Category: Weekly round up

On Sunday, 3^rd September Ultra Runner Peel Road Runner Neal Dempsey took on the challenge of the Rat Race Man v Mountain in Snowdonia. The legendary mountain adventure run started at sea level at Caernarfon Castle and followed quiet country lanes and rough tracks and footpaths to the summit of Snowdon, before descending down by the railway to Dinorwic Quarry. Here runners took on an array of punishing obstacles including the infamous Vertical Kilometre and a swim in Llyn Padarn! With an approximate distance of 22 miles and 5055 ft of climb, runners also faced the challenge of typical Snowdonia weather which added to the fun! Dempsey crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 6 hours saying “the swim was the best bit!”

Also taking on an equally arduous challenge was Peel Road Runner Martin Hollamby, himself no stranger to ultra distance events. He ran the Peak Running Limestone 50, a 50 mile trail run taking in some of the spectacular scenery of the White Peak starting and finishing in Castleton, Derbyshire. The run had 7500 ft of climb and, and as an UTMB qualifying race, required runners to self-navigate over varied terrain. Hollamby finished the route in 9:50:47 and 4^th place overall. Commenting on the event afterwards he said, “I was in 2^nd place at one point, but fell off the pace massively in the second half. I was able to collect myself and get in under 10 hours despite desperately wanting to walk for the last 20 miles or so! Can thoroughly recommend the course and the organisation (and the marshals) were superb. I’ll be back!” At the Baslow Checkpoint, decked out as an 80’s disco, Peeler Val Lawson volunteered to support the runners (who were taking on 100 mile, 50 mile and 33 mile distances) by marshalling for Peak Running. 

As usual, Kingsbury parkrun proved a good draw for Peelers on Saturday morning. First home for the Peelers was Ben Dorkins in a time of 22:34, closely followed by Mark Boffey (22:48) and Tim Clark (23:04). Next to finish was Mike Shelton in 23:48 and Lisa Stretton (24:24); Garth Cox (24:33); Dave Fern (25:27); Stella Taylor (28:17); Jason Church (29:13); Owen Slater (29:15); Clara Walton (31:38); Roger Eastaff (31:44); Joy Sykes (32:09); Alison Perry (32:12); Ann Hill (37:57); Sarah French (38:08); Alison Dolphin (40:16); Wendy Bowyer (42:12) and Stephen Andrews (42:14).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Chris Bennett (24:58) at Conkers; Ian Orton (23:48) at Barry Island, Glamorgan (23:48); Tim Mudd at Bideford (26:00) and Sophie Galloway and Sandra Ingram at Beacon, Lichfield who crossed the line together in 32:03.

With cooler conditions and a traffic free route, the Nice Work RAF Cosford 10k road race proved to be a popular event last weekend. The race started in the shadow of the Spitfire in Hangar One before taking runners outside and onto the RAF Cosford airfield. Runners then took on a gently undulating course up and down the runway, round the museum grounds and past iconic aircraft.  Neal Dempsey was first to return to base landing in a time of 57:33, followed by Helen Dempsey in 65:03. Clara Walton also finished in 65:00, closely followed by Alison Upton in 69:52.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Tim Clark was first back for the club at Kingsbury in 22:53 with Chris Bennett (24:25) next home, closely followed by Run Director Mike Shelton (24:51). Simon Gordon ran well to cross the line in 25:05 with Dave Fern finishing in 26:12. Claire Guffick was first lady back for the Peelers in 28:53. Other runners included Sophie Galloway (30:35); Jo Insley (30:38); Stella Taylor (36:12); Ann Hill (38:57); Sarah French (39:01); Alison Dolphin (39:06); Lee Guffick (39:24); Alison Perry (40:35) and Chris Norris (49:07).

Parkrun tourists this week included: Ben Dorkins at Trelissick, Truro in 24:57; Garth Cox (22:55) at Walsall Arboretum; Darren O’Leary (25:16) at Burgess, London; Joy Sykes (31:27) at Blyth Links, Northumberland; Tim Mudd (26:32) at Babbs Mill, Solihull and Jackie Tierney (28:57) at Beacon, Lichfield.

