Category: Weekly round up

It was a quiet week for running races; however, many Peelers also enjoy cycling with Jacqui Tierney and Mike Hughes jumping on the saddle for the London Marathon Events Ride London; a 100-mile challenge giving cyclists the opportunity to cycle on traffic-free roads through some of the most famous streets of London and the picturesque villages and countryside of neighbouring Essex. Jacqui completed the ride in 7:38:25 with Mike finishing in 9:21:12, adding to his London Marathon in 2017 and his Swim Serpentine last year, so completing the London Classics series.

A busy Saturday for parkrun saw 12 different courses covered by Peelers. Closest to home, at Tamworth Castle Grounds, Tim Clark was first Peeler finisher in 24:27, followed by Roger Lloyd (25:06), Judith Matthews (25:08), Tim Mudd (25:45), Laura Bowyer (30:54), and Garth Cox (59:51).

At Kingsbury Water Park, Phil Neale ran 22:26, Katie Stretton (25:09), Lisa Stretton (25:20) and Caroline Evans (38:27). In Aldenham, ahead of their 100 mile Ride London, Jacqui Tierney completed in 28:26 and Mike Hughes in 29:46, and at Beacon Park Mike Shelton ran 23:32. A large contingent of Peelers travelled to Cannock Chase parkrun with Roger Eastaff running 33:11, Alison Perry (34:45), Wendy Bowyer (39:36), Vickie Bowyer (39:37), Alison Dolphin (59:52), Stephen Andrews (59:54), and Sarah French (60:01).

Michael Stevenson ran 35:32 at Fountains Abbey, and at Leicester Victoria Allen King and Chris Bennet completed in 23:05 and 23:25 respectively. At Oaklands, Ben Dorkins ran a 7 second PB in an impressive 21:21, whilst at Osterley parkrun Jo Sharman ran 33:40 and Steph Attenborough 33:42. At Poolsbrook in Chesterfield, Ian Orton achieved a fantastic milestone by completing his 150^th parkrun in 24:27. Emma Pick finished in 19:59 at Rosliston, whilst in North London, husband and wife Mark and Sarah Boffey got romantic at the Valentines parkrun, completing in 22:57 and 32:49 respectively.

Last week saw the start of the Bridge to 10K course, led by Dave Fern and Mark Boffey. Over 12 runners took part aiming to increase their distance with the potential goal of competing in the St Giles Hospice Gate Gallop race in July. Six of the participants had previously graduated from the club’s Couch to 5K course, and the Peelers wish all the participants well over the next 10 weeks.

Whilst many others were enjoying relaxing in the hot sunny weather over the past two weekends, Peelers were out undertaking lengthy distance runs.

Last weekend, Carolyne Brown completed the Bosworth Half marathon in 2:18:11 and Helen & Neal Dempsey took on the Chester Half with times of 3:07 and 2:35 respectively. 

The previous weekend, there were more fantastic achievements. Luke Collins (pictured) undertook the mighty challenge of “The Lap” ultra marathon. Held in the Lake District, the course is a 47 mile / 75k trail route around Lake Windermere.  Luke completed it in a very impressive time of 10:26:39 and finished 25th. 

Tim Mudd took part in the Rob Burrows Leeds marathon, the event which supports the fundraising and awareness of the former Leeds Rhino player who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Tim completed the hilly course which included over 3,000 feet of elevation in a time of 4:38:22. 

Last weekend also saw many take part in the weekly parkruns before heading out to the beer gardens! 

At Tamworth Castle Grounds, Jamie Abbiss, who joined the club in March, came in 1^st with a time of 18:46, followed by Mark Boffey (22:16), Allen King (23:06), Chris Bennett (24:14), Simon Gordon (25:02), Roger Lloyd (25:07), George Hope (26:50), Tim Mudd (27:21), Joanne Harvey (29:26), Tony Bryan (29:26) and Natalie Walker (29:54). 

