Category: Weekly round up

A busy weekend for the Peel Road Runners with a club Presentation Evening and a 10k race, a fun run and a children’s race to organise!

On Friday evening, the Peel Road Runners were able to celebrate the achievements of club members at their first Presentation Evening at Bolehall Manor for three years due to Covid restrictions. Club Chairman, Lee Rickards and President, Ray Rogers presented the Standards Awards first (these are presented to runners who have achieved a specific distance/time result relating to their age and gender). The following Peelers achieved standards of:  Malcolm Bembridge – silver 10K, gold 20 mile, bronze marathon; Chris Bennett – bronze 5K; Mark Boffey – silver 5K, bronze 5 mile; Carolyne Browne – Silver 5K, silver 10 mile, silver half marathon; Lorna Carlin – bronze 5 mile, bronze 10 mile; Luke Collins – bronze 5K, bronze 10 mile; Garth Cox – bronze 5 mile; Bob Donovan – bronze 10K; Ben Dorkins – bronze 5K; Martin Hollamby – gold marathon; Allen King – bronze 5K; Wayne King – gold 5K, gold 10K, silver 5mile, gold 10 mile, gold half marathon, DIAMOND 20 mile; Rob Mace – silver 5K, bronze 5 mile, silver 10 mile; Stella Martin – bronze 5K, bronze 10K; Judith Matthews – bronze 5 mile, bronze 10 mile, silver half marathon; Donna Reid – bronze 10 mile, bronze half marathon; Lee Rickards – gold 20 mile; Rachael Rickards – silver 5K, silver 5 mile, silver 10 mile, silver half marathon; Richard Satchwell – bronze 5K, bronze 10 mile, bronze half marathon; Mike Shelton – bronze 20 mile; Lisa Stretton – silver 5K, silver 5 mile, silver 10 mile; Darren Truman – bronze 10K, bronze 10 mile and Natalie Walker – bronze 10 mile.

In the main awards, the following Peelers achievements’ were recognised:  Most Promising Female Runner – Lorna Carlin; Most Promising Male Runner – Allen King; Most Improved Female Runner – Claire Guffick; Most Improved Male Runner – Mark Boffey; Female Veteran 35-45 – Rachael Rickards; Male Veteran 40-50 – Wayne King; Female Veteran Over 45 – Lisa Stretton; Male Veteran Over 50 – Malcolm Bembridge; Cross-Country Full Series – Sophie Galloway; Best Female Runner – Emma Pick; Best Male Runner – Martin Hollamby; Marathon Award – George Hope; Club Person of the Year (female) – Christine Norris; Club Person of the Year (male) – Mike Shelton; President’s Award – Sandra Ingram.

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With thanks to Andy at Bolehall Manor for providing a great venue and the The Livin’ Tones for an amazing live performance. The evening was best summed up by Club President, Ray Rogers who said, “I felt the biggest winner was the family Peel. We’ve not only got through a very difficult period of time that has affected the whole world, but have come out as strong, if not stronger than before!”.

Following on from the successes of Friday night, the Peel Road Runners then put on their annual running event in support of St Giles Hospice on Sunday. Starting at the Anker Valley Sports Complex, the day started with the children’s races with over 50 speedy sprinters running two laps of the sports fields and enthusiastically showing the adults how it should be done! This race was followed by the 4.5k Fun Run before the finale of the 10k Gate Gallop race. Both the Fun Run and the Gate Gallop followed a scenic off-road route around the fields and trails from the Anker Valley, with approximately 250 runners of all abilities taking part in the two events. 

In the Fun Run, Adam Lightfoot (of Stafford Harriers) crossed the finish line first in an impressive time of 19:46, followed less than a minute later by M16 Thomas Quinn in 20:34 and George Haddock (M16) of Tamworth AC in third place in 21:28. First lady home was Lily Quinn in a time of 21:45, just beating her mum in second place in 21:52. Third lady was Rachel Robins in 22:39.

