With Storm Goretti creating havoc over the Midlands with heavy snow and icy conditions many races were cancelled, including the next instalment of cross-country fun and games which was due to take place at Allestree park.
Also, affected was Parkrun on Saturday with the majority in the Midlands being cancelled due to icy conditions and low temperatures. However, not so much in Poland. Ian Orton and Mike Hughes decided the weather in the Midlands wasn’t cold or snowy enough so they travelled to Poland and braved minus 11-degree temperatures to take part in Zalew Leg parkrun. Mike Hughes finished in a time of 26:22 with Ian close behind with a time of 27:17.
Back home in the UK, the parkrun choices in the Midlands was extremely limited with Battlestead Croft being one of a few still taking place. Average attendance for this event is around 60 runners/walkers but this weeks attendance soared to over 400 with six peelers braving the weather to take part. First back for the club was Ash Goodman in a time of 26:50. Closely followed by Janathan Allen (28:24), Tim Mudd (28:36), Mark Boffey (31:46), Darren Truman (31:47) and Sarah Boffey (31:52).
Other parkrun results, Emma Pick ran at Forest Rec in 45:58 and Jackie Tierney ran at King George V Playing Field in 32:23. Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds Skate Park car park at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. We also have our walking group meeting on Tuesdays, same time and same meeting place. New members always welcome.
The Peel Road Runners have been running on the roads, paths and tracks around Tamworth since the club was founded in 1991. The club prides itself on being a social running and walking group, catering for all abilities. Achieving Regional Club of the Year in 2024 confirmed the Peelers are a club with their members at the heart of everything they do. The benefits of running/walking with like-minded people to help with any of life’s issues, have a laugh; all help with one’s well-being.
Raymond Rogers, our Club President, was one of those who helped launch the Peelers. He continues to be a very active member of the club and is also a member of the Tamworth FC supporters club. Ray recently linked up with Simon’s Heroes charity and decided to take on a personal challenge. On Boxing Day, Ray set off from Tamworth football ground and walked the 18 miles to Solihull Moors ground, a distance he hadn’t covered in many a year. Ray’s motivation…” to see a simple smile on the children’s faces”. The money Ray raised was used to support local children with life-limiting illnesses over the festive season. Just over £2,000 was raised.
On a personal note, Ray says it has given him a more positive attitude toward himself and his health after eighteen months of health issues. “All the Peelers have given me so much help when I’ve been feeling down, it’s been, as they say, ‘life changing” With the walking group being the catalyst for change. Ray walks with the walking group on a regular basis; they meet at the same time as the Peel runners and enjoy an hour social walk.
Despite the weather disrupting many events, Wayne King was able to compete in the Staffordshire County Cross Country Championships held at Betley Court Farm in Stoke. Wayne came 38th and 3rd in his age category (Masters 45-54), completing the course in 38:24 mins. A great achievement to start the year.
Many Parkruns were cancelled last Saturday due to weather conditions. A few hardy souls however, managed to track down a course which was on. Tim Mudd took on the 5k course at Battlestead Croft, Burton. The course is run entirely on grass, so trail shoes would be the footwear of choice. Tim completed the course in 27:12. Conkers was the choice of Roger Lloyd, who ran the 5k in an impressive 24:01. Three Peelers chose somewhere slightly further afield – Ludlow. This course is a mixture of pretty forest trail paths, together with hardcore paths. Darren Truman ran the course in 31:05 swiftly followed by Mark Boffey in 31:22 and Sarah Boffey in 34:36. Michael Hughes completed the 5k trail run at Queenswood Country Park in 46:47; Jacqueline Tierney ran Rother Valley parkrun, in Sheffield in 29:17; Ash Goodman completed Sence Valley Forest Park, two laps on gravel paths which go alongside lakes and through woods, in 23:30 and finally but not least Ian Orton ran the parkrun at University of Stirling in 27:42.
