Category: Weekly round up

The famous Blackpool Illuminations usually indicate the start of Autumn.  But if you were in Blackpool this weekend, you would have been fortunate enough to have a preview of what’s to come.  Blackpool Run the Lights 10k and 5k is an exciting and vibrant running event held annually.  The event offers participants a unique opportunity to combine their passion for running with the dazzling spectacle of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.  The race starts in the heart of Blackpool and follows a scenic route along the Promenade, passing iconic landmarks such as the Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach and the lively amusement arcades.  As the sun begins to set, the town’s renowned illuminations come to life, illuminating the course with a spectacular display of lights, colours and animations.  The race is for every ability level; it is flat and fast, offering the potential to achieve impressive race times.  This race is not just about the race; it’s a celebration of community and camaraderie.  Participants are encouraged to embrace the lively atmosphere, don their brightest attire and soak up the electric energy of the event.  The Peelers certainly embraced the ethos of the race, digging deep into their running fancy dress boxes for an appropriate outfit.  

First across the line for the club was Matt Salisbury, completing the course in an impressive time of 40:20.   Dan Bird was hot on his heels, coming in at 40:22.   Wayne Richardson was the next Peeler home, finishing in 45:19. Next was Allen King, 49:11, followed by Billy King, 50:05.  This was a 10k pb for Billy.  Jo Bovington followed in 50:45; Chris Bennett in 51:22; Simon Gordon in 52:11; Tracy Ford in 56:05; Gemma Pritchard in 57:59; Mark Boffey in 58:01; Carolyne Brown in 01:00;   Lisa Barnes in 01:01;  Samie Futrill in 01:01;  Val Lawson in 01:07. 

Before the event even started, the travelling Peelers made sure to enjoy everything Blackpool had to offer, from funfair rides to bubblegum ice cream.

The streets of central Birmingham were closed on Sunday to allow participants to complete the Unity 5k,  tying in with the final day of the European Athletics Championships.  Thousands of runners took on a 5k route through the city centre, using the same roads as the championship marathon earlier that day.  Ian Orton took on the challenge and crossed the line in an impressive 20:48. 

Twenty-eight members enjoyed their Saturday morning parkrun fix in fourteen different locations.  Tim Mudd visited Alderford Lake, Whitchurch and completed the course in 27:30.  Beacon Park, Lichfield was the choice of Garth Cox, finishing in 26:17 and Graham Lane in 28:05.  Three Peelers started their day with a run at the beginning and the end in Blackpool.  Wayne Richardson completed the course in 29:23; Dan Bird in 29:23 and Jo Bovington in 55:49. 

Bournemouth parkrun course consists of one small lap and two large laps with a short dash to take participants to the finish.  Mike Shelton crossed the line in 22:54.  Emma Pick achieved first female in a time of 20:15 at Conkers parkrun.  You never know where our next two Peelers will be at the weekend:  Inis Meain, Ireland, was the choice of Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough last weekend.  Jo ran the course in 34:29 and Steph in 34:32.  Kingsbury Water Park, one of the two closest parkruns for Peelers, saw Roger Eastaff cross the line in 35:06; Nicola Bannister in 38:26.  Parkruns are not just for runners; there is now a large community of people choosing to walk the course.  Two members of the Peel walking group, Alison Dolphin and Steve Andrews, crossed the line in 45:12. 

Jacqueline Tierney spent the weekend in Norfolk, completing the Sandringham parkrun in 39:16.  The home parkrun, Tamworth Castle Grounds saw Danny Beardmore over the line in 19:00; followed by Jamie Abiss in 19:36; Luke Collins in 20:51; Robert Donovan in 44:07; Sarah Boffey in 58:20 and Mark Boffey in 58:21.  Billy King travelled to Trentham Gardens (on the road to Blackpool) and finished in 29:47 followed by Allen King in 29:50.  Claire Guffick ran at Warrington in 31:30 and Lee Guffick in 51:24.  Warwick Racecourse was the choice of Michael Stevenson who crossed the line in 44:25.  Wendy Bowyer started her holidays with a parkrun at Barmouth completing in 39:47.  And finally, Ian Orton started his weekend with a run at York Community Woodland finishing in 39:54. 

