Category: Weekly round up

With the weekend being a time to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live with freedom to run and race, it was fitting that some Peelers took part in the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Run at Sutton Park on Saturday. Sarah French, Alison Dolphin, Claire Guffick, Joy Sykes, Lee Guffick, Ann Hill, Stephen Andrews and Roger Eastaff ran round the untimed course together so that they could reflect on the occasion.

Meanwhile new Peeler, Steph Attenborough, ran the Phoenix Running ‘Lest we Forget’ marathon on Thursday 11^th November at Walton on Thames. The marathon consisted of 3.28 mile laps with athletes choosing how many or how few laps they wished to run on the out and back trail course. Steph completed the marathon distance in a time of 6:54:11.

The Peelers travelled far and wide at the weekend’s parkruns. At Kingsbury, Tim Clark was first home in a time of 23:41 followed by Darren O’Leary in 24:15; Tim Mudd (26:20); Neal Dempsey (28:16); Jackie Tierney (28:15) and Helen Dempsey (32:57) whilst Phil Neale volunteered. Meanwhile Allen King was first over the line for the club at Walsall Arboretum in 22:10 with Chris Bennett (22:19) close behind and Garth Cox (23:15) and Darren Truman (23:38) making up the Peel contingent. At Windy Nook parkrun in High Heworth, Newcastle Ben Dorkins finished 7^th overall in a time of 23:22, whilst at Dishley, Loughborough Mark Boffey ran the 5k course in 26:18 with Michael Hughes hot on his heels in 26:32. At Babb’s Mill, Solihull Ian Orton finished in a time of 25:45 and at Sutton Park, warming up before their Poppy Run, Claire Guffick finished first for the Peelers in 30:27, followed by Joy Sykes (32:38); Roger Eastaff (40:24); Ann Hill (40:24); Stephen Andrews (40:37); Sarah French (41:08); Alison Dolphin (41:09) and Lee Guffick (41:10). Finally at Warwick Racecourse, Mick Stevenson galloped home in 32:53.

With the autumn marathon season well under way, Peel Road Runner George Hope flew over the Atlantic to take on the challenge of the New York marathon this weekend. This race was the first in his ‘Marathon Majors’ challenge (the other future races being Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo and London). With preparations for New York being derailed by the Covid epidemic, it has been a long build up for George to this race requiring strong nerves and devotion to training. George crossed the finish line in a creditable 4:44:51 on a course that is renowned to be difficult and in unseasonably warm weather conditions (24 degrees). 

Training during the winter months can be challenging, so it’s good to try out something new which is exactly what Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick, Alison Dolphin and Sarah French did when they took on the Bluetits Nipper Dipper at Lake 32 near Cirencester at the weekend. They completed the 100m swim, then took part in the inflatable race with ‘Mr Dolphin’ and came 5^th out of 6 teams. A great way to build up core strength for running!

Meanwhile, running the 4^th leg of the Peak Running Starlight Relays at Markeaton Park in Derby (a 2 mile trail relay race held in the dark), Val Lawson brought her team home in a lap time of 20:25. 

At the weekend’s parkruns, the cool and damp weather did not deter Peelers from their weekly fix. At Kingsbury Martin Hollamby was first home for the club in 21:00, closely followed by Ben Dorkins in 21:52. Next over the line was Garth Cox (24:46); Neal Dempsey (26:56); Darren O’Leary (27:30); Tim Mudd (27:42); Stella Taylor (28:00); Jackie Tierney (29:33); Joy Sykes (31:21); Ann Hill (33:57); Helen Dempsey (33:59); Roger Eastaff (34:01); Wendy Bowyer (59:19) and Chris Norris (59: 23).

Parkrun tourists included: Michael Hughes at Braunstone (25:23); Mark and Sarah Boffey at Forest Rec, Nottingham (24:56 and 28:06 respectively); Allen King (22:23); Chris Bennett (23:08) and Ian Orton (23:41) at Babbs Mill, Solihull and Mike Shelton at Beacon Park, Lichfield (20:07).