Last weekend, Joy Sykes took part in the Try on the Tyne duathlon, which included a 5 km run followed by a 20 km bike ride and a 2.5 km run. The duathlon started on the Quayside in Newcastle, with transition at Baltic Square in Gateshead, and took in a selection of the Tyne’s famous bridges, all on closed roads. She completed the course in 1:47:35, a great achievement in the very warm conditions last weekend.

On Sunday, Zoe Schnepp took part in the LPS Events Cotswold 10k lake swim at Ashton Keynes in Wiltshire. The event required swimmers to swim 10 anti-clockwise laps of the gravel filtered lake to complete the 10k distance. Schnepp completed the course in 3:27:00 coming first in the Female Vet 40 category. 

The Peelers were well represented at Kingsbury parkrun on Saturday, with new member Tim Clark first across the line for the club in a time of 23:02, followed by Mark Boffey in 23:46. Next to finish the 5k run was Chris Bennett in 23:49, then Garth Cox (23:54); Darren O’Leary (24:12); Judith Matthews (27:03); Stella Taylor (28:30); Claire Guffick (29:22); Roger Eastaff (30:01); Joy Sykes (31:34); Sandra Ingram (32:09); Jackie Tierney (32:38); Sarah French (39:40); Alison Dolphin (39:40) and Stephen Andrews (41:11).

Parkrun tourists included Ian Orton at Tamar Trails, Tavistock in 25:41; Ben Dorkins at Woolacombe Dunes (reckoned to be one of the toughest parkrun courses in the country, as runners have to try to run up the “Dune of Doom”!) in 26:26; Mick Stevenson at Warwick Racecourse in 32:22 and Tim Mudd at Bramshall Road, Uttoxeter in 27:02.

At the Run Through Events Solihull half marathon on Sunday, the race followed an undulating route on closed roads and paths starting in Solihull town centre before going out to Knowle, the villages of Barston and Eastcote and then returning to the town centre. Local Kingsbury parkrun directors, Mike Shelton, Matt Green and Tim Gould representing both Peel Road Runners and Badgers (who are good friends off the course but very competitive against each other out on the road!) ran strongly considering the hot and humid conditions. Shelton was first over the line for the trio in 1:39:40, with the others close on his heels. A Peel win! Neal and Helen Dempsey also took part in the half marathon, finishing together in 2:55:54.

The Burton 10k on Sunday was the sixth race in the Burton & District Summer League. It is a very competitive 10k race fielding runners from most of the local running clubs. The race starts at Shobnall, then gradually climbs on quiet country lanes to Anslow before runners are rewarded with a swift downhill section back to finish and a “lap of honour” around the athletics track at Burton Athletics Club. In form Peeler, Wayne King, ran another strong race to finish 14^th overall in a time of 38:35. Next over the line for the club was Mark Boffey, who finished in a personal best time of 49:10, followed by George Hope (54:40); Gemma Pritchard (59:59); Emma Livingstone (1:01:38) who beat her personal best by over 3 minutes and Sarah Boffey (1:05:07).

A 9.00 am start for parkrun in the depths of winter might be an incentive to stay in bed a bit longer, but during a heatwave such as we are seeing at the moment, 9.00 am is actually a lovely time to run! Taking advantage of the slightly cooler early morning condtions, the Peelers were out once more at our local parkruns. At Kingsbury, Tim Clark was first home for the club in a time of 22:59 followed by Lisa Stretton in 24:50; Roger Eastaff (32:09); Jo Insley (39:37); Alison Dolphin (42:50) and Nicola Bannister (42:51). Meanwhile, Tim Mudd took on the shady but undulating course at Rosliston, finishing in 27:23 whilst Mark Boffey ran at Arrow Valley, Redditch finishing in 30:50. Running at Babb’s Mill in Solihull, Garth Cox finished in 24:07 whilst Mick Stevenson headed west to Hastings High School in Burbage to cross the line in 32:56 and Jacqui Tierney headed north to Uttoxeter to take on the Bramshall Road parkrun, finishing in 31:55.

After a few hectic weeks, this week has been a very quiet week for the Peel Road Runners with many members on holiday and few local races. 