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds skate park car park at 6:45 pm for a 7:00 pm start.  We also have a walking group meeting on Tuesdays, at the same time and in the same meeting place.  New members are always welcome.  Please check out our website (peelroadrunners.co.uk) or our public Facebook page for more information.

Although the Peel Road Runners are starting to get acclimatised to running in warmer temperatures, the heat definitely adds another level of difficulty to racing, and with yet another heatwave and yellow warning for Sunday’s races, less enthusiastic runners could have been tempted to stay at home!  However, the lure of the Burton 10k with its lovely downhill finish to look forward to (not mentioning the less than lovely uphill start!) was enough for an intrepid group of Peelers to head east on the A38.  Taking on the undulating course, which started and finished at Burton Athletics Club, Matt Salisbury was first home for the club in a time of 43:31 followed by Dan Bird (44:06), Luke Collins (45:34), Mike Shelton (46:44), Lorna Al-Ani (47:02), Wayne Richardson (47:22), Lorna Carlin (49:55), Katie Stretton (52:29), Lisa Stretton (52:46), Anne Whitby-Smith (54:49), Simon Gordon (54:55), Jo Bovington (55:39), Cheryl Flint (1:01:16), Sandra Ingram (1:05:10) and Helen Manton (1:06:49).

Also on Sunday, the Solihull half marathon saw Adrian Jelley finish well in a time of 1:39:32, followed by Lydia Trenfield in 2:06:46 and Jo Sharman in 2:38:38 (her fastest half marathon this year). 

As ever, parkrun proved a popular way to start the weekend with Iain Downie the first Peeler home at Tamworth Castle in 23:21, followed by Sophie Galloway (26:42) and Cheryl Flint (28:11).  A larger group of Peelers ran at Kingsbury parkrun with Ash Goodman first home for the club in 24:00, followed by Darren O’Leary (24:53), Katie Stretton (25:11), Ben Dorkins (25:28), Lisa Stretton (25:48), Lisa Barnes (31:03), Allen King (31:26), Ann Hill (34:19), Roger Eastaff (35:15), Helen Dempsey (37:08), Neal Dempsey (37:09), Nicola Bannister (40:28) and Jackie Tierney (48:35). Running at Aviemore, Jonathan Allen finished in 28:19, whilst at Holyrood, Edinburgh Tim Mudd stopped the clock on 27:50 closely followed by Carolyne Browne  (27:51).  At Macclesfield parkrun, Mark Boffey ran in a time of 26:18 followed by Sarah Boffey (33:09).  At Bittesby Country Park, Lutterworth Garth Cox finished in 27:47 and at Ushaw Historic House, Durham Jo Sharman finished in 32:15 with Steph Attenborough park walking (1:02:17).  Ian Orton ran at Hull parkrun in 20:28 and Athena Mansell ran at Cheltenham in 26:36.  At Gorleston Cliffs Great Yarmouth, Billy King crossed the line in 25:18 and at Northampton, Anne Whitby-Smith ran in 25:06.  Finally at Beacon Park Lichfield, Graham Lane crossed the line in 29:29, whilst at Rosliston Dan Bird was first home for the club in 22:50 followed by Wayne Richardson (23:14) and Jo Bovington (45:03).

Before the weekend’s parkrun action got underway, Joanne Sharman celebrated a remarkable milestone by completing her 200th and 201st half marathons on consecutive days.

On Saturday, Joanne travelled to the Saturn Running “Have You Ever Seen a Nessie in the Thames?” event. Set along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames, the multi-lap course combines well-made paths, tarmac and a short grass section, with runners having up to seven hours to achieve their chosen distance. Joanne completed her half marathon in 3:24:10, bringing up her landmark 200th half marathon.

Not content to stop there, Joanne was back in action on Sunday at the RunThrough Bedford Autodrome Half Marathon. The event is held on the former motor racing circuit designed by ex-Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer and is renowned for its smooth tarmac surface, sweeping bends and traffic-free route. Despite completing a half marathon the previous day, Joanne produced an excellent run, finishing in 2:52:48, an impressive 32 minutes quicker than Saturday’s effort.

Saturday’s parkruns were blessed with favourable summer running conditions, with warm temperatures, light winds and dry conditions providing ideal circumstances for runners across the country.