After a week of wet days and the prospect of a soggy cross country course, Peel Road Runners were relieved to have a mild and dry start to the cross country season at Anslow near Burton Upon Trent on Sunday. The race was the first in the Derby Runner Derby & Staffs Cross Country League with runners taking on a 5.5 mile course around an equestrian cross country course complete with a jump and water splash! First Peeler to gallop across the finish line was second claim athlete, Robert Dyjak, in a time of 32:27 and 6^th place overall. Next to finish was Luke Collins in 32^nd place; Rob Mace in 39^th place; Scott Chapman in 48^th place; Mark Boffey in 76^th place; Ben Dorkins in 78^th place; Phil Neale in 81^st place; Darren Truman in 84^thplace; Tim Clark in 95^th place; Ian Orton in 117^th place (having run the Snowdonia marathon the day before!); Michael Hughes in 123^rd place; Simon Gordon in 125^th place and Lee Guffick bringing the men’s team home. Running for the ladies’ team, Emma Pick was first home in a time of 39:33 and 9^th place overall, with Lisa Stretton next to finish in 23^rd place; Sarah Boffey in 49^th place; Stella Taylor in 60^th place; Claire Guffick in 79^th place and Jackie Tierney in 80^th place. Some great results from both first timers to cross country and seasoned veterans!

Peelers Sandra Ingram and Ian Orton took on the Snowdonia marathon on Saturday. Advertised as one of the hardest road marathons in Britain, the race started in Llanberis before taking in the Llanberis Pass to Pen-y-Pass, passing through Beddgelert at around the 13 mile mark and running up to Rhydd Ddu and Waunfawr. The final three miles of the race begin with a cruel slog over the Bwlch-y-groes pass, then a hair-raising rough trail descent back into Llanberis. Only three weeks after running the London marathon, Orton crossed the line in a time of 5:41:40 with Ingram not far behind in 5:46:39.

Meanwhile across the Irish Sea, Mike Shelton ran the Dublin marathon on Sunday finishing in a time of 3:41:07, an impressive 20 minutes faster than his previous run at Dublin in 2019!

Saturday morning parkruns were as popular as ever with the Peelers this week. At Kingsbury Allen King was first to finish for the club in a time of 22:40 followed by Ben Dorkins (23:24); Neal Dempsey (27:58); Sarah Boffey (29:06); Mark Boffey (29:19); Helen Dempsey (33:51); Kelly Porter (43:21); Wendy Bowyer (43:54); Alison Perry (51:08); Chris Norris (51:39); Alison Dolphin (55:57) and Sarah French (55:58). Sarah French and Ann Hill acted as Tail Walkers at Kingsbury; Alison Dolphin as Park Walker (a role designed to encourage walkers to join in at parkrun without feeling the need to run) and Wendy Bowyer helped with Communications before the run.

Parkrun tourists included: Tim Mudd (27:36) at Brueton; Roger Lloyd (25:47) at Walsall Arboretum; Tony Bryan at Conkers (25:31); Rob Mace at Sandwell Valley (1^st finisher and 25^th time finishing first in a parkrun!); Chris Bennett (24:58) at Henley Wood, Oswestry; Joy Sykes (30:04) at Tyne Green, Hexham; Mick Stevenson (32:17) at Warwick Racecourse; Michael Hughes (26:41) at East Park, Wolverhampton and Jackie Tierney (29:13) at Beacon Park, Lichfield (Jackie also volunteered before the run).

The Abingdon marathon is renowned for its fast and flat course, so is a draw for many runners seeking a personal best for a marathon and for Peel Road Runner, Wayne King, this would be his first attempt at the distance after a period of promising and very consistent training. Unfortunately the weather was against the runners on Sunday with heavy rain and wet roads hampering their efforts. However, despite this, Wayne had an outstanding run crossing the finish line just 23 seconds over the magic “3 hours” in a truly impressive time of 3:00:23. On a different day with better weather conditions, it’s not difficult to imagine that this time will be well and truly broken!

Unfortunately, the weather proved too much for the Droitwich half marathon, which was cancelled due to a flooded course. Having trained for the race, several Peelers decided to test themselves against the Peel RR half marathon course which was designed to be run as a virtual race during the Covid Lockdown period. Despite not ‘racing’ the route, the 13.1 mile course (based on the north side of Tamworth) gave them a good indication of how their training was progressing for their key half marathon race next month at Clowne near Chesterfield.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury was again the most popular with the Peelers. Club member Mike Shelton had the double celebration of being able to claim his award for volunteering for the 100^th time at Kingsbury (that’s a lot of Saturday mornings given over to helping others!) and also for knocking out his fastest time in 2022, crossing the line in 20:16.

First over the finish line for the club was James Stretton, who stopped the clock at 19:44, closely followed by Mike Shelton (20:16); Ben Dorkins (personal best time of 21:28); Tim Clark (22:12); Lisa Stretton (25:37); Stella Taylor (27:02); Joy Sykes (30:48); Helen Dempsey (33:11); Alison Perry (33:33); Wendy Bowyer (41:38); Alison Dolphin (41:40) and Chris Norris (49:02). Sarah French and Roger Eastaff volunteered as finish scanners, whilst Wendy Bowyer helped with communications at Kingsbury.