In the Gate Gallop 10k race, the competition at the front of the field was very hard fought with the first five runners finishing within 18 seconds of each other! Daniel Maskew of Wolverhampton & Bilston AC was first to finish in 36:23, closely followed by Liam Harrold of Aldridge RC in 36:25 with Tom Potter (Ivanhoe Runners – 36:30), Mark Parker (Ivanhoe Runners – 36:37) and Finlay Cross (unattached – 36:41) close on his heels. First lady across the line was Amy Lowe of Washlands Women Runners in an impressive time of 42:23, nearly two minutes ahead of the second lady, Eleanor Fowler (Badgers RC – 44:21) and third lady, Emma Pick (Peel Road Runners – 44:36). The men’s team prize went to Tamworth AC (Gordy Smith, Ash Baldwin and Robert Dyjak) with the ladies’ team prize going to South Derbyshire Road Runners (Sara Insley, Katie Dennis and Tracey Glover). In total, 217 runners completed the race, with Christine Norris (F70+) receiving a special reception from her club (Peel RR) as they cheered her over the line at the end of her ‘last’ Gate Gallop race. 

In other events, new club member Ian Horton ran the rather warm and undulating two lap Torbay half marathon in a time of 1:57:48. The scenic course started in Paignton before following a ‘closed to traffic’ route to Torquay and back taking in Torre Abbey along the way, a route which is then repeated! 

Meanwhile at the Race to the Tower event along the Cotswold Way, ultra runner Neal Dempsey completed the testing 52 mile route (which included 5948 ft of climb!) in a time of 15:35:40.

After a week of very hot weather, Peel Road Runners were making the most of the cooler and damper weather at Saturday’s parkruns. At Kingsbury, new club member James Stretton ran a brilliant personal best time, completing the 5k course in a time of 19:18 and a finishing place of 5th overall. He was followed by Mike Shelton who finished 3rd in the 40-45 age bracket and 10th overall in a time of 20:22. Parkrun regular, Chris Bennett was next Peeler to finish in 23:15, followed by Lisa Stretton (24:09); Garth Cox (25:45); Caroline Evans (27:19); Clara Walton (30:49); Jackie Tierney (31:41); Ann Hill (32:48); Alison Upton (32:49); Ian Grigg (35:38) and Lee Guffick (39:06). Claire Guffick and Sarah French helped to run the event by volunteering as marshals.

Meanwhile, at Braunstone parkrun in Leicester, Rob Mace finished in 20:45, whilst further north at Tyne Green in Hexham, Joy Sykes crossed the line in 30:25. Closer to home, at Beacon parkrun in Lichfield, Sophie Galloway finished in 27:26 and at Ashbourne, Tim Mudd finished in 26:55.

The cooler weather on Saturday evening was definitely welcomed (though maybe not the rain!) by those Peelers who took on the Solstice 10k walk for St Giles. Relishing the opportunity to don their unicorn costumes again and party in style, Claire and Lee Guffick, Ann Hill, Wendy Bowyer and Sarah French had a magical and enchanting time at the Lichfield event.

With an evening of relay racing against other local running clubs, the Washlands Relays are always a popular draw for the Peel Road Runners. The Relays are the third race in the Burton & District Summer Race League and are organised by the Washlands Women’s Running Club in Burton Upon Trent. Runners (in teams of three or four) each run a two mile lap alongside the River Trent and around the Washlands parklands, providing for some very hard fought racing conditions. Peel Road Runners were able to put out nine teams with their mixed team of Wayne King, Emma Pick, Lee Rickards and Martin Hollamby finishing first in the mixed team category. Next to finish for Peel in 19^th place overall were Team Peel 2 comprising of Rob Mace, Rachael Rickards, Zac Gibbons and James Stretton. Following them were Team Peel 5 (Luke Collins, Ben Dorkins, Joanne Harvey and Chris Bennett) in 33^rd place; Team Peel 7 (Simon Gordon, Dave Fern, Natalie Walker and Wayne King) in 35^thplace; Team Peel 3 (Mark Boffey, Phil Neale, Sophie Galloway and Allen King) in 41^st place; Team Peel 8 (Emma Livingstone, Jo Insley and Lisa Stretton) in 18^th place (ladies’ teams); Team Peel 6 (Clara Walton, Lorna Carlin and Carolyne Browne) in 21^stplace (ladies’ teams) and Team Peel 9 (Sarah Boffey, Caroline Evans and Helen Manton) in 28^th place (ladies’ teams). 