To conclude, the Peelers are well known as a sociable group of runners. One run that did not have any timings against it over Christmas was the annual Beer Run. The Peelers like to support the local community, so a run took them around the town via a few watering holes. It is an opportunity to run with someone new and have time to enjoy each other’s company. If you’re interested in joining the Peelers for a run/walk, please visit our website for more information. www.peelroadrunners.co.uk
Over the festive period this year, Peelers were spoilt for choice with their parkrun choices. Not only were there the usual Saturday runs, but there were also runs on Christmas Day to tempt everyone!
Results from Thursday, 25th December
The Christmas Day parkruns drew a lot of Peelers away from cooking the Christmas dinner with a great turnout at Tamworth Castle Grounds. Jamie Abbiss led the Peelers home in 19:23 followed by Lee Rickards (22:04), Allen King (22:18), Garth Cox (23:25), Billy King (24:37), George Hope (26:08), Chris Bennett (27:15), Sophie Galloway (27:16), Samie Futrill (27:17), Tim Mudd (27:39), Claire Guffick (29:11), Jackie Tierney (31:03), Tracy Ford (31:04), Alison Upton (32:04), Wendy Bowyer (33:56), Roger Eastaff (33:58), Sarah Boffey (57:20), and Mark Boffey (57:26). Meanwhile at Ashton Court in Bristol, Michael Hughes finished in 43:48 and at Beacon Park in Lichfield, Mike Shelton finished in 20:50, followed by Katie Stretton (24:51), James Stretton (24:54) and Lisa Stretton (24:56). At Beeston, Jo Sharman crossed the line in 31:58 followed by Steph Attenborough in 33:18 and at Conkers, Wendy Roe finished in 39:40 whilst at Exeter Riverside, Martin Hollamby stopped the clock on 20:39. At Rosliston, Ian Orton finished in 39:43 and Emma Pick in 56:59 but maybe the loudest shout out should go to Club President, Ray Rogers, who ran/walked his first parkrun since 2017 at Worcester in a time of 40:22.
Results from Saturday, 27th December
Only two days after the Christmas Day parkruns, Peelers were running at different events around the country with Emma Pick at Colwick, Nottingham walking round in 45:10, whilst Ian Orton ran at Oldham parkrun in a time of 24:58. At Congleton, Jo Sharman and Steph Attenborough finished in 57:01 and 57:03 respectively. At Rotherham, Mark Boffey crossed the line in 29:50 followed by Jackie Tierney in 31:57 and Sarah Boffey in 33:23. At Kingsbury parkrun, Ben Dorkins led the Peeler contingent home in 23:00 followed by Ash Goodwin (23:21), Katie Stretton (25:29), Lisa Stretton (25:57), Claire Guffick (30:30), Emma La Planche (31:01), Alison Upton (32:53) on her 100th parkrun, Roger Eastaff (35:50) and Wendy Bowyer (34:51). At Poolsbrook, Chesterfield Tim Mudd finished in 28:06 and at Sutton Park, Roger Lloyd finished in 25:59, whilst at Beacon parkrun Lichfield, Mike Shelton (20:59) and Garth Cox (22:51) represented the club. Finally, at Tamworth Castle Grounds, Danny Beardmore was first back for the club in 19:51, followed by Allen King (21:24), Sophie Galloway (24:54), Tracy Ford (25:01) and George Hope (27:41).
Away from parkruns, several Peelers took on the challenge of racing over the festive period. On Boxing Day, Jo Sharman took on the Circuit Running 6 hour challenge at Runnymede, Surrey completing her 85th marathon in 6:38:32. Before Christmas, Lydia Knight ran a personal best time of 01:54:05 at the ATW Nottingham Holme Run half marathon. Meanwhile, Lee Rickards ran in the Sneyd Christmas Pudding 10 mile race (having not been held for several years, the race was back for 2025 with the course being run anti-clockwise) and finished in 1:03:07 and 2nd in the M40-45 age category.
As everyone was running around trying to get ready for Christmas with their last minute shopping, Peeler Wayne King had other plans and was lacing his trainers ready for the Telford 10k. Statistically proven to be the fastest 10k course in the UK. This is a generally flat 2 lap course, using Telford Town Park, and the Silkin Way (a former railway line).
