Category: Weekly round up

A beautiful morning of unbroken sunshine and blue sky saw the final race of the cross country season at the picturesque Foremark Reservoir in South Derbyshire. Teams of five men and four women tackled the challenging two lap course with stunning views of the water and slippery, muddy climbs being the main features. The event was also marshalled by the Peelers with 14 members and family coming to provide support for the race. First Peeler to finish for the men’s team was Wayne King, followed by Mike Shelton, Chris Bennett, Simon Gordon and Lee Guffick. First woman to finish for the club was Claire Guffick, followed by Lisa Barnes, Jackie Tierney and Val Lawson. This season’s cross country has been well attended once again, with a significant increase in the number of women members taking part. The camaraderie as always has been magnificent, the cakes even more so and the introduction of the tea, coffee and hot chocolate has been well received.

For the cross country season as a whole, the men’s team finished in 4th place, the women’s in 9th, and the club overall in 4^th place, with four Peelers qualifying for prizes at the end of season awards. The winners were Wayne King 2nd Place VM45, Luke Collins 3rd place VM45, Martin Hollamby 3rd place VM40, and Jackie Tierney 3rd place VW60. Special mention to other Peelers who finished in the top 10 positions with Lee Rickards 4^th place VM40, Mark Boffey 5th place VM50, Sam Cart 10th Senior Ladies, Emma Petricia 8^th place VL45, Sarah Boffey 10th VL45 and Claire Guffick 9th VL50. Well done to the winners and to everyone who ran and supported at cross country this season.

Peel Road Runners were out in force across multiple parkruns, putting in strong performances. At Leamington parkrun, Mark Boffey finished in 27:23, while Sarah Boffey crossed the line in 35:39. Over in Norwich, Ben Dorkins completed his run in 23:30.

At Worcester, Tim Mudd finished in 29:14, while at Conkers, Emma Pick had a fantastic run, finishing in 20:00 as the first woman. At Queen’s parkrun in Belfast, Ian Orton completed his run in 24:32 whilst also claiming his 4^th alphabet challenge.

Kingsbury Water parkrun saw several strong finishes, with Katie Stretton leading the club in 27:45. Darren Truman and Philip Neale both finished in 28:30, while Jacqueline Tierney crossed the line in 30:07. Claire Guffick completed in 33:19, and Roger Eastaff in 37:25. Wendy Bowyer and Emma Whorwood ran 38:47 and 39:26, while Lee Guffick finished in 39:34. Sarah French wrapped things up with a time of 51:41.

At Lytham Hall, Steph Attenborough finished in 1:00:28. Beacon parkrun saw Mike Shelton complete in 24:12, while at Edgbaston Reservoir, Allen King ran 22:28, with Chris Bennett close behind in 23:40.

Bramshall Road parkrun featured Garth Cox, who finished in 25:10. Tamworth Castle Grounds saw Lee Rickards take first finisher in 18:37. Lorna Carlin finished in 24:18, while Simon Gordon and Sophie Galloway ran 26:15 and 26:23. George Hope completed in 28:45, Roger Lloyd in 29:06, and Lisa Barnes running strongly with a new PB in 30:08. Alison Perry rounded things off with a time of 38:34.

At The Plens parkrun, Mike Hughes completed in 30:59. The Peelers meet every Tuesday evening at the skate park car park at 6.45pm for a 7pm start with

It was a record breaking weekend as the club half marathon records for male and female were broken. Emma Pick finished 1^st in the Leicestershire half marathon with a very impressive time of 1:17:51, knocking a massive 7.5 minutes off her previous PB.  And, Ash Baldwin finished 1^st in the Bedford half marathon in an excellent 1:14:31. 

Also in those events, Mark Harriot finished 3rd in his age group in a time of 1:31:15 in the Leicestershire half and Rachael Naylor achieved a PB with a time of 1:52:42 at Bedford.

In this weekend’s parkrun events – the most popular was Kingsbury Water Park, where Mike Shelton finished in 3rd position (21:28) followed by Lisa and Katie Stretton (26:32 & 27:51), Roger Eastaff (41:29), Nicola Bannister (44:51), Alison Dolphin (58:38) and Stephen Andrews (58:39). 