Another large turnout was at Kingsbury Water park where first Peeler home was Ben Dorkins in 7^th (21:42)  followed by Phil Neale (21:53), Mike Shelton (23:55), Lisa Stretton (24:15), Darren O’Leary (24:32), Emma Whorwood (33:08), Sarah Boffey (33:31), Roger Eastaff (34:32), Alison Perry (35:06), Caroline Evans (37:02), Martyn Candy (38:27), Wendy Bowyer (39:10), Ann Hill (39:11), Chris Taylor (39:12) and Stella Taylor (48:29).

Other events attended: Ian Cooper (31:47) at Brueton, Stephanie Attenborough (56:53) and Joanne Sharman (57:04) at Knowsley, Emma Pick in 7th (20:26) at Rosliston, Garth Cox (25:50) at Rugby, Ian Orton (25:14) and Michael Hughes (36:52) at Rushcliffe, Ian Grigg (49:23) at Torbay Velopark and Michael Stevenson (35:35) at Warwick Racecourse. 

With the weather finally turning for the better a couple of peelers turned out for the Birmingham half and 10k races on Sunday. Emma Petricca took part in the 10k race, running for the Birmingham City Foundation, and ran a new PB of 01.01.29. New member Mike Ball took part in the half marathon, the first time he’s ever run this distance, and completed it in a time of 02.52.37.

With the good weather continuing into the Bank Holiday Monday Peel Road Runners were represented at the Milton Keynes full and half marathon. Helen Dempsey ran the half marathon in 03.04.34 and Neal Dempsey ran the full marathon in 04.49.58. Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman also took part in the marathon with both finishing in 05.40.59. This was Steph’s 114^th marathon and Jo’s 58^th.

On Tuesday the C25K group successfully completed the course and in celebration four of the group took part in their first parkrun at Tamworth Castle Grounds on Saturday. All four ran the parkrun really well with good consistent pacing and all finishing in under 40mins. They all really enjoyed their running journey over the past 10 weeks and we look forward to welcoming them all back for the Bridge to 10k course.

With the good weather and the lure of the food festival, Tamworth Castle Grounds drew a large group of peelers. First back for the group in third place overall was Jamie Abbiss in an impressive 19.08. Next back for the club was Natalie Walker in 24.25, followed by Roger Lloyd 24.33, Tim Mudd 27.39, Jackie Tierney 27.42, Joanne Harvey 28.58, Helen Chyla 29.02, Emma Whorwood 30.34, Dave Fern 39.28 and Chris Bennett 39.28.

Kingsbury Water park in the sun also attracted a large number of Peel Road Runners. First back for the club was Allen King in 21.28, followed by Phil Neale 23.49, Ben Dorkins 24.19, Mike Shelton 24.31, Stella Taylor 29.58, Darren O’Leary 32.51, Chris Taylor 33.28, Roger Eastaff 34.12, Claire Guffick 35.31, Ann Hill 36.48, Lee Guffick 40.06, Sarah French 56.48, Nicola Bannister 56.48, Christine Norris 01.06.44, Alison Dolphin 01.07.02 and Wendy Bowyer 01.07.03. Parkrun tourists included, Garth Cox at Beacon parkrun 23.23, Shane Lewis at St Mary’s parkrun, Dorset 21.08, Step Attenborough 36.15 and Jo Sharman 36.16 at Graves, Emma Pick 21.21 at Rosliston, Ian Orton 24.48 and Mike Hughes 37.43 at Worcester.

Does rain stop play?  Not when you are a Peeler.  What should be the start of running with the warmth of sun on your back continues to be dodging the puddles of water from the never ending rain.  However, that has not stopped a good few Peelers from achieving new pbs over the weekend. 

‘Grin and bare it’ conditions did not deter Martin Hollamby from achieving an excellent time of 2:57:24 at the Boston UK Marathon on Sunday.  The route allows runners to experience the big open skies of coastal Lincolnshire but that unfortunately also allows strong headwinds to hinder your pace. Typical Martin, he oddly enjoyed it. 