Another packed parkrun weekend saw Peel Road Runners delivering strong performances at a variety of events across the country, with members ranging from Scotland’s Moray coast to Surrey, Nottinghamshire and across the Midlands.

A strong club turnout was recorded at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 363 runners took part. Leading the Peel Road Runners home was Wayne Richardson, finishing 31st overall in 22:26. He was followed by Billy King (23:16), Jo Bovington (25:17), Mark Boffey (25:24), Lydia Trenfield (27:29), Darren Truman (29:32), Sarah Boffey (33:22), Alison Perry (39:26), Dan Bird (42:55) and Cheryl Flint (43:11).

At Kingsbury Water parkrun, where 247 runners lined up, Darren O’Leary led the Peel contingent with an impressive 24:53. He was followed by Chris Bennett (28:31), Allen King (28:36), Lisa Barnes (32:28), Claire Guffick (33:56), Ann Hill (34:40), Stephen Andrews (34:59), Roger Eastaff (35:00), Martyn Candy (39:03), Nicola Bannister (40:19) and Lee Guffick (49:19).

There were standout performances elsewhere, with Emma Pick continuing her excellent form by finishing 1st female and 15th overall at Wollaton Hall parkrun in a superb 21:03. At Holme Pierrepont parkrun, Ian Orton secured a top-25 finish, crossing the line in 20:51, while Ash Goodman recorded 23:07 at Babbs Mill parkrun and Jackie Tierney tackled Victoria Embankment parkrun in Nottingham, crossing the line in 58:26.

At Battlestead Croft parkrun, Iain Downie led the Peel runners home in 23:11, followed by Owen Slater in 28:39. Meanwhile, Roger Lloyd posted a strong 24:27 at Beacon parkrun, Graham Lane completed Monsal Trail parkrun in 29:11 and at Warwick Racecourse parkrun, Michael Stevenson finished in 42:48.

Further afield, Jonathan Allen ran 27:34 at Nairn Links parkrun in Scotland, while Garth Cox completed Severn Valley Country parkrun in 31:23.

The club was also represented in southern England, where Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman completed Egham Orbit parkrun in 52:02 and 52:04 respectively.

With members taking part at thirteen different parkrun venues, achieving category honours, top-25 finishes and personal successes along the way, it was another excellent weekend showcasing the enthusiasm and spirit of Peel Road Runners.

This weekend was one of the UK’s most challenging endurance events, the gruelling Lakeland 100 ultramarathon in the Lake District.

Peeler Martin Hollamby was among the competitors who lined up for the iconic race, which started in Coniston on Friday 24 July and took runners on a demanding 100-mile circuit through some of the country’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The event is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier ultra-distance trail races.

Demonstrating exceptional determination and resilience, Martin crossed the finish line in 327th place from a field of 489 finishers, placing him among an elite group of athletes able to conquer the formidable challenge.

The Lakeland 100 takes runners on a clockwise loop of the Lake District, passing through remote valleys and fells including Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Haweswater and Ambleside before returning to Coniston. Competitors face around 6,300 metres of ascent and descent, rugged terrain, overnight running and unpredictable weather conditions. Organisers allow a maximum of 40 hours to complete the course.

Often referred to as the “Ultra Tour of the Lake District”, the race is renowned for its difficulty, with many entrants failing to complete the course each year. Congratulations to Martin on an outstanding achievement.

Parkrun Events

Peel Road Runners once again demonstrated the club’s remarkable enthusiasm for parkrun, with members taking part at no fewer than 13 different venues on Saturday morning. From local favourites at Tamworth Castle Grounds and Kingsbury Water to the historic setting of Rome’s Caffarella parkrun, the club was represented by 42 runners across the UK and beyond.

The performance of the day belonged to Emma Pick, who claimed the title of first female finisher at Caffarella parkrun in Rome. Emma crossed the line in an outstanding 19:15, securing third place overall and producing one of the club’s fastest performances of the weekend.

At Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 370 runners took part, Danny Beardmore led the Peel Road contingent with an impressive 7th-place finish in 19:19. He was followed by Wayne Richardson (22:54) and Ashley Goodman (23:03), both recording excellent top-40 finishes. Sophie Galloway was the leading Peel Road female runner at the event, stopping the clock at 24:43. Also representing the club were Martin Hemming (24:47), Cheryl Flint (27:49), Chris Bennett (30:30), Darren Truman (31:18), Jo Bovington (43:26), Allen King (52:34), Samantha Futrill (52:35) and Alison Perry (1:01:15).