Next most popular was Tamworth Castle Grounds where Tom King was first home for the club in 31st position (23:06) followed by Billy King (24:33), George Hope (28:01), Marcus Fairburn (29:49), Sandra Ingram (31:35) and Alison Perry (47:10).

Other runners out and about were Steph Attenborough (35:00) and Jo Sharman (35:01) at Abbey Park, Garth Cox (23:06) & Roger Lloyd (24:27) at Beacon, Mike Stevenson (37:40) at Brueton, Jacky Tierney (29:46) at Congleton, Tim Mudd (30:05) at Corby, Allen King (22:09) and Chris Bennett (24:14) at Coventry, Ben Dorkins (25:25) at Jesmond Dene, Mike Hughes (50:08) at Ludlow, Simon Gordon (26:01) at Sutton Park and Ian Orton (24:59) at Upton House, which completes his volunteer alphabet challenge and leaves him now just one off his 4th alphabet.  At Rosliston, Emma “warmed up” nicely for her half marathon finishing at first female and 5^th overall in 20:53.

But, three Peelers decided against an easy Saturday morning run and took on the Dirty Dozen, a trail run around Cannock Chase featuring 12km of twist, turns, ups and downs and the infamous ditch of doom! Luke Collins finished in 11th place in 1:02:46 followed by Clair Guffick (2:06:59) and Lee Guffick (2:08:31). 

What a busy week in the Peelers calendar!

Helen Dempsey, Rob Mace and Neal Dempsey took to the Canicross trails over two days. In the Two dog male course Rob picked up 2^nd place with the aptly named Drama and Glory ,Neal picked up 3^rd place with Lillian and Banana . Not tired out by one race Neal also came 3^rd in the Two dog short race with Minstrel and Elvis.

Helen also ran 2 amazing races the Two dog longer race with ginger duo Pine and Sydney and the One dog short course with Patch.

Park runs were well attended this weekend and some great milestones were achieved.

Beacon – Garth Cox 23:20

Conkers -Emma Pick was 1^st female and 2^nd overall place with a time of 18:25

Kingsbury water park -Philip Neale 24:06, Ben Dorkins 24:58,Darren O’Leary 29:04,Claire Guffick 32:20,Ann Hill 39:20,Emma Whorwood 39:22, Wendy Bowyer 39:23

Kingsway saw Michaels 4^th completion of the park run alphabet competition and his 100^th consecutive Park run- Michael Hughes 30:41, Ian Orton 30:42

Morecambe Prom-Simon Gordon 24:36

Nostell -Joanne Sharman 49:39, Stephanie Attenborough 49:39

Perry Hall- Tim Mudd 29:02

Tamworth Castle Grounds – Matt Salisbury 19:41, Stuart Hatton 27:31,Clara Walton 27:35, Roger Lloyd 28:22,Sandra Ingram smashed a sub 30 which she has been working really hard to achieve 29:47,Stella Taylor 34:59

A team of Peelers travelled to Tremorfa in Cardiff to run and support Mark Boffeys 100^th Park run location -Allen King 23:41, Chris Bennet 24:25, Mark Boffey 24:54,Darren Truman 27:44,Jackie Tierney 29:46,Sarah Boffey 35:52

Sunday saw the Penultimate Cross country race of the season at Allestree Park – a course of over 6 miles completed over 2 laps with mixed terrain and a considerable amount of mud thanks to the rain on Saturday.

Wayne King was the first male in for the Peelers and 5^th male overall,Luke Collins 12^th , Mike Shelton 43^rd,Mark Boffey 86^th,Ben Dorkins 90^th , Billy King 99^th and Chris Bennett 103^rd

The ladies team saw Lorna Carlin as the first Peel lady back in 23^rd place , Sam Cart 31^st,Sophie Galloway 33rd ,Claire Guffick 48^th ,Emma Petrioca 59^th , Lisa Barnes 60^th ,Jackie Tierney 61^st and Val Lawson 67^th

Big shout out to Lisa , Lee and Sandra who were there with much appreciated support , hot drinks and cake at the finish .

