Author: PeelRR

Many runners would tell you that they don’t like running in hot and humid weather, so this weekend has proved a difficult time for those Peelers racing and running at different events throughout the country!

At the Two Castles Run 10k race (starting at Warwick Castle and following a scenic, undulating road route to finish at Kenilworth Castle), Ian Orton crossed the finish line in a time of 52:20.

Nearer to home at the Aldridge 10k (another undulating road route), Claire Guffick was first Peeler to finish in a time of 64:49, followed by Helen Manton (68:22) and Lee Guffick (80:54).

Further north, Joy Sykes ran well at the Blaydon Race and finished in 58:47. (The race was first run in 1981 and follows the route in the words of the Geordie folk song, the Blaydon Races). She also completed a sprint tri this weekend with an overall time of 1:56:49 (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run).

Meanwhile at the Swansea half marathon, undeterred by the hot weather, Helen Dempsey ran a season’s best time of 2:50:06 whilst Steph Attenborough took on the Outrun half marathon at Caldecotte Lake, Milton Keynes finishing in 2:53:32.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Peelers were represented all over the country! At Kingsbury, Darren O’Leary finished first for the club in a time of 23:31, followed by Lisa Stretton (24:50); Jackie Tierney (29:11); Laura Bowyer (36:37); Wendy Bowyer (36:38); Ann Hill (36:38); Sarah French (56:56); Chris Norris (65:14) first in V75+ age category; Stephen Andrews (65:40) and Mike Shelton (66:36) tail walker. Parkrun tourists included: Luke Collins (23:42) and Garth Cox (25:21) at Rosliston; Tim Mudd (25:04) at Cannon Hill, Birmingham; Roger Lloyd (26:34) at Conkers; Allen King (22:15); Mark Boffey (24:32); Chris Bennett (25:13) and Sarah Boffey (28:13) at Sixfields, Northampton; Mick Stevenson (34:18) at Warwick Racecourse; Ian Orton (24:49) and Michael Hughes (25:38) at University Parks, Oxford and Ben Dorkins (23:24) at Market Bosworth. Steph Attenborough volunteered at the Swadlincote Junior parkrun on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Great Midlands Fun Run took place in Sutton Coldfield. This is always a popular race
with local clubs and the Peel contingent was as strong as ever. The 8.5 mile course in 20 degree heat
and the infamous Cardiac Hill took some of the ‘fun; element from the run but the fantastic
community support made up for it.

Scott Chapman (59:08) and Luke Collins (59:42) both ran brilliantly to complete the course in under
an hour. They were followed by Ian Orton (1hr:11:09), Darren O Leary (1hr:11:25) Stu Baker, Jude
Matthews, Sophie Galloway (1hr:20 PB), Jackie Sheasby (1hr:25), Claire Guffick (1hr:27), Sandra
Ingram (1hr:30), Alison Upton (1hr:44:), Roger Eastaff, Wendy Bowyer and Lee Guffick (1hr:53)

On Saturday Several Peelers hit the Parkrun tourist trail to visit Bushy Parkrun, the home of parkrun,
that still attracts over 1000 runners each week. Chris Bennet, Darren Turman, Allen King, Mark
Boffey, Sarah Boffey, Michael Hughes and Ian Orton completing who completed his 100 th parkrun at
this landmark event.

Phil Neale ventured even further to complete the Land’s End Parkrun in 22:39, while just up the
coast Wayne King came 4 th in the Minehead Parkrun in 18:24 and Emma Pick was first lady home at
Rosliston Parkrun.

Back at local Kingsbury Water Park, Chris Norris continued her training for her defibrillator
fundraising challenge by walking the parkrun route, supported by Parkwalkers Ann Hill and Sarah
French.

Advertised as the second largest marathon in the UK after London and a ‘fast and flat course with PB potential’ by Runner’s World magazine, the Edinburgh marathon was the place to be for Peel Road Runner Tim Mudd. Living up to its billing, Mudd ran a personal best time of 4:13:45 knocking 9 minutes of his previous marathon best time.

Meanwhile, Catherine Tieley travelled north of the border to take on the Edinburgh half marathon, another race route renowned for its potential for personal best times! Tieley did not disappoint and crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 1:54:29, another great result for Peel!