Parkrun tourists included: Mick Stevenson at Northallerton (33:20); Tony Bryan at Walmer and Deal Seafront (25:38); Emma Barley at Chasewater (38:36); Ian Orton at Babb’s Mill, Solihull (23:10); Tim Mudd at Beacon, Lichfield (26:45); Jackie Tierney at Watermead Country Park, Leicester (28:58) and Michael Hughes at Bramshall Road, Uttoxeter (27:50).

With the autumn marathon season upon us, many Peelers have been training hard for events all over the UK but this Sunday Michael Hughes crossed continents to record a personal best time in the Chicago marathon, finishing in an impressive 4:25:55. 

With autumn upon us and supposedly cooler weather, the Canicross racing season has started again. Rob Mace was out on the trails at the Midlands Canicross Short Course event held at Box Park, Bedford. He came third running with Base in the mile event (shortened course due to warm conditions), recording times of 6.09 and 6.58. Clara Walton also ran at the Novice event with Nanook finishing in 8.05 and 8.03.

At the weekend’s parkruns, a good contingent of Peelers headed to Kingsbury for their weekly fix! First over the finish line for the club was Ben Dorkins in a time of 22:36 and 16th place overall. Next to finish was Mike Shelton in 25:23, followed by Judith Matthews (25:24); Jason Church (25:44); Sophie Galloway (26:09); Garth Cox (27:17); Stella Taylor (28:24); Chris Bennett (28:42); Allen King (28:46); Darren Truman (28:49); Roger Eastaff (30:01); Jackie Tierney (31:00); Ann Hill (32:17); Martyn Candy (33:59); Chris Norris (48:18) and Alison Dolphin (59:37).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Mark Boffey and Sarah Boffey at Dudley (24:56) and (27:34 PB)respectively; Mick Stevenson at Colby, Pembrokeshire (34:44); Claire Guffick and Lee Guffick at Sutton Park (29:12) and (41:56) respectively; Emma Barley at Chasewater (33:36) and, travelling the furthest for his weekly parkrun, Michael Hughes at Heritage Harbour, Ottawa (27:13).

The London marathon needs no introduction and this Sunday saw thousands of runners pounding the capital’s streets running for their clubs and raising money for their charities. This year the Peel Road Runners had three runners in the race with Ian Orton first over the line in a time of 4:41:36. Ian was running on behalf of MACS (a national charity supporting children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes). Sophie Galloway was next to finish in 4:53:40, running on the Peel RR club place (her name was drawn out of the ‘hat’ of eligible runners in the club and the place is highly coveted every year!) with Carolyne Browne close behind in a time of 4:57:41. Carolyne was running for the British Heart Foundation and has raised an incredible £3331.00 for the charity at the time of writing! Her run was made even more memorable as she met the women’s marathon record holder, Paula Radcliffe, whilst collecting her running number at the Expo on Friday.

Taking on another distance challenge closer to home, Clara Walton completed 7 laps in the Big Bear Rainbow Challenge at Kingsbury Water Park on Tuesday on a rather wet day. The run held on a mixed surface trail course equated to a distance of 23.1 miles, a distance personal best for her.

At the Kielder Run Bike Run event on Saturday (11 km run – 25 km bike – 6 km run) Joy Sykes finished in a time of 4:03:41 on the mixed surface trail run/bike course in somewhat muddy conditions.

After a summer of racing in the Burton and District Summer League, several Peel Road Runners were prize winners at the Presentation Evening on Friday. Emma Pick won first over all the races in the Senior Ladies category; Zac Simmons was second overall in the U25 male category; Lisa Stretton was second overall in the VW45 category and Wayne King was third in the VM40 category.

At the weekend’s parkruns, 12 Peelers took on the 5k course at Kingsbury Water Park. First over the line for the club was Mike Shelton in a time of 20:18, followed by Ben Dorkins (22:50); Phil Neale (24:22); Darren O’Leary (24:29); Richard Satchwell (26:36); Stella Taylor (27:13); Neal Dempsey (27:48); Allen King (28:50); Darren Truman (28:51); Helen Dempsey (32:26); Alison Perry (51:09) and Chris Norris (51:10). Parkrun tourists included: Tony Bryan at Conkers (25:39); Tim Mudd at Jersey (39:30); Garth Cox at Chasewater (25:03); Mark Boffey at Woodgate Valley Country Park, Bartley Green (22:52) and Jackie Tierney at University Parks, Oxford (30:12). Parkrun volunteers this week included: Sarah French, Ann Hill, Roger Eastaff, Wendy Bowyer, Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick and Mike Shelton (who ran and volunteered!).