Last but no means least Lee Rickards travelled to Wrexham to take part in the Village bakery half marathon and achieved an amazing PB of 1:22:03, clearly running to the finish in quick time for his Welsh cakes or scones The final Cross country race of the season is just a couple of weeks away and it is the Peel Road runners turn to host . Roll on lighter nights and summer routes …

A relatively quiet weekend for Peel Road Runners meant parkrun was the event of choice at various locations.

At local events Kingsbury Water Park was biggest lure with seven peelers in attendance. First back was Ben Dorkins with a time of 24:15. Closely followed by Lisa Stretton (26:23), Claire Guffick (31:56), Lee Guffick (35:57), Roger Eastaff (37:44), Stephen Andrews (47:48) and Alison Dolphin (47:50).

At Tamworth Castle Grounds Chris Bennett was first back for the club in 24:41, hot on his heels was Sophie Galloway (26:39) and Stuart Hatton (28:01).

As a typical weekend several peelers partook in some parkrun tourism at various locations.

At Beacon park in Lichfield Mike Shelton ran 20:34 with Roger Lloyd in 28:19. Emma Pick ran Beeston parkrun in 18:25. Michael Stevenson (37:26) at Brueton. Garth Cox ran 24:04 at Edgbaston Reservoir. At Ingrebourne Hill in London Ian Orton ran 24:51, Jackie Tierney (30:45) and Mike Hughes (48:47). Allen King and Billy King travelled to Severn Bridge and finished in 22:58 and 24:56 respectively.

At Vicar Water Country Park, Jo Sharman completed her 4th Parkrun alphabet (a culmination of some extremely early starts and flights around the world) and finished in a time of 51:04, followed by Steph Attenborough in 58:07.

Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Castle Grounds Skate Park car park at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. We also have our new walking group meeting on Tuesdays, same time and same meeting place. New members always welcome.

Emma Pick continued her impressive form to finish as the fastest female at a UK Parkrun this weekend , completing Alvaston parkrun in 16:57.  It was Emma’s first time at this course, and is also her first time running under seventeen minutes. Her previous parkrun best was 17:48, run at Long Eaton in November, so this was a considerable improvement. Emma has also qualified for a Championship place in the 2025 TCS London Marathon!

The winter sunshine provided ideal conditions for the cross-country league meeting this week at Boothorpe, Moira. The course is two laps of National Forest Land, approximately 5.5 miles, mostly on grass land with some steep gradients. The men’s team consisted of nine runners. Wayne King’s position was 7th, Martin Hollamby 18th, Luke Collins 20th, Lee Rickards 31st, Mike Shelton 42nd, Mark Boffey 81st, Chris Bennett 101st, Simon Gordon 104th and Lee Guffick 126th. The ladies put out a team of seven. Sophie Galloway’s position was 41st, Sam Cart 50th, Claire Guffick 66th, Emma Petricca 71st, Lisa Barnes 79th, Sarah Boffey 88th and Jacquie Tierney 89th. The race was finished in the usual way with a hot drink and an excellent selection of cakes – all well deserved. 

Vingis in Vilnuis, Lithuania, launched a weekly parkrun event in September 2021, becoming the 23rd parkrun country around the world. The parkrun takes place in the beautiful Vingis park, a short walk from the historic city. It is a two-lap course through the pine forest.

A group of Peelers enjoy spending their weekends seeking out parkruns slightly further afield. Mark Boffey led the pack with a time of 23:58, closely followed by Ian Orton 25:14, Jacquie Tierney 30:08, Michael Hughes 30:43.  Mark and Jacquie drove straight from the airport on their return to the UK to compete at Boothorpe cross-country.. hat is dedication.

Closer to home.

Ian Cooper completed Babbs Mill parkrun in 32:44 and Garth Cox ran Bedworth in 25:27. A very muddy run greeted parkrunners at Kingsbury Water Park. Mike Shelton completed his run in 22:24. This was also the 300^th parkrun for Mike which is a great achievement. Katie Stretton in 26:36, Darren O’Leary 27:50, Claire Guffick 32:45, Sarah Boffey 34:39, Lee Guffick 36:24, Emma Whorwood 36:51, Alison Dolphin 46:32, Steve Andrews 46:33, Wendy Bowyer 49:36, Nicola Bannister 49:36 and Ann Hill 49:37.