Peelers Sarah French and Lee Guffick took part in the Swim Rutland 2 km event at Rutland Water. In this race, swimmers are taken to the start point at Normanton Church by boat on the Rutland Belle after which they then swim the 2 km across the reservoir to finish at Whitwell. Sarah completed the course in 50:03 and Lee in 66:44.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Tony Bryan ran at the scenic and undulating Conkers 5 km course, crossing the line in 26:17. At Kingsbury, Mike Shelton was first in the club to finish in a time of 21:04, followed by Allen King (21:41); Chris Bennett (23:46); Mark Boffey (25:34); Garth Cox (25:40); Claire Guffick (28:48); Joy Sykes (31:07); Alison Perry (31:34) and Roger Eastaff (31:40). Tim Mudd was the sole club representative at Sutton Park finishing in 27:27, whilst Sophie Galloway (31:21) and Jackie Tierney (56:15) ran at Beacon Park, Lichfield.

Peel Road Runners have been established in Tamworth for over 30 years and always welcome new members of all abilities.

Peel Road Runners club members enjoy running in its many forms whether that’s road or trail, parkrun or ultra distance. Club Chairman, Lee Rickards, travelled to France this week to take part in both the Alpe d’Huez Duathlon and Triathon. The Alpe d’Huez road section is renowned for the steepness of its gradients and the 21 hairpin bends to reach the summit at the ski station and is regularly included in the Tour de France. Rickards took part in the Duathlon earlier in the week, which included a 6 km run followed by a 15 km bike ride up the Alpe d’Huez climb and then a 5 km run to finish. He completed this in 2 hours 37 minutes. He then took part in the Triathlon later in the week, which included a 1200 m open water swim, followed by a 29 km cycle again with the Alpe d’Huez climb and then a 6.5 km run. He finished this in 3 hours 16 minutes. Speaking about the event afterwards he said, “I’d been waiting over 2 years to do them because of covid. They are ‘bucket list’ events with amazing scenery and brilliant support on the climb, which makes you feel like you’re a Tour de France cyclist – despite only going half as fast!” 

The Peelers were pleased to be able to support Tamworth Council at the 5k Fun Run in the Castle Grounds on Saturday morning. Many Peelers gave up their own parkrun to marshal the course and encourage runners on the free event promoted by the Council as part of the Commonwealth Games festivities. The Fun Run was a great event for runners of all abilities, but especially for Peeler Donna Reid who took part in the event and flew the flag for the club by winning the women’s race! 

With a brilliantly organised trail race on our doorstep, how could the Peel Road Runners not have taken part in the Abbott Trail 10k race in Hopwas Woods this weekend? The race, which was organised by Simon’s Heroes, took runners on a two lap 10k course around the trails and paths in the woods, including the ascent of “cardiac hill” twice (if you know, you know!). The race was brilliantly organised with cheery marshals, folk singers and music en route to encourage runners, as well as having the fabulous location of Hopwas Woods to raise runners’ spirits.

First across the finish line for the Peelers was Martin Hollamby in an impressive time of 41:46 and 5^th place overall. He was followed by Phil Neale in 50:46 (22^nd place overall) and Mark Boffey (51:26); Ian Orton (54:46); Donna Reid (55:49); Chris Bennett (59:57); Darren Truman (59:59); Caroline Browne (1:00:57); Gemma Pritchard (1:03:09); Sarah Boffey (1:08:13); Sandra Ingram (1:09:02); Clara Walton (1:13:08) and Val Lawson (1:15:13).

With so many Peelers involved with the Tamworth Fun Run, only a few from the club ran at parkrun on Saturday. At Kingsbury James Stretton finished in 20:56 followed by Mike Shelton (21:46); Richard Satchwell (26:47); Darren Truman (26:48) and Jackie Tierney (35:57). Tim Mudd was the sole parkrun tourist this week, running at Long Eaton (26:24).

On Wednesday evening, Peel Road Runners were out supporting the Commonwealth Games Baton Relay in the Castle Grounds. Along with many other local clubs setting challenges for children, the Peelers put on a mini hurdles relay so that children could collect a sticker on their challenge cards which, once the card was filled, they could exchange for a lovely medal to show for their achievements. The challenge proved very popular and lots of children took part over the evening, whilst also giving the club an opportunity to showcase what they do. 