The Uttoxeter Festival of Running, which includes a scenic but tough half-marathon, was the running choice of several Peelers on Sunday.  First Peeler to sprint home was Emma Pick (1:30:58), a new course pb by over 4 minutes and the third female. Mark Boffey followed with an impressive pb of 1:47:06.  Allen King (01:47:35) came in next, followed by Billy King (2:00:04), with Chris Bennett (2:00:06) hot on his heels – both achieving pbs. Tim Mudd (2:02:05) swiftly followed a great run in preparation for the Leeds marathon in two weeks time.  Sarah Boffey (2:26:42) completed the lineup of Peel runners. 

Team Dempsey, Helen and Neil, ran the final Longhorn Canicross race at Thoresby Hall, Newark.  Both finished in 1:16:00 racing in incredibly wet conditions.  Neil’s running partners were Banana and Elvis; Helen ran with Minstrel and Sydney. A plethora of parkruns was the 5k running choice for a whole host of Peelers on Saturday.  Running at Tamworth, Lee Rickards finished in 21:36; Chris Bennett (22:49); Ian Cooper (25:22); Stuart Hatton (25:35); Marcus Fairburn (28:27).  Wendy Roe (30:20) at Lichfield; Lisa Stretton (24:56); Darren O’Leary (25:30); Claire Guffick (27:34); Lee Guffick (34:07); Alison Perry (35:20); Vickie Bowyer (38:52); Laura Bowyer (38:53) and Nicola Bannister (44:43) all ran at Kingsbury Water Park.  Tim Mudd (27:34) ran at Newark; Garth Cox (26:50) ran at Gedling; Jacqueline Tierney (29:38) at Clifton; Ian Orton (23:56) at Warwick; Emma Pick (20:27) at Trentham Gardens; Mark Boffey (23:22) and Sarah Boffey (33:31) visited Llangollen to run on the Old Railway Trail.  Further afield, Steph Attenborough (33:10) and Joanne Sharm (33:09) included a parkrun whilst visiting Zuiderpark, The Hague, Netherlands.  And last but certainly not least, Michael Hughes (29:33) enjoyed his run in Jablonna, Poland.

There are marathons (and they’re all 26.2 miles long!) and then there is the iconic TCS London marathon, which draws runners from across the world every April to pound the streets of the capital city.  For many Peel Road Runners this is the dream race to win a place in (over 500,000 people applied for one of the 50,000 places this year) and Emma Whorwood was lucky enough to win the coveted Peel Club place this year.  Despite the pressure of getting the miles in while training for the marathon, she also selflessly used her place to raise over £1000 in sponsorship for the Rainbow Children’s Hospice and was rewarded by completing the marathon in a personal best time of 5:14:11. 

First home for the club in London was Wayne King, who ran a strong and well paced race until he suffered with cramp at mile 17 and then struggled to get back his form.  However, finishing in a sub-3 hour time of 2:54:50 and in the top 2,500 of 50,000 runners is an achievement that most of us could only dream of!  Next home for the club and finishing in a time of 3:33:11, Phil Busby (V55-59) ran a strong race to finish in the top 20% of runners.  Another Peeler using the marathon as an opportunity to raise money for charity was Tony Bryan, who collected over £2700 in sponsorship for the Stroke Association and finished in 4:38:07.  He was closely followed by Donna Reid who finished in 4:39:03 and Clara Walton in 4:41:06.  Roger Eastaff was the final Peeler to cross the line in a time of 6:24:54 making the most of the party atmosphere out on the course!

Although Peel Road Runners by name enjoy the lure of tarmac, many Peelers also love trail running and the training and mental health benefits that this type of running can bring.  To this end, a group of four Peelers took on the Malvern Hills trail half marathon on Saturday running in unusually warm, sunny and dry conditions which provided the bonus of far-reaching views across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.  Mark Boffey was first to finish for the club in 2:36:15, followed by Chris Bennett in 2:47:20, Simon Gordon in 2:49:36 and Sarah Boffey in 3:11:04.

