smiles, was enjoyed by all!

With impeccable organisation from Ivanhoe Runners, the Aldi Ashby 20-mile race is seen as a local “must do” race for runners preparing for spring marathons such as London and Manchester. The race is always well supported by the Peel Road Runners and this year was no exception with 16 members running the undulating two lap course.  First home for the club and 17^th lady (168th out of a field of 1296 runners) was Emma Pick crossing the finish line in a time of 2:32:54.  Next to finish was Mike Shelton (aided and abetted by Ted the bear who he carried for the race!) in a time of 2:51:22; Tim Mudd (3:09:37 – personal best); Donna Reid (3:18:22); Judith Matthews (3:18:22); George Hope (3:31:15); Carolyne Browne (3:35:38) Sophie Galloway (3:38:09); Stuart Hatton (3:38:10); Claire Guffick (3:43:32 – personal best); Emma Whorwood (3:48:17); Helen Manton (3:57:29); Lee Guffick (4:25:09 – personal best); Helen Dempsey (4:36:31 – personal best); Neal Dempsey (4:36:31) and Roger Eastaff (4:59:27).

Running at the Stafford half marathon on Sunday and, though more used to ultra running in the mountains, Martin Hollamby took to the tarmac in great style running a personal best time of 1:21:16 and finishing in 27^th place out of 1800+ runners!  An impressive result!

For runners wanting a fast and flat course with personal best potential, the two lap Florette Fradley 10k doesn’t get much better.  Taking advantage of this, Luke Collins achieved a personal best time crossing the line in 38:24 and 5^th in age category.  He was followed by Chris Bennett (50:32); Garth Cox (51:34); Clara Walton (57:15); Helen Chyla (57:17) and Jackie Tierney (58:40).

Running on very muddy and rocky terrain, Val Lawson took on the challenge of the scenic Pennine Trails Leighton Hall trail half marathon near Carnforth, Lancashire finishing in a time of 3:13:13. Despite all the weekend’s races, parkruns both local and further afield drew a good number of Peelers to get their Saturday 5k fix.  Running at Tamworth Castle parkrun, Lee Rickards was first to cross the finish line in 18:17, followed by Rob Mace (21:21); Tim Mudd (24:51) and Roger Lloyd (26:27).  Further afield at Market Harborough, Steph Attenborough finished in 33:46 whilst at Kingsbury, Mike Shelton finished in 23:34 followed by Ben Dorkins (23:44); Darren O’Leary (24:32); Tim Clark (25:38); Lisa Stretton (26:08); Lee Guffick (57:53) and Claire Guffick (58:05).  At the Queen Elizabeth parkrun in Portsmouth, Mark Boffey celebrated his birthday with a 25:00 minute run, followed by Sarah Boffey in 32:38.  Running at Evesham, Ian Orton finished in 25:02 followed Jackie Tierney (28:39) and Michael Hughes (41:23).  Joy Sykes (33:59) ran at Bramley, Leeds parkrun; Wendy Roe (30:31) ran at Beacon, Lichfield and Alison Perry (44:05), Ann Hill (44:44), Sarah French (50:41), Alison Dolphin (50:42) and Stephen Andrews (50:50) took on the muddy and challenging course at Sense Valley, Ibstock

This weekend saw the last Cross Country race of the season take place on Sunday 10^th March at Sinai Park, Burton on Trent, hosted by Hatton Darts running club. The day started off well with no rain but halfway through the race the heavens opened to add extra mud to a tough hilly 5.5 mile course. The course started on a steep uphill and finished on a slippery steep downhill. First home for the Peel Road Runners men was Lee Rickards in 10^th place, followed by Ben Dorkins (48^th), Tim Mudd (64^th), Mark Boffey (74^th), Billy King (91^st), Allen King (92^nd), Darren Truman (95^th), Ian Orton (96^th), Michael Hughes (99^th) and Lee Guffick (146^th). For the Peel women, Jackie Tierney was first home in 47^th place, followed by Sarah Boffey (58^th) and Claire Guffick (78^th).

The 2023/24 category report for the end of the Cross Country season, which takes into account the first 5 races, saw Billy King finish in 2^nd place in the U20 category. For the senior men category Michael Hughes finished the season in 12^th place. In the VM40 category Lee Rickards finished in 2^nd place, with Luke Collins 3^rd, Allen King 7^th and Ian Orton in 8^th place. In the VM45 category Wayne King finished in 2^nd place, with Michael Shelton in 8^th and Ben Dorkins in 9^th place. In the VM50 category, Mark Boffey finished in 6^th place, with Tim Mudd in 7^th and Lee Guffick in 11^th place. For the ladies, Sarah Boffey and Claire Guffick both finished in 6^th place in the VL45 and VL50 categories respectively and Jackie Tierney finished 5^th place in the VL55 category.