A strong contingent also headed to Kingsbury Water parkrun, where James Stretton was first home for the club in 19:40, finishing eighth overall. Other notable performances came from Mike Shelton (22:04), Katie Stretton (24:35), Lisa Stretton (24:44) and Simon Gordon (26:30). Completing the Peel Road line-up were Carolyne Browne (27:55), Roger Eastaff (33:22), Claire Guffick (33:32), Stephen Andrews (34:51), Lee Guffick (35:03), Ann Hill (35:54), Emma Whorwood (38:16), Alison Upton (38:17), Nicola Bannister (41:34) and Alison Dolphin (47:14).

Elsewhere, Peel Road’s parkrun tourists were spread across the country. Ian Orton recorded a superb 21:22 at Conwy parkrun, finishing 14th overall, while Athena Mansell posted 26:37 at the busy Cheltenham parkrun, which attracted 724 runners. Graham Lane completed Beacon parkrun in 28:47, while Tim Mudd tackled the challenging terrain of Haughmond Hill parkrun, finishing in 28:45.

At Queenswood Country Park parkrun, Mark Boffey crossed the line in 28:52, with Sarah Boffey following in 38:53. Jonathan Allen enjoyed a visit to scenic Mount Stuart parkrun, recording 32:03, while Garth Cox completed Chasewater parkrun in 34:14.

Further afield, Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough represented Peel Road at Queensway parkrun, finishing in 31:12 and 43:58 respectively. Chris Taylor completed Market Bosworth Country Park parkrun in 37:00, while Jacqueline Tierney showed great determination at Flint Castle parkrun, recording 1:00:54.

A special mention also goes to Paul McCann, who completed the aptly named Peel parkrun on the Isle of Man in 52:57, ensuring the club’s colours were represented at an event sharing the club’s name.

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday evening at Tamworth Castle Grounds Skate Park at 6.45 pm.  Come along and give it a try; details can be found at: www.peelroadrunners.co.uk

Peel Road Runners turned in another impressive team performance at the latest Burton and District Summer League fixture, the Worthington 6. Organised by Ivanhoe Runners, the popular six-mile midsummer trail race follows an out-and-back route along the scenic Cloud Trail on the edge of the National Forest. Despite challenging hot and humid conditions, the Peelers recorded a host of excellent performances throughout the field.

Emma Pick led the club home with an outstanding run, finishing second female overall in a superb time of 37:02. There was further success for the club as Lorna Al-Hilal claimed first place in the FV45 age category, completing the course in an impressive 45:02.

Wayne King was the first Peel Road Runner man across the line in a speedy 37:33, followed by Matt Salisbury in 41:42 and Michael Shelton in 41:53. Daniel Bird finished in 43:38, with Ian Orton close behind in 43:51. Wayne Richardson completed the course in 45:56, while Philip Neale recorded 47:01.

Lorna Carlin crossed the line in 47:37, with Ben Dorkins finishing in 48:18. Katie Stretton ran 49:09, Billy King recorded 50:18, and Simon Gordon finished just a second later in 50:19. Lisa Stretton completed the course in 50:42, Roger Lloyd in 50:59, and Chris Bennett in 51:19.

The club’s strong depth continued with Phoebe Wade finishing in 54:00, George Hope in 54:58, Lydia Trenfield with a PB in 55:13, Carolyne Browne in 55:18, Jo Bovington in 55:57, and Cheryl Flint in 56:08. Graham Lane completed the race in 1:00:14, Lisa Barnes finished in 1:00:45, and Helen Manton crossed the line in 1:05:59.

After the race, the runners were able to cool off with a well-deserved cold drink and enjoy the party atmosphere at the back of the Malt Shovel whilst enjoying the music, BBQ and ice cream. Congratulations to all who took part.

Peel Road Runners were once again represented across the country at a variety of parkrun events, with Emma Pick producing another outstanding performance by finishing as first female at Trentham Gardens parkrun in a superb time of 19:32.

At Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, Wayne Richardson led the club home in 23:21. Katherine Bradley was next across the line in an excellent 24:01, followed by Wayne King in 25:43. Cheryl Flint completed the course in 28:12, George Hope finished in 28:29, and Jo Bovington rounded off the club’s performances with a time of 42:52.

Kingsbury Water parkrun attracted another strong Peel Road Runners turnout. Katie Stretton was the first club member home in 24:10, closely followed by Lisa Stretton in 25:36. Roger Lloyd recorded 26:28, Ann Hill crossed the line in 34:43, Lee Guffick completed the course in 35:17, Garth Cox ran 41:12, and Nicola Bannister finished in 42:28.

Elsewhere, Ian Orton recorded an impressive 22:17 at Dolgellau parkrun, while Tim Mudd completed Brueton parkrun in 27:33. Graham Lane ran 29:03 at Beacon parkrun, and Ash Goodman finished Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun in 32:33.

Mark Boffey represented the club at Oldham parkrun, finishing in 26:26, with Sarah Boffey recording 37:40 and Jacqueline Tierney completing the course in 49:56.

Further afield, Joanne Sharman finished Wimbledon Common parkrun in 33:45, while Stephanie Attenborough volunteered as a tail walker to complete the event in 1:05:14.

Wayne King really gave it some welly at the Wellingborough 5-mile race on Sunday, a scenic and undulating 5-mile road race through the Northamptonshire countryside. King completed the race in a rapid 30:21, finishing in a fantastic 15^th place overall.

The Peelers meet every Tuesday evening at the skate park car park at 6.45 pm for a 7 pm start with a choice of different-paced running groups and a walking group.

Conditions were near-perfect for Park runs far and wide this weekend, and the Peelers showcased some excellent results at various locations. Full details below

Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun

Iain Downie 23:22, Richard Satchwell 24:20, Roger Lloyd 27:21, Stuart Hatton 28:29, Jonathan Allen 28:58, Jo Insley 33:11, Dave Fern 44:24, Carolyne Browne ( tail walker)1:00:49

Rosliston parkrun

Katherine Bradley 24:23

Kingsbury Water parkrun

Mike Shelton 21:49, Katie Stretton 23:59, Ben Dorkins 24:06, Anne Whitby-Smith         26:16, Graham Lane 29:23, Roger Eastaff      33:13, Darren O’leary 33:19, Chris Taylor 34:51, Nicola Bannister 42:39, Jacqueline Tierney 57:06

Monsal Trail parkrun

Emma Pick 19:55

Chasewater parkrun

Garth Cox 38:49

Perton Playing Fields parkrun

Joanne Sharman 33:55, Stephanie Attenborough 48:00

Flegg High parkrun

Sophie Galloway 25:09

Kilkenny Lane Country parkrun

Ian Orton 21:45

Shrewsbury parkrun

Wayne Richardson 22:11

Sam Cart took on Black Country Half Marathon and bagged a PB, completing the course in a very impressive 1:53:47. The popular course starts in Wolverhampton and takes runners along the canal towpaths into central Birmingham. Not only did Sam hit a half marathon PB, but every milestone was also a pb 10k,15k,10 mile and 20k. That’s great going Sam; well done

Joanne Sharman opted for taking on Tittesworth half marathon as their tail runner whilst supporting a friend through her first half marathon.  Tittesworth Reservoir sits in the shadow of The Roaches — the dramatic gritstone escarpment that defines the western edge of the Peak District. This race combines easy reservoir-side running with steep climbs onto the heather moorland above, offering impressive views over Staffordshire and the Cheshire Plain. In Jo’s words, the hills were as tricky going down as they were up. Jo completed the course in a fantastic 5:26:30. Amazing work

If you would like to consider joining the Peel Road Runners, we meet at the Skate Park car park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.45 pm. Please message our Facebook page, Peel Road Runners public page, for further information

It was a busy old weekend for the Peel Road Runners.