Wayne finished in an amazing time of 37:26. Well done Wayne!
Peeler Emma Pick was selected to represent the Midlands at the Telford 10k this weekend. In order to be selected Emma had to run 10k in under 35 minutes, which was a fantastic achievement.
At the local Tamworth Castle Grounds first Peeler back was Danny Beardmore in (20:52) followed by Matt Sailsbury (21:25), Allen King (24:26), Sophie Galloway (24:28), Mark Boffey (26:47), Lydia Trenfield (27:15), George Hope (27:49), Sandra Ingram (29:22), Dave Fern (29:58) and Joanne Sharman (31:33).
The Peelers were out also out in force at Kingsbury Water Park with Katie Stretton first back for Team Peel in (25:55), followed Roger Eastaff (36:48), Stella Taylor (38:36), Chris Taylor (38:37), Stephen Andrews (60:14), Christine Norris (65:30) and Wendy Bowyer (66:17).
Travelling to Beacon Park Lee Rickards finished in (21:21), followed by Michael Shelton (21:23), Garth Cox (23:14) Samantha Futrill (29:00) and Chris Bennett (29:01).
Jacqueline Terney ventured to Cannock Chase finishing in (30:16), Emma Pick travelled to Conkers finishing in (20:31) and Stephanie Attenborough travelled to Great Denham and finished in (33:09).
At Queenswood Country Park Ian Orton finished in (44:32), Roger Lloyd finished Rosliston in (24:16). Tim Mudd attended Sutton Park and finished in (29:57) and last but least Michael Hughes completed Y Promenad Llandrillo – yn – Rhos in (23:15)
Peelers walking group
Peel Road Runners walking group meets on a Tuesday evening in the carpark by the Tamworth Castle skate park at 6.50pm. The group walks various routes for around 1 hour each week. Come along and give it a try, details can be found at www.peelroadrunners.co.uk
Peel Road Runners were once again represented across a wide range of parkrun venues this weekend, with members taking part both locally and further afield. At Conkers, Mark Harriott reached the incredible milestone of 500 parkruns finishing in 20:58 and first in his age category. At Preston, Jonathan Allen completed his run in a time of 28:27. At Kingsbury Water, Ben Dorkins ran well to finish in 23:31. Darren Truman followed in 27:13, with Jacqueline Tierney recording a time of 31:16. Claire Guffick and Alison Upton finished close together in 33:24 and 33:25, with Wendy Bowyer completing her run in 36:33.
At Bushy parkrun in Dublin, Mark Boffey finished in 29:54, followed shortly after by Sarah Boffey in 30:05. At The Wammy, Emma Pick produced another strong performance with a time of 18:36. Over at Warwick Racecourse, Michael Stevenson completed his run in 44:38. At Oaklands, Stella Taylor and Chris Taylor both crossed the line together in a time of 38:10 and at Beacon, Mike Shelton ran a solid time of 21:42.
A strong group took on Tamworth Castle Grounds, where Jamie Abbiss recorded an excellent time of 19:32. Allen King finished in 23:03, followed by Chris Bennett in 24:09 and Roger Lloyd in 24:31. Christie Rosser ran well to finish in 27:02, with George Hope close behind in 27:19 and Tim Mudd completing the group’s efforts in 27:40. At Three Brooks, Michael Hughes finished in 24:47. Finally, at Perton Playing Fields, Ian Orton completed his run in 23:27, with Garth Cox finishing in 27:02.
Taking on a more challenging distance, Steph Attenborough and Jo Sharman completed the RunThrough Carsington Water Half Marathon in a time of 3:10:16, fulfilling their roles as tail runners at the popular Derbyshire event. Taking place around the scenic trails of Carsington Water, the race provided a challenging yet stunning backdrop for the participants. The occasion was made even more special as it marked Steph’s 99th half marathon, with her landmark 100th already planned for early next year.
On Sunday, Peel Road Runners were back in action for the second race of the cross-country season at Barleyfields Equestrian Centre in Etwall near Derby, and it certainly delivered everything a winter XC race should – mud, hills, slippery descents and plenty of hard-fought racing.