At the weekend’s parkrun events with Tamworth parkrun cancelled, Peelers travelled far and wide for their Saturday morning 5k parkrun. Running at Oakhill, London Michael Hughes finished in 31:02 whilst Roger Lloyd ran at Conkers (24:51); Allen King (25:49) ran at Kingsbury accompanied by Mike Shelton (25:51); Garth Cox (26:17); Alison Perry (35:44); Nicola Bannister (44:39); Sarah French (60:34) and Alison Dolphin (60:47).  Ian Orton ran at Exmouth (23:42); Darren Truman at Pont y Bala (25:41); Joanne Sharman (35:49) and Steph Attenborough (35:56) at Jubilee, Spennymoor whilst Stuart Hatton (25:00); Tim Mudd (25:34); Marcus Fairburn (28:20) and Wendy Roe (30:33) ran at Beacon, Lichfield.

It’s the time of year when the focus turns to marathons and last weekend saw five Peelers in action at the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the second largest marathon in the UK. Having tackled numerous storms and lots of wet weather to get those much needed long training runs in over the winter months, those taking part were rewarded with a surprisingly dry Manchester and great conditions on the day. The hard work paid off with PB’s and milestones for all who ran.

First to cross the line was Lee Rickards achieving an incredible sub 3 hour PB time of 2:57:27. Next through for the Peelers was Allen King, smashing an hour off his previous marathon PB, crossing the line in 3:42:34. Mike Shelton and Trev the Bear came in at 4:17:48, completing their 10^th marathon together and continuing to raise awareness for the amazing work of St Giles Hospice, whilst husband and wife team Claire and Lee Guffick both PB’d with fantastic times of 5:01:24 and 6:07:53 respectively. A huge Peeler well done to all involved, we’re very proud of you.

Meanwhile Saturday saw a stalwart and much admired member of the club, Dave Fern, complete his 200^th Park Run at Kingsbury Water Park. Dave was first home in his age category in a time of 30:24.

Also competing at Kingsbury were Ben Dorkins (21:53), Darren O’Leary (23:17), Tim Clark (25:06), Lisa Stretton (25:45), Simon Gordon (26:13), Stuart Hatton (27:22), Marcus Fairburn (28:38), Laura Bowyer (31:02), Sarah Boffey (33:50), Alison Perry (37:39), Wendy Bowyer (43:31) and Stephen Andrews (47:10).

Wayne King led the pack at Tamworth Park Run, crossing the finish first and securing a PB at the same time in 18:12. He was followed by one of the newer club members Jamie Abiss in a time of 20:14 with Chris Bennett (22:46), Time Mudd (24:04), Roger Lloyd (24:26), Tony Bryan (24:30), Judith Matthews (25:38) and Sophie Galloway (25:57) all hot on one another’s heels. Wendy Roe represented the club at Lichfield Beacon Park with a time of 30:51.

Park Run touring Peelers included Jackie Tierney (27:25) at Northampton, Garth Cox (23:29) at Walsall and Ian Orton (24:17) and Michael Hughes (34:45) at Hanley. Emma Pick visited Rother Valley and secured the position of 3^rd female (20:45) whilst over at Babbs Mill Roger Eastaff secured a time of 33:05 chased down by Ann Hill (45:29), Alison Dolphin (45:30) and Sarah French (45:34). Finally over at Irchester Steph Attenborough finished in 35:56 with Joanne Sharman, another new Peeler, closing in on her in a time of 36:20. Next week will see many of the Peelers head down to London to participate or support fellow members in the iconic London Marathon. We’d like to wish the best of luck to all taking part; may all your efforts and training pay off but most of all have an incredible time and enjoy the experience.

Storm Kathleen certainly didn’t deter and damper the Peel Road Runners spirits this week with many of the club attending races, despite the weekends very blustery conditions. 