Another Peel favourite over the years has been the Aldridge 10k race, held this year on Sunday 12^th June. Three Peelers represented the club on the undulating course, renowned for its long uphill drag at 9k! Helen Manton finished in 1:01:50; Claire Guffick in 1:02:53 and Lee Guffick in 1:20:23.

At the Two Castles Run, a linear race from Warwick Castle to Kenilworth Castle via Leek Wooton (a distance of 10k) Peelers Alison Upton and Emma Whorwood ran well in hot conditions to finish in 1:10:56 and 1:12:14 respectively.

At the Swansea half marathon (starting in the centre of Swansea before following closed roads out to the Mumbles then back along the coastal path) one of Wales’ largest half marathons, Peeler Helen Dempsey was the sole club representative and crossed the finish line in 2:37:00.

Meanwhile, the lure of a Saturday morning parkrun tempted a good group of Peelers out early on Saturday morning. Whether for chasing personal bests or just out for a social run, all agree that parkrun is a great way to start the weekend! At Kingsbury, Garth Cox was first back for the club in 23:48 followed by Chris Bennett (24:43); Dave Fern (25:11); Claire Guffick (29:31); Jackie Tierney (30:02); Roger Eastaff (32:24); Alison Perry (32:48); Joy Sykes (33:03); Ann Hill (36:11); Sarah French (36:16); Alison Dolphin (38:05); Stephen Andrews (43:17); Nicola Bannister (48:51) and Chris Norris (48:52).  Parkrun tourists this week included: Tim Mudd (26:17) at Wolverhampton and Mark Boffey (26:51) and Sarah Boffey (29:04).

Continuing their work liaising with local schools to promote running as a sport to KS2 children, Peelers Alison Dolphin, Dave Fern and Martin Hollamby (accompanied by Trev the bear!) visited Millfield School in Fazeley this week. They reported that they had a fantastic morning working with the very enthusiastic and talented children at the school. Next week, the Peelers will be visiting Lakeside School in Glascote.

Although running is, of course, the Peelers’ main interest our members do get up to all sorts of challenges as well. Celebrating a ‘big number’ birthday might be met by running a marathon or a series of runs, but for Peeler Sandra Ingram it meant doing a tandem skydive to raise money for St Giles Hospice (where she also works). Sandra was accompanied by another Peeler, Joanne Harvey, and with near perfect weather conditions on Friday, they both had a fantastic day and raised several thousand pounds for the Peelers’ favourite charity, St Giles Hospice.

With their feet firmly placed on the ground, many Peelers celebrated the Jubilee weekend at local parkruns with some excellent times being run. At Kingsbury, Mike Shelton was first to finish for the club in a time of 20:28 and 7^th place. Luke Collins was next to finish in a time of 21:34 followed by Phil Neale (22:00); Trevor Thompson (22:08); Ben Dorkins (22:51); Chris Bennett (23:45); Darren O’Leary (24:02); Simon Gordon (24:38); Dave Fern (24:51); Claire Guffick (29:58); Alison Perry (32:11); Sarah French (37:37); Alison Dolphin (38:38) and Chris Norris (48:12). At Tamar Lakes near Bude, Joy Sykes completed the 5k course in 33:02, whilst Mark Boffey took part in the new Bramshall Park run at Uttoxeter finishing in 25:57.