Underfoot conditions were typically challenging, with thick, clinging mud turning the course into a real test of strength and balance. The relentless sequence of hills made sure there was no hiding place, but as ever the team spirit shone through as runners encouraged each other around the course.
The men’s team was led home superbly by Wayne King with an excellent 10th place finish, followed by strong performances from Lee Rickards (27th), Danny Beardmore (48th), Matt Salisbury (55th), Mike Shelton (64th), Ben Dorkins (81st), Billy King (95th) and Chris Bennett (96th). Backing them up in the overall field were Simon Gordon (104th) and Mark Boffey (120th).
In the ladies’ race making a guest appearance from Perth, Australia Vici Richardson led the way with a determined run to finish 32nd, closely supported by Lorna Carlin in 47th, Sophie Galloway in 50th, and Lydia Knight in 61st place. They were followed home by Sandra Ingram (78th), Jackie Tierney (81st) and Lisa Barnes (82nd), rounding off another strong showing for the Peel women in tough conditions.
As always, the racing was followed by the best part of any cross-country fixture – warm layers, great camaraderie and a well-deserved spread of tea, coffee and cakes. With two races down and the season now well underway, the team spirit is as strong as ever and still strangely enjoyable!
The Peelers meet every Tuesday evening at the skate park car park at 6.45pm for a 7pm start with a choice of different paced running groups and a walking group.
Parkrun was the main focus this week with many taking in a nice cool and a little bit damp, Saturday morning run.
At Tamworth Castle grounds, Lee Rickards finished in 1st place in a very impressive 18:59. He was followed by Roger Lloyd (24:27), Lydia Trenfield (26:19), Chris Bennett (27:14), Mark Boffey (28:34) and Jonathan Allen (47:10).
Kingsbury water park’s puddles were the attraction for a similar number. Ash Goodwin was first back in 9th place (24:32). He was followed by Simon Gordon (26:32), Garth Cox (26:56) and Jacky Tierney (31:29).
Other events attended were Stuart Hatton (28:03) and Marcus Fairburn (28:20) at Beacon, Lichfield. Ian Orton was at Bestwood Village (23:57), Ben Dorkins at Chopwell Wood (25:04) and Michael Hughes (23:59) at Portsmouth Lakeside. Steering clear of Captain Hook were Joanne Sharman (33:56) and Steph Attenborough (35:39) at Peter Pan.
Another great run from Emma Pick who finished 2nd and was 1st female at Coronation Park, in 18:48.
And adding some early Christmas cheer was Tracy Ford who took part in the 3rd Birmingham Mind Mental Elf festive fun run.
If you’d like to join us – we meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm. For more details visit www.peelroadrunners.co.uk
Peel Road Runners were out in force this weekend, delivering solid performances at a number of Parkruns and the infamous Clowne half marathon. The club showed depth and consistency, with runners of all abilities enjoying strong results and personal achievements.
Parkrun Highlights
Despite very wet conditions across Saturday,Peel Road Runners ensured Park runs were well attended
At the Clowne Half Marathon, Peel Road Runners recorded the following times:
• Ian Orton – 1:42:02 (PB)
• Phil Neale – 1:44:27
• Lorna Carlin – 1:50:43
• Simon Gordon – 1:53:29
• Tracy Ford – 1:57:39
• Sophie Galloway – 1:59:50 (PB)
• Mark Boffey – 2:05:18
• Darren Truman – 2:06:14
• Sarah Boffey – 2:17:23
• Jacqueline Tierney – 2:21:45
• Neal Dempsey – 2:46:03
• Helen Dempsey – 2:46:03
The results highlight a combination of competitive performances and determined runs across all participants, with Ian Orton and Sophie Galloway both achieving personal bests on the challenging course. They also bagged a very nice Purple and yellow hoodie for completing the course.
Don’t forget Peel Road runners meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.45pm . For further information message our Peel road runner beginners Facebook page
After the heavy rain of storm Claudia on Friday, Sunday presented come great running conditions for some races to go ahead.