On Friday evening, Peel Road Runners held their annual presentation awards, where the club gets together to celebrate the club and individual achievements across various categories over the last 12 months, with the award winners being voted for by the club members. Club award winners were: Best Male: Wayne King, and Best Female: Emma Pick, both for their continued and consistent race results. Best MV40: Danny Beardmore, recognised for his current good form and London Marathon time, where he represented the Peelers with this year’s club place. Best Female V35: Samie Futrill, for her achievements since returning from injury last year, including completing the London Marathon, which had been on her bucket list for quite a few years. Best MV50: Roger Lloyd, again, for his current good form and for his consistent finishing times and improving all the time. Best Female V45 went to Tracy Ford, who has been hitting PB’s across various race distances. Best potential male: Matt Salisbury, who has been going from strength to strength with good performances over road and cross-country races. Best potential female: Katie Stretton, who, similar to Matt, has shown great strength, setting quicker and quicker finishing times. Most improved male went to Ian Orton, who has been hitting PB’s in every race distance. Most improved female was awarded to Sophie Galloway, who has been setting quicker race times, hitting PB’s and set a great time at the Boston (UK) marathon in tough weather conditions. The Club marathon award went to Sam Cart, who, on only her second marathon, set an amazing time of 04:05:31 in tough weather conditions. If the weather had been better, this time would easily have been under 4 hours. Club male: Mark Boffey and Club female: Lisa Barnes, for their consistent contributions to the club. The President’s award is given to someone who has shown great commitment to the club, committed selfless acts or overcome setbacks, etc., with the recipient being chosen by club president Raymond Rogers. This year, the award went to Sam Cart. Also, Sophie Galloway, Sarah Boffey, Mark Boffey, Simon Gordon, Wayne King and Matt Salisbury won awards for competing in all the previous 2025-2026 cross-country season races. Congratulations to all the award winners, all well deserved.

Saturdays, most people test themselves at Parkrun over 5k. Lorna Al-Ani likes to push the boundaries a bit further. This Saturday, Lorna took part in the Ultra Wales 50 miles (although Lorna said the distance was closer to 54 miles) described as a beautiful mountain and trail race with around 10000ft elevation, taking in Cadair Idris, Rhinog Fach, Dolgellau, the Barmouth Estuary and Wales’ greatest forest, Coed-y-Brenin. Lorna completed the race in an impressive 14 hours and 28 minutes.

On Sunday, Peel Road Runners hosted the annual Gate Gallop race as part of the BDSL race series. Starting and finishing at Anker Valley playing fields, the course takes in a lap of the playing fields before heading out over the local moorlands and farmlands, before heading back into the playing fields. Plus, it wouldn’t be a true Gate Gallop race without some gorgeous hot summer weather, making the local moorlands even more scenic. The Gate Gallop offers a children’s fun run, 5k and 10k options. In the 5K, Ian Orton was the sole Peel representative, but he continued his current good form by winning the race in a fantastic time of 21:51.

In the 10k race Peelers had ten runners. First back for the club was Wayne King in 39:42. Followed by Dan Bird (45:19), Katherine Bradley (49:08), Katie Stretton (50:31), Phil Neale (51:21), Billy King (52:10), Wayne Richardson (54:29), Phoebe Wade (56:06), Stephen Andrews, who completed his Bridge to 10k course with this race, (01:17:22) and Dave Fern (01:17:50). Hats off to everyone who raced in tough conditions. Also a big shout out to all the Peelers who marshalled the event and for all the organisation by Martin Hollamby, Mike Shelton and Mark Boffey to ensure the event ran smoothly.

On Parkrunday, Peelers travelled to various locations to get there weekly 5k fix. As usual, the two home events, Kingsbury Water Park and Tamworth Castle Grounds, were both well attended.

At Kingsbury Water Park, club chairman Mike Shelton was first back in 22:20. Closely followed by Ben Dorkins (25:13), Katie Stretton (26:37), Lisa Stretton (26:40), Darren O’Leary (28:15), Emma Whorwood (34:40), Claire Guffick (34:40), Lee Guffick (35:38), Wendy Bowyer (37:29) and Nicola Bannister (41:08).

At Tamworth Castle Grounds, first back was Allen King in 23:24. Putting the pressure on Allen was Chris Bennett in 23:25. Hot on their heels was Sophie Galloway (24:24), Roger Lloyd (27:03), Cheryl Flint (27:51), Graham Lane (28:56), Jo Insley (33:49), Dave Fern (33:50) and Sarah Boffey (36:54).