In other races on Sunday, on a hilly, cold, wet and windy course, Wayne King continued his current good running form setting a new PB at the Oundle 20 mile road race with a impressive time of 2 hours and 6 mins.

A few peelers travelled to Chester for the 10k race. Caroline Evans finished the race in 1 hour dead whilst Helen and Neal Dempsey, who have this race as the first leg of the Chester triple, finished close behind, both finishing in 01.12.25.

Parkrun on Saturday saw a large number peelers at Kingsbury Water Park. First back for the club was Phil Neale in 22.45. Followed by Chris Bennett 23.38, Roger Eastaff 34.32, Ann Hill 36.13, Stella Taylor 36.29, Claire Guffick 36.51, Lee Guffick 36.57, Emma Whorwood 38.10, Nicola Bannister 53.19, Wendy Bowyer 58.27, Alison Perry 58.32, Alison Dolphin 58.37 and Sarah French 58.38.

Parkrun tourists saw a group of peelers head to Wotton (just North of Bristol) to celebrate Jackie Tierney’s 300^th parkrun, coinciding with Wotton’s 300^th event. Mark Boffey was first home with 26.03, followed by Micheal Hughes 30.02, Jackie Tierney 31.17 and Sarah Boffey 32.08.

Other parkrun tourists included, Garth Cox at Beacon parkrun 23.55, Rob Mace at Bedworth 22.03, Ian Orton at Holbrooks 25.35, Tim Mudd at Market Harborough 24.07, Joy Sykes at Roberts Park 35.12, Emma Pick at Rosliston 22.03, Allen King 24.21 and Wendy Roe 32.08 at Tamworth Castle Grounds and Steph Attenborough at University of Northampton 47.42.

“A few peelers took the opportunity to volunteer at Beacon Junior parkrun Sunday morning before taking part in the Cross Country race with Mark Boffey achieving his 25^th Parkrun Volunteer.”

Peel Road Runners Couch to 5K sessions are into the third week and take place on Tuesdays at 6.15pm. If you’re interested please contact a member of the club via the beginners Facebook page. Search Peel Road Runners beginners.

With the weather being a bit of a wash out for the local Tamworth Castle grounds and Kingsbury water park Parkruns Peel Road runner members found themselves venturing further afield last Saturday 24^th February and pulling in some great results

Dudley Parkrun -Garth Cox – 26:33,Northampton Parkrun -Mark Boffey 23:54Sarah Boffey 28:45

Conkers Parkrun -Emma Pick 21:14

Newark Parkrun -Philip Neale 23:10

The Whammy Parkrun -Michael Hughes 27:12

Sutton Parkrun -Jackie Tierney 30:16

Chasewater Parkrun -Claire Guffick 29:24,Roger Eastaff 37:04,Lee Guffick 38:18,Nicola Bannister 50:41,Alison Dolphin 51:15,Sarah French 51:17,Stephen Andrews 51:18,Beacon Parkrun -Mike Shelton 21:59,Wendy Roe 36:16

Roberts Parkrun -Joy Sykes 54:55

Yarborough Leisure Parkrun -Stephanie Attenborough 31:03

Aston Hall Parkrun -Ben Dorkins 23:59

The C25K sessions start this coming Tuesday 27^th February at 6.15pm , if youre interested please contact a member of the club via our beginners Facebook page- search Peel road runners beginners

On Sunday 11^th February the 5^th race in the Derby/Staffs cross country league took place at Shipley Park, Heanor, hosted by Smalley Running club. This was a two lap slightly revised course, with more grass and mud than ever before. Lee Rickards was first to finish for team Peel in 13^th place, closely followed by Wayne King in 14^th place, carrying Rob Dyjak’s shoes which had fallen off in the mud (now that’s real team comradery). Rob still managed to finish in 15^th place after battling through the muddy fields and a concrete path in his socks. Next to finish was Luke Collins in 24^th place, Scott Chapman in 63^rd place, Mike Shelton in 68^th, Allen King in 75^th, Ben Dorkins in 77^th, Billy King in 97^th, Mark Boffey in 103^rd, Tim Mudd in 104^th, Ian Orton in 120^th , Michael Hughes in 141^st, Darren Trueman in 142^nd and Lee Guffick in 147^th.

First home for the Peel ladies was Claire Guffick in 58^th place, Jackie Tierney in 65^th place and Sarah Boffey in 71^st. The next race in the cross country league takes place on 10^th March.

This weekend, with a definite feeling of Spring in the air, Wayne King and Lee Rickards represented the club at the Village Bakery half marathon in Wrexham. Known to be a fast course, both Wayne and Lee were able to secure personal bests coming in at a fantastic 1:19 and 1:23 respectively.