At the first BDSL race of the season the club were out in force at the ‘Run in the Forest’ held at Conkers Waterside Centre in Derbyshire. Held over a 5-mile course almost entirely off road, compromising of some hard packed trails and canal tow paths, the route takes in some of the fine scenery the National Forest has to offer.

Wayne King was first home in a fantastic time of (30:57); followed by Martin Hollamby (31:49); Emma Pick (34:23); James Stretton (36:23); Phil Neale (37:17); Darren O’Leary (39:25); Mark Boffey (39:39) (PB); Tim Mudd (40:49); Ian Orton (41:17); Chris Bennett (41:18); Lisa Stretton (41:29); Kirsty Welsh (42:35); Simon Gordon (44:06); Billy King (45:36); Darren Truman (45:55); Michael Hughes (48:04); Joanne Sharman (48:55); Sarah Boffey (50:30); David Fern (51:16).

Whilst Luke Collins and Michael Shelton tackled a very muddy Challenge Event ‘A Coventry Way’.  The Challenge is a 40-mile circular long-distance trail with the route starting and finishing at the Heart of England Social Club in Meriden.  The majority of the route is off-road and passes through mainly agricultural land in Warwickshire and Solihull.  The Challenge is held annually, with Luke and Michael finishing in a very impressive 9 hours 30.

With a city centre start and finish, Jacqueline Sheasby completed the Sheffield Half Marathon in a very impressive 2:15.  The event boasts a stunningly scenic route with views of the Peak District on some very challenging hills.

Also finishing in an impressive time of 2:15, Lisa Ellen took to the streets of London to see all the sites in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Through the City of London and the City of Westminster, passing St Pauls Cathedral, Guildhall, Tower of London and along the Thames to Big Ben, the route was also filled with musical performances, DJ’s dancers and much more.  

Cathedral to Castle

With the return of the 7^th local Lichfield Cathedral to Tamworth Castle run, the Peelers were out again for this much loved event. Covering a 10-mile multi-terrain course from Lichfield Cathedral, passing through Hopwas Woods and finishing at Tamworth Castle.  First Peeler back was Allen King with a fantastic PB time of (1:16:08); followed by Helen Chyla (1:34:08); Andrew Gillman (1:34:26); Natalie Walker (1:34:42); Stuart Hatton (1:35:14); Sophie Galloway (1:36:19); Emma Petricca (1:43:34) (PB); Val Lawson (1:50:31); Laura Bowyer (1:51:35) (Frist 10 mile event and PB); Wendy Roe (1:59:19) (First 10 mile event and PB); Claire Guffick (1:59:20); Michael Ball (1:59:38) (First 10 mile event and PB); Helen Dempsey (2:06:19) and Neal Dempsey (2:06:19); Roger Eaststaff (2:07:48); Lee Guffick (2:07:49)

Parkrun events

The busy weekend didn’t put the Peelers off attending many of the local Parkrun events too.  Many runners attended the local Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun.  Allen King was the first Peeler back in an impressive (21:56) followed by Phil Neale (22:09); Garth Cox (25:08); Roger Lloyd (25:20); Simon Gordon (26:05); Judith Matthews (26:25); Joanne Harvey (29:33); Sophie Galloway (33:48); Emma Whorwood (36:01).

There was also a strong attendance at Kingsbury Waterpark Parkrun too.  With Claire Guffick the first Peeler to cross the line in (28:27); Jacqueline Tierney (28;50); Lee Guffick (37:03); Nicola Bannister (43:04); Alison Dolphin (43:18); Wendy Bowyer (46:02); Vickie Bowyer (46:03)

At Cannock Chase Parkrun Emma Pick ran (24:13), whilst at Warwick Racecourse Parkrun Michael Stevenson ran (37:05)

Further afield at Blyth Links Parkrun Joe Sykes ran (31:47), whilst at Wollaton Hall Parkrun Ian Orton run (25:33), with Michael Hughes coming in at (48:39); whilst at Battlestead Croft Parkrun Tim Mudd crossed the line at (26:17).