In parkrun tourism news, Peelers represented the club at a few locations. Jon Allen travelled to Banbury and finished in 29:28. Garth Cox was at Beacon Park, finishing in a time of 55:18. Ian Orton finished East Park in 21:54. Jackie Tierney went to Macclesfield, finishing in 38:31. At Millhouses parkrun, Tim Mudd finished in 26:45. Steph Attenborough attended Preston parkrun, finishing in 59:28. At Rosliston, Wayne Richardson finished in 25:17, closely followed by Jo Bovington in 27:49. Finally, Emma Pick ran at Sence Valley Forest park and finished in 20:49.

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds Skate Park car park at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. We also have our walking group meeting on Tuesdays, at the same time and in the same meeting place. New members are always welcome. Please check out our website (Peelroadrunners.co.uk) or our public Facebook page for more information.

The Washlands Relays is an inter-club relay race held on a Wednesday evening in June in Burton Upon Trent.  Peel Road Runners have always supported the race enthusiastically and enjoy the challenge of running the two-mile laps in the shortest possible time. As ever, although individual results were important, having inclusive and fun mixed teams was also a priority for the Peelers, especially as many runners were taking on the challenge for the first time. 

In the individual women’s results, Emma Pick was first lady home, completing the two-mile course in a time of 11:44, just two seconds in front of her local rival, Abbey Van Dijk!  Next Peeler lady to finish was Lorna Al-Ani in 14:13 followed by Katherine Bradley (15:22), Katie Stretton (15:27), Lorna Carlin (15:49), Lisa Stretton (15:54), Sam Cart (16:05), Sophie Galloway (16:07), Jo Bovington (16:38), Gemma Pritchard (16:45), Carolyne Browne (17:36), Lisa Barnes (19:03) and Helen Manton (20:55).

In the men’s results, Danny Beardmore was first back for the club in a time of 12:30, followed by Matt Salisbury (13:11), Luke Collins (13:23), Adrian Jelley (13:48), Mike Shelton (13:55), Ian Orton (14:16), Wayne Richardson (14:27), Tom King (14:30), Phil Neale (14:35), Billy King (14:49), Ben Dorkins (14:50), Chris Bennett (14:59), Iain Downie (15:33), Mark Boffey (15:39), Roger Lloyd (15:51), Simon Gordon (16:08), George Hope (16:22), Tim Mudd (16:32), Graham Lane (16:43), Tony Bryan (17:08) and Dave Fern (20:11).

Another local favourite, the Aldridge 10k race, was held on Sunday, but only two Peelers were able to make the start line this year.  Roger Lloyd finished first in a time of 50:37, followed by Stewart Baker in 58:21. Meanwhile, at the Two Castles 10k (starting at Warwick Castle and finishing at Kenilworth Castle), Neal Dempsey and Helen Dempsey crossed the line together in a time of 1:14:32 and commented on the ‘hilliness’ of the course!  (The lack of hilly terrain in Tamworth can cause problems for Peelers used to flat training runs!).

Saturday parkruns, as ever, proved a huge draw for the Peelers, with Kingsbury pulling in the largest number from the club.  First back was Club Chairman, Mike Shelton, in a time of 21:52 followed by Ash Goodman (22:57), Ben Dorkins (26:00), Darren O’Leary (27:30), Lorna Al-Ani (28:10), Roger Eastaff (33:40), Jo Insley (34:15), Claire Guffick (34:41), Lee Guffick (35:39), Ann Hill (35:50), Stephen Andrews (35:53), Wendy Bowyer (37:42), Nicola Bannister (44:47) and Lisa Barnes (1:04:17). 

Owen Slater ran at Beacon Parkrun (29:40), whilst at Tamworth Castle Grounds, Wayne Richardson (21:58), Chris Bennett (22:38), Jo Bovington (25:09), Sophie Galloway (25:16), Graham Lane (27:45), Jonathan Allen (28:18), Dan Bird (29:59), and Cheryl Flint (43:03) represented the club.  Further afield, Emma Pick (21:21) ran at Congleton, Tim Mudd (27:15) took on Brueton parkrun, whilst Mark Boffey (26:54) and Sarah Boffey (38:09) ran at Nobles parkrun in Peel on the Isle of Man.  Finally, Steph Attenborough (52:08) and Jo Sharman (59:31) ran at Orangefield, Belfast, and Jacqui Tierney (1:05:04) took part in the Lyme Park, Disley parkrun.