With the week commencing 19^th September being England Athletics’ ‘RunAndTalk’ week, Peel Road Runners Mental Health Champion Emily Holiday spoke to the Peelers before their Club run on Tuesday evening. “We are starting the club run tonight at a slower pace and encouraging everyone to run with someone they wouldn’t normally run with. This week many RunAndTalk events are being held up and down the country and we felt it was especially fitting to hold ours tonight as many people are returning to the club following summer holidays and we have had many new members join us recently. We are also heading towards winter, which can be a challenging time for many particularly with the added news of rising energy prices therefore, these special club runs are important to remind everyone at Peel Road Runners that as a running club we value our members, and we are here to listen if anyone would like to talk. These events are a reminder to take care of yourselves, check in with yourself regularly and talk about mental health. We all have different reasons for running; for some that is physical health and fitness, for others it’s community and for some it is part of their self-care for regulating their emotions, mental health and well being. For me, I joined the Peel Road Runners to make some friends .. the benefits to my mental health have been a bonus! One thing I really like about this club is how there is no judgment when someone returns from taking a break, people are always just really pleased to see you. Yesterday, as a nation we said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth ll, many news headlines this morning reported how we came together in unity across the UK. This struck a chord with me as I feel this is something we have as a running club, we often come together to support and encourage one another, participate in community events and local running events, and to celebrate one another’s successes. I feel proud to be a part of the Peel Road Runners and I know many of you feel the same”.

“I owe so much to my Peel family for my happiness and well being. After 26yrs of running and feeling like it’s my last phase to be able to jog, walk and run with such supportive friends does me a power of good. To always be invited and included in our adventures means so much.  When I can’t run I will always support you.” Chris N

“Running helped me with my mental health massively through lockdown. After being told to self isolate and a relationship break up, I was inspired by my running friends to complete virtual running challenges which basically gave me the inspiration to get out of bed every day and help my team to achieve the goals set. This in turn gave me a focus and stopped me losing my mind. I am forever grateful for that.” Sandra I

At the Tissington trail half marathon, an enthusiastic group of Peelers took on the challenge of running 13.1 miles from Parsley Hay back to Ashbourne on a linear course. Veteran 70+ Peeler Chris Norris had stated that this would be her last half marathon and she was well supported by other runners from the club. Chris finished in an impressive time of 3:47:21 (not many ladies of her age would contemplate going for a run, let alone a trail half marathon!). Other runners included Claire Guffick (2:14:32 pb); Emma Petriccia (2:19:57 pb); Emma Whorwood (2:20:12); Roger Eastaff (2:34:29 pb); Lee Guffick (2:51:07 pb); Nicola Peace (3:00:29); Sam Harris (2:44:57); Ann Hill (3:13:59); Sarah French (3:14:05) and Alison Dolphin (3:47:19).

At Sunday’s Stafford 10k four Peelers took on the challenge of a speedy 10k with Chris Bennett first back for the club in 48:17, followed by Tony Bryan in 50:39 and Helen Dempsey and Neal Dempsey in 62:55.

At Kingsbury parkrun Tim Clark 22:44 put in the speediest time for the club, with the remaining Peelers running the parkrun as part of their ‘long run’ marathon training. Most had run at least 14 miles before taking on the 5k parkrun, even so some creditable times were recorded: Mike Shelton (25:09); Darren Truman (27:24); Allen King (27:25); Ben Dorkins (27:57); Clara Walton (28:26); Joanne Harvey (30:12) and Sandra Ingram (32:48).

Parkrun tourists included: Mark Boffey at Rosliston (29:04); Tim Mudd at Brierley Forest (40:24); Garth Cox at Walsall Arboretum (23:19); Ian Orton at Babbs Mill (25:36) and Jackie Tierney and Joy Sykes at Beacon (28:34 and 31:56 respectively).

With the Tamworth AC Tamworth 5 mile race being the final race in the Burton & District Summer League for 2022 and it being so local, Peel Road Runners were able to put out a good number of runners at this year’s event. The race, promoted by Tamworth Athletics Club, started in the Athletics Stadium before heading out on cycle paths up through Stonydelph and Wilnecote before returning to finish on the track at the Athletics Club. First home for the club was Wayne King in 30:26 followed by Zac Gibbons in 34:14; Scott Chapman (34:41); Emma Pick (34:59); Mark Boffey (35:51); Ben Dorkins (36:58); Lorna DSilva (38:13); Craig Smith (38:11); Chris Bennett (38:40); Ian Orton (40:02); Allen King (40:14); Darren Truman (40:16); Andrew Gillman (41:35); Stuart Hatton (42:23); Dave Fern (44:09); Sarah Boffey (46:44); Emma Livingstone (48:39); Jackie Tierney (50:01); Sandra Ingram (50:09) and Emma Whorwood (51:18).