Peel Road Runners welcome new members of all abilities.

For many local runners, the Sutton Fun Run is an annual “must do” event with its mixed surface course of tarmac and trails and the infamous “Cardiac Hill” to contend with. At this year’s run, the fortieth anniversary for the Fun Run, the weather was much cooler than has been the case in other years, which made for near ideal running conditions. Although the Fun Run is advertised as “not a race”, most Peelers were keen to run a good time and first back for the club was Robert Dyjak in an impressive 47:40. Also making light work of the undulating course was Scott Chapman who finished in 58:00. Next across the line was George Hope in 1:08:15, closely followed by Garth Cox in 1:08:26 (a personal best time for the route). Training partners, Jo Harvey and Helen Chyla, paced each other to finish in a solid 1:13:59. Other Peelers putting on good performances included Jackie Tierney (1:25:00); Claire Guffick (1:27:03); Roger Eastaff (1:33:32); Alison Upton (1:42:12) and Lee Guffick (1:50:15). 

Having transferred from the full marathon to the half marathon at Edinburgh due to his training being compromised by an injury, Mike Shelton’s decision was vindicated as he ran a well paced race to finish in 1:36:26.

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury again drew the most Peelers to its scenic course. First to finish the 5k run was new club member James Stretton in an impressive time of 20:11 and 6^th place overall. He was followed by: Phil Neale (21:34); Kathryn Adams (21:56); Mark Boffey in a personal best time of 21:57; Darren Truman (22:15); Allen King (22:18); Ben Dorkins (23:16); Chris Bennett (23:24); Lisa Stretton (24:00); Tim Mudd (24:48); Stella Taylor (27:40); Claire Guffick (29:00); Jackie Tierney (30:19); Alison Perry (32:52); Roger Eastaff (33:07); Joy Sykes (37:53) and Alison Dolphin (38:32). Meanwhile at Warwick Racecourse, Mick Stevenson crossed the line in 34:20.

At Conkers parkrun, Sarah French and Ann Hill were hi-vis heroes volunteering to marshal the parkrun, whilst also promoting the Peelers’ Gate Gallop 10k trail race in June. Entries are still available for the 10k race and the 5k fun run at https://www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/our-events/tamworth-gate-gallop/ Children’s races can be entered on the day.

This week Peel Road runners visited Flax Hill Primary School. Qualified running coach Michael Shelton was accompanied by Club Secretary Alison Dolphin and club mascot Trev the bear. The duo led sessions with 12 classes ranging from year 3 to year 6. The sessions involved a variety of running themed games where children were invited to take part in walking, jogging or running. Topics covered how to pace, and the health benefits of running including the benefits to mental health. The children were enthusiastic about their learning and were invited to enter the Tamworth Gate Gallop Children’s run.

Peel Road Runners organise the annual Tamworth Gate Gallop in aid of St Giles Hospice, a race that has been run for over 25 years and has raised over £100,00 for the charity. The Gate Gallop is an enjoyable event comprising of a 10km off road run, a 4.4km fun run and a 600m children’s run. Entries are invited for this year’s event which is due to take place on Sunday 26th June 2022 at Anker Valley Sports Complex. There will be family entertainment and refreshments with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice.
On Saturday morning at Kingsbury Water Parkrun Roger Eastaff celebrated completing his 50th parkrun in 43:11. Roger Lloyd, who finished in 42:46 was accompanied by his Flaxhill student daughter Fran after being inspired by the Peel Road Runners school visit.

Fellow Peelers also running at Kingsbury Water included Mike Shelton (20:41), Allen King (22:21), Rachael Rickards (22:26), Ben Dorkins (22:33), Philip Neale (23:04), Chris Bennett (22:38), Lisa Stretton (24:02), Dave Fern (24:57), Stuart Hatton (25:17), Jacqueline Tierney (28:32), Ian Grigg (38:54), Claire Guffick (43:13), Alison Dolphin (43:14), Emma Whorwood (43:14), Stephen Andrews (43:15), Ann Hill (43:16), Alison Perry (43:17), Lee Guffick (43:18), Wendy Bowyer (43:19), Sarah French (43:20), and Clara Walton (53:40).