At the weekend many Peelers were looking forward to taking on the challenge of the Conti 24 hour Thunder Run trail race based at Catton Hall, Walton on Trent. With runners coming from all over the country to take part in this race, for the Peelers to have such a major annual event on their doorstep just made for a perfect weekend of racing and socialising! Four mixed teams from the club took part in the 10k trail race, with the aim being to cover as many laps as possible of the challenging and technical course over 24 hours whilst running through the day and night.

‘Andy’s Angels’ comprising Sandra Ingram, Andy Pickard, Kathryn Adams, Darren O’Leary and Phil Neale managed to complete 22 laps in the time available (a distance of 220 km/137 miles) finishing 18^th out of 65 mixed teams. ‘Jo’s Jetts’ comprising Jo Insley, Emma Livingstone, Donna Lancaster, Mike Shelton and Sophie Galloway completed 21 laps in the time available (a distance of 210 km/130 miles) finishing 24^th out of 65 mixed teams. ‘Pips Team 1’ comprising Alison Dolphin, Stephen Andrews, Moira Bucknell, Alison Perry and Roger Eastaff completed 13 laps in the time available (a distance of 130 km/81 miles) and ‘Pips Team 2’ comprising Sarah French, Chris Bennett, Wendy Bowyer, Claire Guffick and Chris Norris completed 14 laps in the time available (140 km/87 miles).

At this weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew the most Peelers with James Stretton the first across the line in a time of 21:17 and 16^th place overall. Rachael Rickards was next home in a time of 23:10 followed by Lisa Stretton (24:07); Dave Fern (25:13); Mark Boffey (26:17); Tim Mudd (27:43); Richard Satchwell (27:58); Darren Truman (28:02); Jackie Tierney (31:45) and Alison Upton (32:11). 

Parkrun tourists included: Garth Cox at Chester (24:34); Rob Mace at Sandwell Valley (21:36); Joy Sykes at Chasewater (30:42); Ian Orton at Babb’s Mill (23:45); Mick Stevenson at Warwick Racecourse (32:52) and Simon Gordon at Whitby (24:05). Not to be outdone by their parents, mini Peelers James and Sally ran the Junior parkrun at Swadlincote.

Despite the predicted warm temperatures, four Peel Road Runners took on the challenge of the Brooksie’s Bash 10 mile trail race in South Derbyshire on Sunday. The race covered a very scenic route starting at Foremarke Hall before running out through fields to Ticknall, skirting the edge of Calke Abbey and returning through several sections of woodland at Robin Wood and Heath Wood. In view of the predicted weather conditions, the race organisers brought the start time forward by an hour to 9.00 am which made for slightly cooler running conditions. Martin Hollamby, running the race on his birthday, was first home for the club finishing in 1:10:58 and 9th place overall (5th in MSEN age group). Club Chairman, Lee Rickards, crossed the line next in a time of 1:15:08 and 14th place overall (2nd in M40 age group) followed by Emma Pick in 1:26:37 and Rachael Rickards in 1:27:48. Altogether 220 runners completed the course with their entry fees helping to support the work of Derbyshire MIND.

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The parkrunning Peelers were once again out early on Saturday morning to take on the region’s parkruns. At Kingsbury parkrun, Wayne King was first across the line in a time of 18:50 and 2nd place overall. He was followed by James Stretton (19:42); Mike Shelton (21:47); Ben Dorkins (22:33); Phil Neale (23:30); Chris Bennett (23:42); Darren O’Leary (23:50); Lisa Stretton (24:07); Simon Gordon (24:30); Dave Fern (25:18); Joanne Harvey (25:44); Stella Taylor (28:32); Chris Taylor (31:31); Emma Whorwood (32:26); Alison Perry (32:28); Roger Eastaff (36:17); Alison Dolphin (39:09) and Chris Norris (47:43). Representing the Peelers away from home, Jackie Tierney ran the Oswestry parkrun in a time of 30:26; Mick Stevenson ran the Warwick racecourse parkrun in 33:18, Garth Cox ran at Walsall Arboretum in 23:10 and Mark Boffey ran at Edgbaston reservoir in 22:47.

Peel Road Runners welcome new members of all abilities.