At the Buxton half marathon, Steph Attenborough ran the definitely not fast and flat course and finished in 2:31:02. The scenic road route with 1549 ft of ascent over its 13.1 miles would prove a challenge for any runner, let alone one who had run as a ‘sweep runner’ at the Wuthering Heights Wander trail half marathon in Yorkshire the previous day! 

Continuing his season of impressive running, Wayne King took on the midweek Beeston AC Trent 5 road race in Nottingham, finishing in 29:56, 13^th place overall and 7^th in MV40 age category in a very competitive field.

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew a good number of Peelers. James Stretton was first home for the club in a time of 19:39, followed by Darren O’Leary in 23:45; Lisa Stretton (24:14); Judith Matthews (25:03); Claire Guffick (29:40); Roger Eastaff (31:44); Joy Sykes (32:29); Lee Guffick (35:24); Alison Perry (35:48); Ann Hill (36:10); Wendy Bowyer (36:11); Laura Bowyer (39:58) and Alison Dolphin (43:14).

Parkrun tourists included: Emma Pick (21:12) at Rosliston; Michael Hughes (36:07) at Valentines, Redbridge; Tony Bryan (25:26) at Conkers; Allen King (21:22 personal best); Mark Boffey (23:02); Chris Bennett (23:40); Darren Truman (25:18); Sarah Boffey (27:35) and Jackie Tierney (28:59) at Shrewsbury; Mick Stevenson (33:16) at Northallerton; Tim Clark (22:45) at Warwick Racecourse; Steph Attenborough (49:44) at Cliffe Castle, Keighley; Tim Mudd (28:19) and Carolyne Browne (28:45) at Oriam, Edinburgh and Garth Cox (24:37) at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Southam.

Running a marathon is a major aspiration for many runners, but Peel Road Runners seem to be breeding ultra runners at the moment! Seasoned veteran Martin Hollamby chalked up another great result at the Maverick Peak District Ultra 54 km race. The circular, undulating route started in Bakewell and visited Grindleford, Burbage Edge and Froggatt Edge before returning to Bakewell. Hollamby finished in an impressive 11^th place overall with a finish time of 5:07:34.

Ticking off another couple of marathons with apparent ease, Steph Attenborough completed the Saturn Chasing Numbers Run at Runnymede on Friday finishing in a time of 5:53:43, followed by the IGUN Bluebell Dash at Temple Newsam, Leeds on Saturday in a time of 6:40:57!

At the weekend’s parkruns, Claire Guffick was the first Peeler home at Kingsbury parkrun in a personal best time of 27:26, followed by Jackie Tierney (39:39); Emma Whorwood (32:13); Roger Eastaff (32:29); Lee Guffick (34:33); Ann Hill (34:44); Wendy Bowyer (34:45); Alison Perry (36:52); Sandra Ingram (45:15) and Caroline Evans (64:56). Parkrun tourists included Mark Boffey (23:20); Chris Bennett (23:40); Allen King (24:56); Darren Truman (25:58) and Sarah Boffey (27:41) at Rugby; Garth Cox (23:02) at Walsall Arboretum; Tony Bryan (25:22) at Conkers; Joy Sykes (33:43) at Tyne Green; Ian Orton (23:16) at Alvaston; Mick Stevenson (33:22) at Warwick Racecourse; Tim Mudd (24:38) at Henlow Bridge Lakes and Michael Hughes (38:59) at Wolford Wood, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Peelers Martin Hollamby, Alison Dolphin and Emma Whorwood have been back to school at Flax Hill Junior Academy and Ankermoor Primary last week to enjoy some running games and exercises. Accompanied by Trev the Bear (who recently completed the London marathon!), the children were also invited to take part in the children’s run at the Gate Gallop on Sunday 26th June with the promise of a shiny medal on completion. 

A month after completing the Manchester Marathon, Mark Boffey and Michael Hughes took part in
their first ultra marathon at the Goring Gap 50km in Berkshire. The circular route is ideal for ultra
newbies with just 700ft of elevation and no navigation required. The pair were less happy with the
sun finally showing its May heat but dug in to complete the course together in 7hrs 42 mins.