Three Peelers travelled to the Cotswolds to take part in the Broadway trail half marathon. Starting in Broadway village the course first heads straight uphill to the Broadway tower before then taking an undulating loop through other local villages, woodlands and fields, all the while surrounded by some of the best Cotswolds scenery before finishing back in Broadway village. First back for Peel was Mike Shelton in 02:15:13 with Lisa Barnes and Chris Bennett following, both in 03:05:08.
The 9th edition of the Derby 10-mile race went ahead on Sunday. Described as fast and flat with PB potential, the race starts at the Derby Arena and takes a scenic route around local villages before finishing back at the arena. Continuing her brilliant form, Emma Pick was first back for Peel in an impressive time of 59:00, taking second place female overall, but also taking first place in the Derbyshire championships (for anyone who was born or live in Derbyshire). Also running was Wayne King who narrowly missed out on a sub 1 hour race with a still very impressive time of 01:00:59.
Alton Towers theme park annual race event also took place over the weekend. The event has 5k, 10k and half marathon distances to choose from with the course taking in laps around the theme park with participants then allowed free access to the theme park rides. Charlotte Fielding took part in the half marathon distance and completed the race in a great time of 02:14:44.
With storm Claudia causing chaos on Friday many parkrun’s were called off on Saturday but this didn’t stop Peel Road Runners doing some parkrun tourism to find events still taking place.
Jamie Abbiss takes the furthest travelled award this week, attending Krakow parkrun in Poland, finishing in a fast time of 20:43.
Meanwhile in the UK, Jackie Tierney ran at Bath Skyline parkun with a time of 30:10, Ian Orton (22:06) at Colwick, Roger Lloyd (24:25) and Jonathan Allen (26:36) at Coronation park, Mark Boffey (25:31) and Sarah Boffey (28:47) at Queen Elizabeth Grammer School, Mike Hughes (22:56) at Rogiet, Emma Pick (18:34) at Rushcliffe and Ash Goodman (23:35) at Walsall Arboretum.
Sutton Park drew the biggest group of Peelers, led in by Phil Neale (24:31), Garth Cox (26:52), Jo Sharman (35:22) and Steph Attenborough (35:23).
A lot closer to home due to the flooding Chris Bennett opted for a parklie-in and finished in a time of 8 refreshing hours.
Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds Skate Park car park at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. We also have our walking group meeting on Tuesdays, same time and same meeting place. New members always welcome.
The Athens Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world due to its deep connection with history and mythology. It commemorates the legendary feat of Pheidippides, who is said to have run from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Runners run through picturesque landscapes, with views of the Aegean Sea, olive groves, vineyards, and historical sites like the Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. The Athens Marathon with its historical significance and demanding terrain, represents a particularly rewarding change. Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough accepted the challenge and last Saturday found themselves standing on the start line in the pouring rain. Both Steph and Jo found the course tough but as always dug deep and finished together in 6:07:02/6:07:06. A great achievement.
Closer to home, but equally picturesque, is Anglesey, an island off the Welsh coast. The Anglesey Trail Half Marathon is set in the beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest; the course takes you through the trees onto the stunning Llanddwyn Island, across sand dunes and onwards to beautiful winding woodland trails which once hosted the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships. Runners catch glimpses of Snowdonia amongst other incredible views. Helen and Neil Dempsey accepted this challenge, completing the course in 2:56:22 for Neil and 3:05:00 for Helen.
A yearly tradition for a group of Peelers has become the London Landmarks run. The group travel to London by train and then complete a fourteen mile run; passing by numerous landmarks, through four royal parks and stopping at the odd watering hole! This run is purely for fun and a great day out.