Tamworth parkrun was the choice of Chris Bennett 24:41, Allen King 25:47, Sophie Galloway 26:21, Darren Truman 28:04, Stuart Hatton 28:19, Roger Lloyd 29:32 and Stella Taylor 29:48.

University of Stirling saw Joanne Sharman complete the parkrun in 31:47 and Steph Attenborough in 32:52. Finally, Warwick Racecourse was the choice of Michael Stevenson completing the course in 39:26.

Another week of typically British winter weather (a named storm, freezing temperatures, fog!) failed to deter the Peelers from training for upcoming races and parkruns.

Taking on the challenge of the Tissington trail half marathon (an interesting traffic free out and back course, with the ‘out’ section being net uphill making for a potential quicker second half), Natalie Walker crossed the line in 1:54:04, closely followed by Lorna Carlin in 1:55:09 and Lizzie Walker (personal best) in 2:09:43.  Running the Tissington trail 10k race, Roger Lloyd finished in a time of 54:14.

Completing a slightly longer trail challenge, Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman ran the Wilmot Wander following a route that started and finished at the 27^th Derby Scout Headquarters in Chaddesden and circled Derby taking in strenuous hill sections, field paths, parkland and canal tow paths.  They finished the 32 mile route in 10 hours 30 minutes. 

At Tamworth parkrun, Lee Rickards crossed the line first for the club in third place overall and a time of 19:03 followed by Phil Neale (23:02), Stuart Hatton (28:16), George Hope (28:42), Emma Livingstone (30:36) and Chris Bennett (46:20). 

At Walsall Arboretum, Garth Cox stopped the clock on 23:16, whilst at Kingsbury parkrun a larger contingent of Peelers were headed home by Ben Dorkins (27:16) followed by Darren O’Leary (28:28), Jacqui Tierney (29:59), Claire Guffick (31:10), Sarah Boffey (33:32), Lee Guffick (36:39), Roger Eastaff (35:56), Wendy Bowyer (39:14), Nicola Bannister (50:58), Ann Hill (50:58) and Sarah French (51:03).

At Great Denham, Bedford Michael Hughes finished in 28:48 and at The Wammy, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Joanne Sharman finished in 37:18 and Steph Attenborough (37:21).

Simon Gordon ran at Babbs Mill, Kingshurst in 27:41 and at Chipping Norton Christie Rosser ran the 5k course in 29:51.  Meanwhile, Club Chairman Mike Shelton ran closer to home at Beacon Park, Lichfield finishing in 24:16 and at the new parkrun venue of Vicar Water Country Park, Mansfield, Ian Orton finished in 27:09.

However, star of the ‘parkrun show’ this week has to go to Emma Pick who finished first female at Conkers parkrun in a time of 17:50 and achieved the sixth fastest time of all female parkrunners running in the UK on 25^th January!  Emma commented that she thought that “everyone else must have been having an easy week!” but knowing that Conkers parkrun is not an easy or flat course, the Peelers think that she is being very modest!

This week was an extremely cold and icy one, with many Parkrun events cancelled.  The freezing conditions didn’t deter 3 Peel Road Runner members along with their amazing four-legged friends though.  Rob Mace along with Helen and Neal Dempsey travelled to Eland lodge to compete in the Canicross weekend, which is renowned for being a challenging course.  Team Peel put in an amazing effort with Rob Mace, along with Drama and Mystery (Miss) finishing in a fantastic 1st place in the 2-dog long course.  Neal Dempsey, along with Paddington and Elvis, completed both the long and short course and came in a fantastic 3^rd place in the 2-dog short course.  Helen Dempsey, along with Minstrel and Sydney completed the long course, and along with new Boy Patch, Helen completed the short course female finishing 4^th, which was amazingly Patch’s first full race weekend.  Great job patch!

Parkrun Events

With so many of the local Parkrun events cancelled due to the icy weather, Peelers had to travel further afield.