On Sunday, the Four Oaks Financial Services Lichfield half marathon drew a good number of runners to their event, which started at King Edwards School in Lichfield before following a route passing Whittington Barracks, Whittington village, Fradley village, then following lanes to finish at Stowe Pool, Lichfield. Phil Neale was first back for the Peelers, finishing in a time of 1:42:22, followed by Michael Hughes in a personal best time of 1:49:15.

Also on Sunday, Val Lawson took on the undulating and scenic Nanpanton Scouts Charnwood Challenge near Loughborough. Starting in the village of Nanpanton, the 10 mile course took runners along tracks and paths taking in Windmill Hill at Woodhouse Eaves, Broomriggs Farm and Beacon Hill Country Park clocking around 2000 ft of climb. She finished in a course personal best time of 2:09:59.

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury saw another good turnout of Peelers many of whom helped Peeler Dave Fern celebrate his 70^th birthday by singing “Happy Birthday” to him before the run! First Peeler to cross the finish line was Mike Shelton in 20:26 and 8^th position overall. Next to finish was Darren O’Leary (24:59); Darren Truman (26:15); Jason Church (26:21); Clara Walton (28:31); Carolyne Browne (29:27); Dave Fern (29:28); Jackie Tierney (29:35); Roger Eastaff (30:21); Wendy Bowyer (40:44); Claire Guffick (tail walker 55:31) and Lee Guffick (tail walker 55:50).

Parkrun tourists included: Garth Cox (22:58) and Tim Mudd (34:09) at Walsall Arboretum; Chris Bennett (23:26) at Conkers; Joy Sykes (31:57) at Tyne Green, Hexham and Stephen Andrews (38:57) at Watermead Country Park, Leicester.

Hi-viz volunteers this week included Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick, Ann Hill, Sarah French, Alison Dolphin, Allen King, Chris Norris, Mike Shelton, Alison Perry and Wendy Bowyer.

On Sunday 4^th September, Sophie Galloway took part in the Sheffield 20 mile race. Organised by Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club, the race was run on pavements and good quality, well compacted trails and had little elevation. The course began with 2.5 laps of the main lakes in Rother Valley Country Park, after this it followed the Trans Pennine Trail to Staveley, returning along the same route before finishing with another half lap of Rother Valley. It was billed as being an affordable 20 mile race for runners preparing for autumn marathons and was a perfect race for Sophie, who will be running the London Marathon on a Peel RR Club place in October. She finished the race in a personal best time of 3:26:00.

On Sunday 11^th September, several Peel Road Runners journeyed north to take part in the Great North Run. The iconic half marathon was being held on its traditional course this year, after having a change of route enforced last year due to Covid restrictions. First back for the club was Stephen Baker in 1:35:51, followed by Rob Mace in 1:43:09 with Ian Orton crossing the line in 1:53:30. Judith Matthews was next to finish in 1:54:47, followed by Sandra Ingram (returning to fitness after a long period off running due to injury) in a time of 2:16:59.

With their race cancelled at short notice last year due to over-running roadworks, and their usual course unavailable due to HS2 works, Lichfield Running Club were relieved to be able to hold their annual and very popular 10k race on a new course this year. The undulating route started in Beacon Park before taking runners out to the west of the city along undulating country lanes and then returning to finish in the park. In-form Peeler Wayne King ran a brilliant race to finish in a personal best time of 37:37, 8^th overall and first in the M45 age category. Next across the line was George Hope in a time of 50:11, followed by Michael Hughes (also in a personal best time) of 52:37; Garth Cox in 52:59 and Emma Barley in 1:12:14.

There was a good turnout of Peelers at Saturday’s parkruns, with Kingsbury the biggest draw again. First to cross the finish line for the club was Tim Clark in 23:01, very closely followed by Phil Neale in 23:31 and Mike Shelton (24:20); Darren O’Leary (25:46); Jason Church (26:38); Dave Fern (26:50); Darren Truman (26:55); Richard Satchwell (27:05); Owen Slater (27:15); Lisa Stretton (27:29); Jackie Tierney (29:18); Claire Guffick (29:25); Roger Eastaff in a personal best time of 29:32; Clara Walton (29:50); Alison Upton (32:50); Ann Hill (37:36); Sarah French (38:04); Lee Guffick (38:59) and Wendy Bowyer (44:58).

Parkrun tourists included: Ian Cooper at Brueton (29:12) and Mick Stevenson at Warwick Racecourse (32:06).