Ian Orton and Michael Hughes achieved the incredible feat of completing their second park run alphabets, with Ian taking in the sights in Jablonna Poland (24:12) whilst Michael headed north to Jesmond Dene (30:08).

Closer to home the floods stayed away long enough for Tamworth Park Run to take place. Rob Mace was the first home for the club (22:45) followed by Ben Dorkins (23:23), Tim Clark (24:08), Stuart Hatton (28:29) and Laura Bowyer (32:58). Kingsbury saw the greatest number of Peelers running with Mike Shelton finishing at the head of the Peeler pack in 21:24 followed by Darren O’Leary (24:36), Chris Bennett (25:43), Neal Dempsey (28:38), Claire Guffick (31:33), Roger Eastaff (34:45), Stella Taylor (36:53), Helen Dempsey (39:57), Ann Hill (43:25), Alison Dolphin (43:29), Lee Guffick (43:31), Sarah French (56:29) and Nicola Bannister (56:27). Elsewhere Tim Mudd ran at Sence Valley Forest Park in 25:28, Joy Sykes ran at Robert Park in 33:41, Garth Cox ran at Beacon Park 23:14, Emma Pick ran at Babbs Mill in 21:09, Jackie Tierney ran at Buckingham in 28:31 and Stephanie Attenborough ran at Fairview in 33:12

There’s nothing quite like setting yourself a challenge for the weekend and then going out and achieving that goal. For five Peel Road Runners that challenge was to tick off the letter ‘Z’ on their ‘alphabet of parkruns’, which meant a trip to Poland to run the Zamek w Malborku parkrun! Ian Orton crossed the line first for the club in 23:28, closely followed by Mark Boffey (23:58); Sarah Boffey (32:09); Jackie Tierney (34:14) and Michael Hughes (35:20).

Closer to home, Emma Pick ran the Rosliston parkrun in a time of 21:23; Caroline Evans ran at the Isobel trail, Stafford in 30:22 and Mike Shelton ran at Beacon Park, Lichfield (22:54). Kingsbury parkrun had a good turnout of Peelers with Phil Neale finishing in 24:00, followed by Darren O’Leary (25:26); Ben Dorkins (30:25); Claire Guffick (31:05); Lee Guffick (37:37); Roger Eastaff (37:41) and Wendy Bowyer (44:37). Finally, Tim Mudd crossed the line at the University of Northampton parkrun in 24:35; Garth Cox ran at Holbrooks, Coventry in 25:53, whilst Sophie Galloway (28:11) and Wendy Roe (31:14) represented the club at Tamworth Castle parkrun.

Canicross runner, Rob Mace, took part in the Canicross Midlands event at Solihull Riding Club over the weekend coming first in the two dog category, running the 5k course in 17 minutes on both days. Helen and Neal Dempsey also had good runs with podium finishes in their categories. Peel Road Runners welcome runners of all abilities and meet in the Skate Park car park every Tuesday at 6.45 pm (see website for further details).

With the festive season in full flow (and the local rivers too!), there haven’t been too many events to tempt Peel Road Runners into their trainers. However, at the fast and very competitive Wheaton Aston 10k road race in December, Wayne King finished his brilliant year of racing with a personal best performance, crossing the finishing line in an impressive 36:44.

After flooding had negatively affected local parkruns over Christmas and New Year, it was with some relief that the weekly running events could be held this week. Running on a slightly revised course to take into account the ground conditions in Tamworth Castle Grounds, Allen King was first home for the club in 22:46 followed by Rob Mace (23:04); Phil Neale (23:35); Chris Bennett (25:00); Ian Orton (25:15); Tim Clark (25:41) and Sophie Galloway (34:21). Emma Pick was the sole Peeler at Conkers stopping the clock on 21:58. At Kingsbury Water Park, Wayne King was first finisher in a time of 19:15, followed by Luke Collins (20:27); Mike Shelton (22:07); Darren O’Leary (24:24); Claire Guffick (29:28); Stella Taylor (29:40); Joy Sykes (32:20); Emma Whorwood (33:24); Ann Hill (43:48); Sarah French (43:50); Alison Dolphin (43:52) and Lee Guffick (45:04). At Sutton Park Simon Gordon finished in 25:27 and Jackie Tierney in 28:42. Meanwhile, Garth Cox ran at Chasewater in 25:40; Michael Hughes ran at Severn Valley in 43:00; Tim Mudd ran at Babbs Mill in 24:54; Mick Stevenson ran at Warwick Racecourse in 35:43; Steph Attenborough ran at Oaklands in 29:51 and Wendy Roe ran at Beacon Park in 33:03.