On a perfect evening for running, the Peel Road Runners competed in the Worthington 6 mile road race on Tuesday, 5^th July. The race, which forms part of the Burton & District Summer Race League, was promoted by Ivanhoe Runners and followed an out and back route along the Cloud Trail at Worthington, near Ashby de la Zouch. With strong competition from other local clubs, the race was competitive from the outset. First Peeler home was Wayne King in 37:46 finishing 8^th in the hotly contested VM40 category. Next across the line was Michael Shelton (40:33), with Emma Pick mere seconds behind finishing 1^st in the Senior Female category in a time of 40:38. Zac Gibbons was the next Peeler home in 40:47, followed by James Stretton (41:30); Rachael Rickards (43:38); Allen King (44:00); Ben Dorkins (45:47); Lorna D’Silva (46:02); Mark Boffey (46:06); Lisa Stretton (46:36); Chris Bennett (47:17); George Hope (48:14); Darren O’Leary (48:15); Simon Gordon (49:06); Dave Fern (50:25); Roger Lloyd (51:39); Carolyne Browne (52:49); Ash Goodman (53:14); Sophie Galloway (53:51) and Val Lawson (59:46). 

On Sunday Garth Cox ran the scenic and undulating course of the Coventry Northbrook 10k, although the heat took its toll on his finish time of 52:35. Cox said, “I was disappointed with my time, but it was a hilly course and the heat got to me. It’s a scenic course, but it felt like 7k of it was uphill!”

The predicted hot weather on Saturday did nothing to deter the Peel parkrunners with Kingsbury being the biggest draw for the club. Continuing his current good run of form, Wayne King was first across the line for the club finishing in 2^nd place in a time of 18:42. Next to finish was James Stretton in a time of 22:13 and 15^th place overall, followed by: Chris Bennett (23:28); Mark Boffey (24:04); Lisa Stretton (24:09); Garth Cox on his 100^th parkrun (26:52); Jo Insley (28:42); Jackie Tierney (30:27); Claire Guffick (30:31); Sophie Galloway (31:07); Lee Guffick (36:31); Alison Dolphin (38:32); Stephen Andrews (41:25) and Chris Norris (47:28). 

Parkrun tourists this week included: Roger Lloyd at Conkers (26:06); Mick Stevenson at Northallerton (32:32); Ian Orton at Leicester Victoria (23:48); Joy Sykes at Tyne Green (31:42) and Tim Mudd at Beacon Park (25:22). Taking tourism to new levels, however, were Carolyne Browne and Caroline Evans. Carolyne Browne ran the Killarney House parkrun in Ireland in 25:14 and Caroline Evans the Tampere parkrun in Finland in 27:48! Meanwhile Sarah French and Ann Hill volunteered at Kingsbury parkrun.

After a very busy weekend for the club last week, this weekend was a little quieter although that did not stop three Peelers from running the Birmingham and Black Country half marathon. The race is a unique point to point run along the canal towpaths between Wolverhampton City Centre and Brindley Place in Birmingham. The race format is based on people’s predicted running time (seeded) in a time trial format with runners starting in waves between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm on a mixed terrain course. The route is largely flat with locks and bridges the only inclines and is unusual in that includes the famous ‘Coseley Tunnel’, a 350 metre tunnel and floating drink stations on canal barges! Running as a team, Lorna Carlin, Darren Truman and Mark Boffey crossed the finish line in 1:54:00.

Further north, veteran triathlete Joy Sykes took part in the Windermere Sprint Triathlon which included a 750 m open water swim, 21.6 km bike ride and 5 km run. She completed the course in a time of 2:02:19, placing 5^th in the Vet 50 category.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew the largest number of Peelers on its scenic 5k trail course. First across the line was Chris Bennett in 23:11, followed by Simon Gordon (24:30); Dave Fern (24:45); Allen King (25:08); Ash Goodman (25:57); Garth Cox (26:08); Claire Guffick (29:05); Jackie Tierney (29:20); Sarah French (34:56); Stella Taylor (36:22); Lee Guffick (37:05) and Stephen Andrews (39:42). Parkrun tourists included: Ian Orton at Babb’s Mill (25:00) and Mick Stevenson at Warwick racecourse (32:19).