Making her debut as a Run Director for Parkrun was Wendy Bowyer. The role entails being overall responsible for event safety and proceedings during the event and at the finish line. Wendy is a regular volunteer/participant at Kingsbury Water Park so was in an ideal position to take on the role. As usual there was a good turn out of Peelers with Ash Goodman finishing first in 23:25. He was followed by Katie Stretton in 26:11; Garth Cox in 26:14; Lisa Stretton in 26:19; Tim Mudd in 27:43; Darren Truman in 27:59; Stuart Hatton in 28:01; Claire Guffick 30:30; Lee Guffick 32:53; Emma Whorwood 33:33; Alison Upton in 33:37 and Steve Andrews in 54:32.
A 5k parkrun is often the way Peelers like to start their weekend. Emma Pick was the first runner to cross the line at Bestwood Village parkrun, completing the course in 19:49. Black Rocks was the course of choice for Jonathan Allen, finishing in 26:02. Ian Orton chose to run at Dishley, Loughborough and completed the 5k in 22:30. Michael Hughes ran Nant y Pandy parkrun in 23:42; Oaklands College, Hertfordshire was the choice of Mark and Sarah Boffey. Mark ran in 25:36 and Sarah in 29:22. Roger Lloyd completed Sence Valley Forest Park in 24:22 and Jacqueline Tierney ran St Albans in 33:06.
Much closer to home, Tamworth Castle Grounds saw Lee Rickards complete the course in 19:17; followed by Jamie Abiss in 20:20 and Anne Whitby-Smith in 25:19.
Peel Road Runners were offered the opportunity to ‘take over’ Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun on Saturday by providing marshals and support for runners and walkers taking part in the 5k weekly event. In total, 25 Peelers turned out to volunteer, which provided a great opportunity to both support the parkrun most local to the club and also advertise the Peelers to everyone attending.
At the weekend’s parkruns, Wendy Bowyer represented the club at Kingsbury Water Park finishing in 37:27, whilst at Longrun Meadow, Taunton Amy Jones crossed the line in 30:35. At Fountains parkrun, Ripon Mick Stevenson ran 39:13 whilst Ian Orton completed the Teignmouth Promenade event in 21:07. At Wollaton Hall, Emma Pick finished in 19:31 whilst at Beacon Park, Lichfield, Mike Shelton crossed the line in 20:54, closely followed by Lee Rickards in 21:42 and Garth Cox in 22:46. At Tamworth Castle Grounds, Christie Rosser was first home for the Peelers in 25:41, followed by Marcus Fairburn (28:43); Jackie Tierney (29:42); Emma Whorwood (42:51); Samie Futrill (63:42) and Billy King (63:43). At the Plens parkrun, Desborough Joanne Sharman and Steph Attenborough crossed the line together in a time of 60:21.
Winning the prize for running the parkrun furthest from Tamworth this weekend goes to Ben Dorkins, who completed the Mensola parkrun in Florence, Italy in a time of 24:43.
Sunday 2nd November saw the first race in the 2025/26 Derby/Burton Cross Country League which was held at a very sunny Foremark Reservoir on a surprisingly dry 6 mile course. First back for the men’s team was Wayne King (13th place) followed by Martin Hollamby (21st), Mike Shelton (49th), Matt Salisbury (59th), James Payne (73rd), Michael Hughes (88th), Ash Goodman (90th), Mark Boffey (106th), Chris Bennett (107th), Simon Gordon (121st), Darren Truman (138th) and Lee Guffick (157th – race back marker). First back for the ladies’ team was Lorna Carlin (32nd), Sophie Galloway (34th), Tracy Ford (36th), Lydia Knight (56th), Sam Cart (62nd), Annie Whitby-Smith (64th), Sarah Boffey (65th), Lisa Barnes (80th), Emma La Planche (81st), Carolyne Browne (82nd), Lizzie Young (88th), Jackie Tierney (92nd) and Claire Guffick (112th – race back marker).
Finally, although Peel Road Runners train twice a week (usually meeting in the Castle Grounds), once a month the club during the winter months the club takes advantage of the excellent facilities and coaching at Tamworth Athletics Club (with whom the Peelers have a long and mutually supportive relationship). Lured by the well-lit track and coaching from Tamworth AC’s Derek Bolton, a large contingent of Peelers tested out their fitness and stamina on Wednesday evening.