The Easter break has been a quiet time for races with many Peelers completing long runs for marathon training or on holiday before over-indulging in chocolate! However, Stewart Baker earned his chocolate egg, quite literally, by taking part in the Chasewater Easter Egg 10k. The race followed 2 laps of the reservoir along undulating paths and trails which he completed in a PB time of 54:37 rewarded with a medal and a creme egg!

The Peel Canicross teams were out at a very muddy Catton Hall for the weekend with Rob Mace (running with Drama and Glory) placing 1st and Neal Dempsey (running with Banana and Elvis) placing 3rd in the weekend and the overall season for the series, with Helen Dempsey also competing.

It was a particularly busy weekend for Parkruns with plenty of Peelers in action at Tamworth Castle Grounds Parkrun. Chris Bennett was the first Peeler to cross the line in 23:34 followed by Tim Clark (25:59), Natalie Walker (26:25), Zoe Schnepp (26:40), Sophie Galloway (27:06), Helen Chyla (28:36), Owen Slater (28:44), Dave Fern (29:39), And Wendy Roe (31:53).

At Kingsbury Water Parkrun a good contingent of Peelers saw Darren O’Leary finish in 24:20, Simon Gordon (28:11), Claire Guffick (32:28), Roger Eastaff (35:53), Lee Guffick (35:59), Ann Hill (36:31), Nicola Bannister (43:28), Alison Dolphin (44:19), Wendy Bowyer (44:38), Alison Perry completed her 50th parkrun in 55:10 followed by Stephen Andrews (56:42).

The Easter weekend presented an opportunity for some Parkrun tourism. At the seaside, four Peelers tackled the incredibly challenging Great Yarmouth North Beach Parkrun, considered the hardest Parkrun in the UK, which is ran entirely on energy sapping soft sand. First Peeler to cross the line was Mark Boffey in 27:06, followed by Ian Orton (29:30), Sarah Boffey (41:48) and Michael Hughes (54:25). Also, beside the seaside Mike Shelton completed Bournemouth Parkrun in (21:38). Up in the Lakes Ben Dorkins ran Keswick Parkrun in 22:13, whilst at Victoria Dock in London Jackie Tierney ran 27:11. Lee Rickards ran an impressive 17:47 and bagged a 30 second PB at Long Eaton Parkrun. At Beacon Parkrun Tim Mudd ran 24:33 and Ian Cooper completed Edgbaston Reservoir in 26:56. Garth Cox ran University of Northampton Parkrun in 24:26 whilst at Conkers Emma Pick ran in 22:12 and Marcus Fairburn 30:03.

Wednesday evening saw the club attend the final coached track session of the season at Tamworth Athletics Club, running 8 x 2-minute hard efforts. Many thanks to Derek Bolton for delivering the sessions and we look forward to returning in the Winter.

With many of the club’s members taking part in events last weekend, most got back to enjoying the local Parkruns this week.

The majority were at Kingsbury waterpark where Emma Pick finished in 8^th position and was first female home in 21:09. Next was Phil Neale (22:10), Darren O’Leary (23:14), Ben Dorkins (24:40), Chris Bennett (25:19), Simon Gordon (26:14), Claire Guffick (30:22), Stella Taylor (32:02), Chris Taylor (32:03), Lee Guffick (34:55), Emma Whorwood (35:26), Ann Hill (42:20), Nicola Bannister (42:50), Wendy Bowyer (43:24), Stephen Andrews (46:10) and Alison Perry (46:11).

At Tamworth Castle Grounds Roger Lloyd was first in with a time of 25:52, followed by Wendy Roe (31:52), Sandra Ingram (33:33) and Sophie Galloway (35:20). 