Nearby at Chasewater parkrun, Garth Cox completed in 23:33 and at Babbs Mill, Mark Boffey finished in 28:57. Over at Warwick Racecourse Michael Stevenson made a time of 31:26 and Tim Mudd ran 25:51 at Rugby.

Saturday saw the Peel Road Runners ‘take over’ at Kingsbury Water parkrun with the Peelers out in force running the scenic 5km course and taking up the vital volunteer roles on the day.

The first Peeler to cross the line was Allen King (21:40) followed closely by Martin Hollamby (21:57) who was also volunteering as a pacer for other runners. Rachael Rickards was next (21:57) followed by Lisa Stretton (23:40), Garth Cox, also running as a pacer (25:39), Ashley Goodman (26:06), Carl Brittain (26:52), Stuart Hatton (27:57 as a pacer), Sophie Galloway (29:47 as a pacer), Dave Fern (33:19 as a pacer), Lee Rickards (34:11), Kelly Porter (36:03), Stephen Andrews (53:13). Nicola Bannister (54:23) and Wendy Bowyer (54:27) brought up the rear as the tail walkers on the day.

Off the course, Event Director Mike Shelton was supported by Richard Benham (volunteer co-ordinator), Ben Dorkins (Communications), Allen King and Donna Lancaster (pre-event set-up). Sarah Barber, Claire Guffick, Lee Guffick, Alison Upton stepped in as barcode scanners at the finish, Mark Boffey and Roger Eastaff were time keepers. Sandra Ingram and Helen Manton managed the finishing funnel, Stella Taylor was number checker, and Ann Hill and Philip Neale handed out the finish tokens. Ian Grigg welcomed the first timers, Darren O’leary took on the lead bike duties and Penny Randell was the photographer. Finally, the all-important course marshals were Chris Bennett, Lisa Fletcher, Sarah French, Jacob Harris, Ken Jordan, Emma Whorwood, Darren Truman and Margaret Jordan.

Elsewhere at Sizewell parkrun, Jacqueline Tierney was the 7th lady to complete in a time of 29:04. Henley Wood saw Tim Mudd complete in 26:06. Whilst at Babbs Mill Ian P Cooper completed in 26:18 and Tanya Murphy in 36:00. At Warwick Racecourse Michael Stevenson ran in 31:02.

Down south in Oxfordshire, Clara Walton completed the 7.4k route around Blenheim Fun Run, set at the World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace. Clara ran with her beautiful dog Nanook completing in 54:08, Clara’s son Dylan at just 6 years old completed the 1-mile Fun Run in 11:18.

At Coombe Abbey Park in Warwickshire, Robert Donovan took part in the Big Bear Swan Challenge; an event where you choose to run as many 3.3-mile laps as you like. Robert ran an impressive 8 laps which is the equivalent of just over the marathon distance.

Last Saturday (7th May) in the stunning Heartlands of Wales, Luke Collins made his ultramarathon debut in the HOWUM 2022, a challenging hilly 30 mile race that meanders through the scenic areas of the Sarn, Glyndwr’s Way, Severn Way and Wye Walk. Luke finished in 22nd place with a time of 5 hours 30 minutes.

Peel Road Runners organise the annual Tamworth Gate Gallop in aid of St Giles Hospice, a race that has been run for over 25 years and has raised over £100,00 for such a worthy cause. The Gate Gallop is an enjoyable event comprising of a 10km off road run, a 4.4km fun run and a children’s run. Entries are invited for this year’s event which is due to take place on Sunday 26th June 2022 at Anker Valley Sports Complex. There will be family entertainment and refreshments with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice.