Several Peelers travelled to Conkers with Emma Pick finishing in an amazing 2^nd place and the 1^st lady back in (18.47), which was also a new course PB.  Alan King was second back for Peel in (26.57) and Roger Lloyd in (27.26).   

Travelling to Beacon Park were Mike Shelton, who was first back for Peel in (22.47), Tim Mudd followed in (27.38), with Claire Guffick (34.00) and Lee Guffick (36.37).

Travelling slightly further a field to Abbey Park was Ian Orton (26.35).  Garth Cox travelled to Babbs Mill and finished in (26.13).  Jacqueline Tierney finished Hackney Marshes in (30.07).  Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough finished Illaunmanagh in (31.59) and (32.33) respectively and finally Michael Hughes finished Marlay in (47.54).

Peelers walking group Peel Road Runners walking group meets on a Tuesday evening in the carpark by the Tamworth Castle skate park at 6.50pm.  The group walks various routes for around 1 hour each week.  Come along and give it a try.

Val Lawson took on a new challenge at the end of the year, taking part in the Black Moon Rising trail half marathon on 30^th December. Hosted by First Light Adventure Ltd, the race took place at Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire starting in daylight and ending in darkness illuminated by headtorches for the rising of the Black Moon, the second new moon of the month. Running through Sutton Spring Wood before climbing to the Five Pits Trail, Val completed the undulating course in 2:36:59, finishing 67^th out of a field of 79 runners and the 22^nd woman out of 32.

Many Peelers were up early on New Year’s Day to bring in the new year on a high. At Leamington parkrun, Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough ran together, finishing in 51:06 and 51:07, respectively. At Oxford parkrun, Emma Pick delivered an impressive performance, finishing as the second woman overall in 19:48.

Kingsbury Water parkrun saw Mike Shelton finish as first Peeler in 22:02, followed by Ben Dorkins at 25:42. Jacqueline Tierney and Claire Guffick completed in 31:08 and 31:21. Sarah Boffey finished in 33:57, while Helen and Neal Dempsey crossed the line together in 36:27 and 36:28. Lee Guffick completed in 37:58, with Wendy Bowyer wrapping up in 50:28.

At Fountains Abbey parkrun, Michael Stevenson finished in 38:21, while at Jubilee parkrun, Ian Orton recorded a time of 30:25. Michael Hughes completed the course in 54:47. Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun saw Lee Rickards finish in 25:15, just ahead of Chris Bennett at 25:16. Sophie Galloway completed her run in 28:10, with Darren Truman finishing in 32:16. Mark Boffey volunteered as tail walker to complete the event in 1:00:59.

Peel Road Runners braved the icy conditions across multiple parkrun events on Saturday 4^th January. At Conkers parkrun, Allen King finished in 24:58, followed by Chris Bennett in 27:32 and Darren Truman in 29:48. Ian Orton represented the club at Malahide parkrun with a time of 26:18.

Kingsbury Water parkrun saw a large turnout from the club. Luke Collins completed the course in 20:58, with Mike Shelton close behind in 21:29 and Philip Neale in 22:45. Garth Cox finished in 26:35, while Katie and Lisa Stretton crossed the line in 26:40 and 26:43 respectively. Roger Lloyd ran in 27:29, and Simon Gordon and Tim Mudd finished in 30:28 and 30:29. Claire Guffick ran in 31:27 and Lisa Barnes in 33:22. Lee Guffick completed the run in 35:39, just ahead of Emma Whorwood at 35:55. Wendy Bowyer completed in 45:57, Nicola Bannister in 48:02, and Ann Hill in 48:03.

Further afield, Michael Hughes ran in 48:21 at Hereford parkrun. At Evesham parkrun, Ben Dorkins finished in 24:23. At Rutland Water parkrun, Mark Boffey clocked 23:58, with Jacqueline Tierney finishing in 29:48 and Sarah Boffey in 32:21. Stephanie Attenborough and Joanne Sharman crossed the line together at Doddington Hall parkrun with times of 31:32 and 31:33. Meanwhile at Belvoir Castle parkrun, Emma Pick achieved an outstanding result, achieving first finisher with a time of 20:21.

As we reach Christmas week the events are winding down for the year but Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman still managed to fit in two this weekend! One as participants and one as volunteers.