On the south coast Luke Collins took part in the much more bumpy ‘First Half’ challenge from Corfe
Castle to Weymouth. With 1700 metres of climbs (which most us wouldn’t even like to walk!) this
stunning but somewhat brutal tour of the Jurassic Coast provided a huge physical and mental test.
Luke toughed it out to finish in a superb 11 th place in 7hrs 35 mins.

Steph Attenborough continued her quest to complete 100 marathons with another epic 3 marathons
challenges in 3 days in Lancashire. On Friday, Steph completed the Brockholes Bimble in 6hrs 15
mins, on Saturday the Cottam Canter in 6hr 6 and on Sunday the Avenham Amble in 5 hours 55
mins.

At Kingsbury Parkrun on Saturday, Peel Road Runners staged a takeover even to publicise the
upcoming Gate Gallop event. The club provided all the volunteers from timekeepers to marshals and
scanners and also provided pacers (Martin Hollamby, Ben Dorkins, Phil Neale, Lisa Stretton, Garth
Cox, Simon Gordon, Dave Fern) for those hoping to grab a pb.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Gate Gallop on Sunday 25 June with all proceeds going to St
Giles Hospice, can sign up via the website. www.avtiming.com/gategallop

At the Great Birmingham Run half marathon on Sunday, Peelers Donna Reid and Judith Matthews were the sole club representatives. Both ran strongly to finish well under two hours with Donna finishing in 1:53:00 and Judith in 1:54:18.

Meanwhile, Ian Orton was the sole club representative at the Coronation 5k Fun Run in the Castle Grounds crossing the line in 23:53 and 6^th place overall.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew the greatest number of Peelers with Ben Dorkins first to finish in 21:54, followed by Darren O’Leary (23:21); Phil Neale (23:22); Simon Gordon (24:16); Garth Cox (25:59); Claire Guffick (28:33); Jackie Tierney (30:49); Emma Whorwood (31:29); Joy Sykes (32:04); Roger Eastaff (33:45); Lee Guffick (35:38); Martyn Candy (35:43); Ann Hill (36:23) and Wendy Bowyer (36:24). Parkrun tourists included: Tim Mudd (25:53) at Endcliff, Sheffield; Dave Fern (28:46) at Conkers; Mick Stevenson (33:43) at Fountains Abbey; Chris Bennett (24:15); Sarah Boffey (27:48); Mark Boffey (27:50) and Darren Truman (27:50) at the Wammy, Newcastle Under Lyme (Mark Boffey was celebrating his 150^th parkrun at this event!); Ian Orton (23:36) at Edgbaston Reservoir and Michael Hughes (39:05) at Abbey Park, Leicester.

Entries are now open for the Gate Gallop 10k and 4.5k Fun Run on Sunday, 25^th June in aid of St Giles Hospice. For more information see www.avtiming.com/gategallop or look on St Giles website.

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend traditionally sees the Uttoxeter half marathon kick off the second race in the Burton & District Summer League race series. The undulating, but scenic course is a favourite amongst the Peelers and with much cooler weather this year than last, racing conditions were good. First across the finish line for the Club was Wayne King running strongly after his recent Manchester marathon and finishing in a time of 1:22:51. Next to finish for the club and first Peel lady back was Emma Pick in 1:35:27 and 10^th lady overall, then Luke Collins (1:37:55 – a 3 minute personal best); Allen King (1:43:32 – a 3 minute personal best); Natalie Walker (1:55:15); Catherine Tieley (1:56:41 – a 4 minute personal best); Chris Bennett (2:00:50); Gemma Pritchard (2:06:32) and Caroline Evans (2:22:22). Running in the 10k race, Billy King ran a great personal best time of 53:19.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew the largest number of Peelers, with the following results: Ben Dorkins (21:48); Tim Clark (23:00); Garth Cox (24:20); Vici Richardson (24:24); Mike Shelton (24:24); Paul Scholte (26:02); Stella Taylor (28:09); Claire Guffick (28:13); Jackie Tierney (29:33); Helen Manton (30:09); Joy Sykes (30:52); Lee Guffick (36:02); Ann Hill (36:39); Wendy Bowyer (36:41); Sarah French (59:44); Chris Norris (63:40); Stephen Andrews (66:47); Alison Dolphin (66:52) and Alison Perry (66:55). 