A quieter week as far as racing is concerned, so the Peelers concentrated their efforts on the weekend’s parkruns with a couple of personal bests to show for it.

At Kingsbury, on form Wayne King finished second overall in a personal best time of 18:34. He was followed by Rob Mace in fifth place overall and a finishing time of 19:47. Crossing the line in fifteenth place and in a personal best time of 22:05 was Allen King, who is showing great form since joining the club. First lady home for the club (and third female) was Rachael Rickards in a time of 22:18. Other Peelers taking on the course at Kingsbury included: Ben Dorkins (23:14); Zoe Schnepp (23:45); Lisa Stretton (24:04); Chris Bennett (24:05); Darren O’Leary (25:48); Stella Taylor (27:06); Jackie Tierney (27:38); Carl Brittain (27:54); Jo Insley (28:56); Sophie Galloway (29:00); Clara Walton (29:07); Claire Guffick (29:54); Emma Whorwood (30:29); Roger Eastaff (32:11); Phil Neale (33:15); Darren Truman (33:16); Lee Rickards + mini Peeler (33:59); Sarah French (34:10); Alison Upton (34:43); Lee Guffick (36:39) and Wendy Bowyer (39:33).

Parkrun tourists included: Michael Stevenson (32:35) at Leamington; Tim Mudd (27:23) at Shipley Country Park; Tanya Murphy (38:38) at Babb’s Mill and Mark Boffey (26:54) at Ashbourne Recreation Ground.

Next week (on Saturday 14^th May) sees the Peel Road Runners “takeover” at Kingsbury parkrun, when club members will be taking on many of the volunteer and pacing roles for the event.

What’s not to love about a road or trail race and the extra day’s holiday this Bank Holiday weekend certainly provided the Peelers with plenty of opportunities to test their racing legs at events all over the country. 

The Uttoxeter half marathon acts as a counting race in the Burton & District Summer League and is organised by Uttoxeter Road Runners. It’s always a favourite race with the Peelers, starting at Uttoxeter racecourse and following an undulating and scenic route around the lanes south of Uttoxeter before finishing with a cramp-inducing downhill gallop back onto the racecourse. Unfortunately, several key members of the team were unable to run due to injury or illness, but the club was well represented with Club Chairman Lee Rickards first to cross the finish line in a time of 1:32:00. Emma Pick continued her impressive return to form and had a very strong race finishing as 5^th female and 3^rd in age category (FSen) and a time of 1:35:25. Next home was Rachael Rickards as 10^th female, 3^rd in age category (F40) and a time of 1:42:13. She was followed by Zac Gibbons in 1:43:22; Allen King (first time at Uttoxeter and a huge personal best time of 6 minutes and 43 seconds!) in 1:46:55 and Carolyne Browne in 2:00:32 and 3^rd in age category (F55).

Meanwhile, over at the Great Birmingham Run half marathon, Emma Livingstone was also knocking out a personal best time of 2:12:00, taking 8 minutes off her previous personal best! Michael Shelton also took on the Birmingham half marathon for St Giles Hospice and finished in a time of 1:37:04, whilst Jude Matthews and Donna Reid ran the course together and finished in 1:52:14. Finally Jo Insley, making a welcome return after some time out from racing, finished in 2:02:16.

Peelers like a challenge and Clara Walton, not content with one race this week, took on the Big Bear Bluebell Challenge at Hartshill Hayes on Tuesday and completed 17.7 miles in a time of 4:45:52 on the undulating trail route. Following up on this success, she then went on to run the Great Birmingham Run 10k on Sunday in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and finished in a very creditable 59:45.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Milton Keynes was the destination for the Dempsey Duo! Helen Dempsey completed the MK half marathon in a time of 2:28:33, a course personal best by 3 minutes, whilst husband Neal Dempsey ran a personal best time in the marathon finishing in 4:40:28. 