We were well represented at many other Parkruns near and far with Steph Attenborough at Aston Hall (34:50), Mike Shelton at Lichfield (20:37), Ian Cooper at Burnham & Highbridge (29:44), Marcus Fairburn at Conkers (30:32), Ian Orton (24:03), Jacky Tierney (27:38) and Michael Hughes (37:07) at Newtown, Joy Sykes (35:39) at Roberts Park West Yorkshire, Tim Mudd (24:51) at Worcester Pitchcroft and finally Sarah Boffey (28:00) at Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln.

As a club, we continue to see many new members, so if you would like to join us, we meet next to the Skate Park in Castle Grounds at 6.45 for a 7pm start. Tuesdays are a social run and on Thursdays we have sessions covering different areas of running. Last Thursday, one of our club coaches Mark, led a session focusing on hills which, as you can see from the smiles, was enjoyed by all!

With impeccable organisation from Ivanhoe Runners, the Aldi Ashby 20-mile race is seen as a local “must do” race for runners preparing for spring marathons such as London and Manchester. The race is always well supported by the Peel Road Runners and this year was no exception with 16 members running the undulating two lap course.  First home for the club and 17^th lady (168th out of a field of 1296 runners) was Emma Pick crossing the finish line in a time of 2:32:54.  Next to finish was Mike Shelton (aided and abetted by Ted the bear who he carried for the race!) in a time of 2:51:22; Tim Mudd (3:09:37 – personal best); Donna Reid (3:18:22); Judith Matthews (3:18:22); George Hope (3:31:15); Carolyne Browne (3:35:38) Sophie Galloway (3:38:09); Stuart Hatton (3:38:10); Claire Guffick (3:43:32 – personal best); Emma Whorwood (3:48:17); Helen Manton (3:57:29); Lee Guffick (4:25:09 – personal best); Helen Dempsey (4:36:31 – personal best); Neal Dempsey (4:36:31) and Roger Eastaff (4:59:27).

Running at the Stafford half marathon on Sunday and, though more used to ultra running in the mountains, Martin Hollamby took to the tarmac in great style running a personal best time of 1:21:16 and finishing in 27^th place out of 1800+ runners!  An impressive result!

For runners wanting a fast and flat course with personal best potential, the two lap Florette Fradley 10k doesn’t get much better.  Taking advantage of this, Luke Collins achieved a personal best time crossing the line in 38:24 and 5^th in age category.  He was followed by Chris Bennett (50:32); Garth Cox (51:34); Clara Walton (57:15); Helen Chyla (57:17) and Jackie Tierney (58:40).

Running on very muddy and rocky terrain, Val Lawson took on the challenge of the scenic Pennine Trails Leighton Hall trail half marathon near Carnforth, Lancashire finishing in a time of 3:13:13. Despite all the weekend’s races, parkruns both local and further afield drew a good number of Peelers to get their Saturday 5k fix.  Running at Tamworth Castle parkrun, Lee Rickards was first to cross the finish line in 18:17, followed by Rob Mace (21:21); Tim Mudd (24:51) and Roger Lloyd (26:27).  Further afield at Market Harborough, Steph Attenborough finished in 33:46 whilst at Kingsbury, Mike Shelton finished in 23:34 followed by Ben Dorkins (23:44); Darren O’Leary (24:32); Tim Clark (25:38); Lisa Stretton (26:08); Lee Guffick (57:53) and Claire Guffick (58:05).  At the Queen Elizabeth parkrun in Portsmouth, Mark Boffey celebrated his birthday with a 25:00 minute run, followed by Sarah Boffey in 32:38.  Running at Evesham, Ian Orton finished in 25:02 followed Jackie Tierney (28:39) and Michael Hughes (41:23).  Joy Sykes (33:59) ran at Bramley, Leeds parkrun; Wendy Roe (30:31) ran at Beacon, Lichfield and Alison Perry (44:05), Ann Hill (44:44), Sarah French (50:41), Alison Dolphin (50:42) and Stephen Andrews (50:50) took on the muddy and challenging course at Sense Valley, Ibstock