Parkrun tourists included: Ian Grigg (36:16) at Torbay Velopark; Steph Attenborough (67:51) at Brueton; Ian Orton (24:57) at Forest Rec, Nottingham; Allen King (26:01) and Darren Truman (26:59) at Beeston, Nottinham; Sarah Boffey (30:04) and Mark Boffey (32:48) at Leicester Victoria; Michael Hughes (36:19) at Monsal Trail; Tim Mudd (23:50) at Alvaston and Simon Gordon (25:42) at Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge.

Entries are now open for the Gate Gallop 10k and 5k races on Sunday, 25^th June in aid of St Giles hospice. For more information see https:/www.avtiming.com/gategallop or St Giles hospice website.

With the TCS London marathon back to its normal April date after several years of disruption due to Covid restrictions, Peel Road Runners had two representatives at this year’s over-subscribed race. Having trained together Mike Shelton was accompanied by the irrepressible Trev the Bear, and was running to raise awareness and funds for St Giles Hospice. Despite carrying the extra weight of Trev, Mike still managed to finish in 4:06:29 (a pb for Trev at the distance!) and took time out from his race to be interviewed by TV presenter, J J Chalmers! 

Ticking off yet another marathon in her ever-increasing collection, Steph Attenborough ran an 11 minute personal best at London, finishing in 4:38:41!

Closer to home, Caroline Evans took part in the scenic and testing Malvern Hills trail half marathon which included 2600 ft of elevation, finishing in 3:23:00. 

At the weekend’s parkruns, Ben Dorkins ran just short of his best time this year at Kingsbury to finish in 22:10, followed by Darren O’Leary (23:40); Sophie Galloway (27:13); Roger Eastaff (31:39); Martyn Candy (35:45); Stephen Andrews (40:55); Chris Norris (62:37 – 1st FV70+); Lee Guffick (62:38); Alison Dolphin (63:29) and Wendy Bowyer (63:30). Parkrun tourists included: Jackie Tierney (29:45) at Richmond; Ian Grigg (37:30) at Torbay Velopark; Ian Orton (24:50) at Dudley; Garth Cox (23:50) at Brueton; Dave Fern (27:55) and Marcus Fairburn (27:59) at Conkers; Emma Pick (25:59) at Lyme Park; Steph Attenborough (30:43) at Victoria Dock, London; Tim Mudd (25:28) at Cheltenham; Mick Stevenson (33:04) at Warwick Racecourse; Mark Boffey (25:06) and Michael Hughes (35:48) at Beacon Hill.

Entries are now open for the Peel RR Gate Gallop 10k race and 5k Fun Run to be held on Sunday, 25^th June with all proceeds going to St Giles Hospice. See https://www.avtiming.com/gategallop for more details.

At Sunday’s Manchester marathon, following a period of solid and consistent training, Wayne King was rewarded with an amazing personal best time of 2:49:44! Furthermore, seven Peelers chose the Manchester marathon as their first at the marathon distance and all finished with impressive results, including Simon Gordon (4:10:46 – first marathon); Lorna D’Silva (4:10:46 – first marathon); Mark Boffey (4:11:52 – a 9 minute personal best); Gemma Pritchard (4:22:30 – first marathon); Michael Hughes (4:27:15); Chris Bennett (4:47:57 – first marathon); Sarah Boffey (5:08:00 – first marathon); Emma Whorwood (5:16:00); Claire Guffick (5:18:26 – first marathon); Lee Guffick (6:11:56 – first marathon). Meanwhile at the Newport marathon in Wales, Steph Attenborough ran her 61^st marathon crossing the line in 5:36:13.