The duo firstly tackled a very windy 19 miles across The Long Mynd with the Long Distance Walking Association. The Long Mynd forms part of the Shropshire hills and has 1693ft elevation. They then gave their time on Sunday and volunteered at the Birmingham Running festivals event which took place in Sutton Park raising funds for Birmingham Hospice . The event features a 5k,10k, half marathon and juniors race option.

Park run was well attended despite local storms and flooding ….

Battlestead Croft

Mark Boffey 32:47 Sarah Boffey 36:06

Brueton

Ian P Cooper 32:29

Chasewater

Wayne King 18:26 finishing 2^nd overall ),Emma Pick 18:38 (finishing 4^th overall),Garth Cox 24:23

Leamington

Billy King 25:51,Chris Bennett 28:17,Allwn King 28:50

Pavillion Gardens

Ian Orton 25:27

Sutton Park

Mike Shelton 22:34,Stella Taylor 33:32

Tamworth Castle grounds

Ben Dorkins 24:24 ,Sophie Galloway 27:14,Jackie Tierney 31:21,Helen Manton 32:23

Sandra Ingram 32:38, Claire Guffick 34:57,Emma Whorwood 35:19,Wendy Roe 35:27

Whilst many were unwrapping presents or getting the turkey in the oven, it was an extra busy week of running with the Christmas Day parkrun events taking place at 9am. There is always a great atmosphere at these with many festive outfits & santa hats on display.

Garth Cox was at Babbs Mill (24:53), Sandra Ingram further afield at Bolberry Down (31:58). Michael Hughes at Cheltenham (51:36), Ian Orton at Conkers (26:31), Michael Stevenson at Northallerton (37:51), Joanne Sharman (54:13) and Steph Attenborough (54:56) at Northwich and Emma Pick 1^st female at Rosliston (19:49). 

The most popular event was Tamworth Castle Grounds : Ben Dorkins (23:26), Billy King (24:04), Allen King (24:09), Mark Boffey (24:58), George Hope (26:32), Rich Satchwell (27:05), Sophie Galloway (27:34), Jackie Tierney (30:37), Christie Rosser (30:48), Claire Guffick (30:54) and Sarah Boffey (44L14).

There are very few events held between Christmas and New Year, however, over 400 runners took on the Wheaton Aston 10k. Wayne King finished in an impressive 13^th position and in addition a new PB at 36:10.

And on Saturday, everyone was out again to run off those extra Christmas treats. The popular events were again Tamworth and Kingsbury Water Park. At Tamworth, there were some impressive times as three of the club ran under 20 minutes as well as Emma picking up the Female course record coming in 4^th overall in 18:14. She was followed by Wayne King (18:46), Lee Rickards (19:30), Matt Salisbury (22:12), Allen King (22:27), Ben Dorkins (23:48), Rich Satchwell (24:46), Simon Gordon (25:57), Luke Collins (26:52), Roger Lloyd (27:46), Tim Mudd (30:02), Helen Manton (30:46) and Emma Livingston (32:05). 

At Kingsbury first home was Darren O’ Leary (27:52) then Darren Truman (29:57). Claire Guffick (33:25), Alison Upton (37:54), Roger Eastaff (38:04), Lee Guffick (39:04), Alison Dolphin (58:54), Sarah French (58:57), Stephen Andrews (58:59), Christine Norris (65:42) and Alison Perry (65:44). 

Around and about we had runners at Quakers Walk, Joanne Sharman (36:09) and Steph Attenborough (36:11), Jackie Tierney at Melton Mowbray (30:08), Mark & Sarah Boffey (25:35 & 34:53) at Itchen Valley Country, Michael Stevenson at Fountains Abbey (36:36), Ian Orton (25:42) and Michael Hughes (46:37) at Forest of Dean, Wendy Roe (34:45) at Conkers, Garth Cox at Cannon Hill (24:23) and Mike Shelton at Beacon Lichfield (21:01). 

And to end the year there was pacing of a different nature going on as the annual Beer run took place. The run took in seven local pubs with more focus on PB’s (Pints of Beer) than Personal Best running times!