Taking on Mo Farah in the London Vitality 10k was the challenge for many runners on Monday, which saw Peeler Jackie Tierney (F55) continuing her current run of good form to cross the line in an impressive 56:29. 

Joy Sykes travelled to Yorkshire to take part in the Tadcaster Sprint Triathlon (pool swim 400m, cycle 13km, 6km run) which she finished in 1:36:31.

Also on Monday, Martin Hollamby competed in the undulating and testing course of the “Big Way Round” 50k, an ultramarathon trail run around the spectacular Winchester countryside taking in parts of the South Downs Way and the Itchen Way. Having run a well-paced race, he finished in a time of 4:16:48 and 6^th place overall.

Crossing into Leicestershire, on Saturday Garth Cox took on the Wymeswold Waddle 5 mile road race on an out and back course famous for its uphill “out”, which he completed in a strong time of 39:07.

The weekend parkruns also saw a good turnout of Peelers with Kingsbury once again the biggest draw. First to complete the 5k course in a time of 19:24 and in 3^rd place was Rob Mace. He was followed by: Mike Shelton (20:42); Ben Dorkins (22:38); Lisa Stretton (23:47); Simon Gordon (24:34); Chris Bennett (24:49); Tim Mudd (24:59); Martin Hemming (25:56); Garth Cox (27:41); Jackie Tierney (27:43); Mark Boffey (27:43); Darren Truman (27:44); Claire Guffick (28:36); Roger Eastaff (30:34); Joy Sykes (31:42); Alison Perry (32:52) and Chris Norris (46:18). Sarah French volunteered at Kingsbury parkrun to help with the event (as all parkruns are run by volunteers).

Parkrun tourists included: Tanya Murphy (39:13) at Brueton, Solihull and Mick Stevenson (30:30) at Northallerton.

At the Malvern trail half marathon on Saturday, five Peelers tackled the hilly course taking in over 2500 ft of climb on the iconic Malvern hills. The dry and sunny, but very windy weather made for good running conditions with far reaching views across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. First to cross the finish line for the club in a time of 2:25:58 and in 66^th place was Mark Boffey. He was followed by Darren Truman in 2:39:12 and 108^th place; Simon Gordon in 2:39:15 and 109^th place and Lorna Carlin in 2:39:18 and 110^th place. Unfortunately, following a harsh fall on the course, Phil Neale was forced to withdraw from the race. Luckily his injuries were only minor, but sadly the same could not be said for his wrecked phone!

On Sunday, the irrepressible V75+ distance runner Bob Donovan was out on the trails again! This week he was taking part in the Tissington trail marathon, an out and back race along the Tissington trail at Ashbourne. The course is quite deceptive in that the first 13.1 miles are a steady uphill drag, which can drain the legs before the turnaround and run back to Ashbourne. Bob completed the course in a time of 5:57:40 and achieved first (and last!) in age group and was awarded a special plaque for his achievement!

At the weekend’s parkruns, Kingsbury once again saw the largest turnout of Peelers. First to finish the 5k course in 5^th place and a time of 20:09 was Rob Mace. He was closely followed by Rachael Rickards, who finished as 3^rd female in 18^th place overall in a time of 22:15. Other runners included: Ben Dorkins (22:46); Jackie Tierney (28:37); Clara Walton (29:51); Roger Eastaff (30:19 – personal best); Emma Whorwood (30:28 – personal best); Alison Perry (31:52); Ann Hill (40:03); Stephen Andrews (40:15) and Chris Norris (45:46).

Parkrun tourists included: Claire Guffick (29:47) and Lee Guffick (38:44) at Sutton Park; Michael Stevenson (31:23) at Warwick Racecourse; Tim Mudd (25:41) at East Park, Wolverhampton and Garth Cox (23:43) at Beacon Park, Lichfield. Omitted from last week’s report: Emma Pick finished as 1^st lady in a time of 20:01 and 8^th place overall at the Conkers parkrun on Saturday, 16^th April.