Closer to home at the Cathedral to Castle 10 mile race, Phil Neale was first home for the club in a time of 1:15:46 and 10^th in age category. He was followed by Allen King (1:16:41); Ben Dorkins (1:19:52); Tim Clark (1:22:23); Rachael Rickards (1:23:34); Donna Reid (1:24:16); Natalie Walker (1:26:06); Ian Orton (1:26:15) (who then finished, drove to Conkers and ran in the Run in the Forest 5!); Judith Matthews (1:27:12); Tim Mudd (1:27:34); Jenna Colin (1:27:48); Darren Truman (1:29:16); Tony Bryan (1:30:26); Andrew Gillman (1:30:00); Helen Chyla (1:30:49); Carolyne Browne (1:31:28); Stuart Hatton (1:35:53); Sophie Galloway (1:37:49); Maisie Griffiths (1:38:00); Emma Barley (1:42:28); Clara Walton (1:46:54); Emma La Planche (1:48:54); Neal Dempsey (1:50:29); Joy Sykes (1:52:15); Roger Eastaff (2:05:12); Wendy Bowyer (2:06:09); Alison Upton (2:09:26); Helen Dempsey (2:09:27) and Nicola Bannister (2:13:07).

Stew Baker was the sole club representative at the Cannock Chase trail half marathon, finishing his first half marathon on a decidedly ‘lumpy’ course in 2:11:49.

As the first race in the Burton & District Summer League, The Run in the Forest 5 mile race hosted by South Derbyshire Road Runners is always a popular race with the Peelers. Unfortunately this year the race clashed with the ever-popular Cathedral to Castle race, but that didn’t deter a good turnout of Peelers from running the race. First back for the club in an impressive time of 32:50 and 4^th lady runner was Emma Pick, followed by James Stretton (33:44); Luke Collins (34:34); Scott Chapman (34:36); Mike Shelton (37:26); Lisa Stretton (38:54); Catherine Tieley (39:43); Darren O’Leary (40:18); George Hope (42:00); Emma Livingstone (47:45); Val Lawson (47:49); Dave Fern (48:04); Ian Orton (48:29); Caroline Evans (49:18); Jackie Tierney (50:01); Helen Manton (50:09) and Sandra Ingram (50:09).

Finally, a quick ‘shout out’ to a few of our parkrunners especially Jackie Tierney, Mark Boffey and Michael Hughes who ran at the Peel parkrun in Salford(it had to be done!) and F70+ Chris Norris, returning from a period of illness, who ran at Kingsbury parkrun improving on last week’s finish time.

Peel Road Runners are starting a new Couch to 5k course from 18^th April for anyone who would like to start running to improve their fitness. See Peel RR Beginners Facebook page for further details or contact via club website. 

Serial distance runner Steph Attenborough took advantage of better weather this weekend to run the Phoenix Running Fortitude Ring half marathon at Walton on Thames on Saturday, which she completed in 3:22:14. She then followed this by running the very popular Brighton marathon on Sunday in a time of 5:44:05.

Closer to home, Val Lawson took part in the 6 mile 7 Pools Run in Sutton Park crossing the finish line in 1:06:52. 

At the weekend’s parkruns, Jackie Tierney travelled to Wrexham to run her 250^th parkrun at Erddig’s 250^th event! She finished in 31:54, supported by Mark Boffey (26:03) and Michael Hughes (42:06). Now living down south, Ian Grigg ran at his new local parkrun finishing in 48:29. Closer to home, Emma Pick ran at Rosliston in a time of 22:28, whilst Marcus Fairburn (28:51) and Dave Fern (29:50) travelled to Conkers for their parkruns. Tim Mudd (25:14) travelled to Telford, whilst Garth Cox (24:17) ran at Perry Hall. At Kingsbury, Ben Dorkins was first over the line for the club in a time of 22:06, followed by Tim Clark (24:09); Beth Woodward (26:24); Darren O’Leary (26:55); Mike Shelton (26:55); Claire Guffick (31:56); Alison Dolphin (43:10); Lee Guffick (43:11); Joy Sykes (1:04:23) and Sarah French (1:04:26). Finally, Rob Windridge (27:49) ran at Burnham and Highbridge; Steph Attenborough (32:10) at Brooklands; Michael Stevenson (33:32) at Warwick Racecourse and Ian Orton (26:47) at Beacon Hill Country Park. Sarah French, Joy Sykes and Chris Norris volunteered at tail walkers at Kingsbury parkrun.