Category: Weekly round up

Ever since the Peel Road Runners were established as a running club for Tamworth runners over 35 years ago, the club has welcomed runners of all abilities. For some of the club’s members, parkruns are the highlight of their week whilst for others, it is all about pushing the boundaries to see what they are capable of doing. Two such Peelers are Martin Hollamby and Steph Attenborough. 

At the weekend, Martin Hollamby completed the Lakeland 100 mile trail race. This iconic race follows a circular trail route emcompassing the whole of the Lakeland fells, including around 6300 m (21000 ft) of ascent. The route starts and finishes in Coniston and heads south before completing a clockwise loop taking in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Matterdale, Haweswater, Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater before finishing in Coniston. Completing the route in 31.5 hours, Hollamby stated that he had had a great adventure, but that fatigue set in in the last 10 miles which caused him to lose some time there.

Meanwhile, ticking off more marathons in her 100 marathon challenge, Steph Attenborough completed 12 marathons in 12 days with Zig Zag Running with an average time of just over 6 hours, taking her marathon total to 84!

In Sunderland, Joy Sykes took part in the World Triathlon Championship Series Sprint distance triathlon completing the 0.75 km swim in 22:28; the 16.9 km cycle ride in 44:15 and the 5 km run in 33:49 finishing 12^th in the F55-59 age category.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Phil Neale was first home for the Peelers in 22:06 followed by Ben Dorkins (22:57); Simon Gordon (24:18); Tim Mudd (25:40); Dave Fern (29:41); Darren O’Leary (30:36); Claire Guffick (31:40); Laura Bowyer (32: 59); Lee Guffick (33:57); Helen Dempsey (36:05); Neal Dempsey (36:14); Roger Eastaff (36:27); Wendy Bowyer (39:40); Chris Norris (63:08) and Sarah French (63:39). Parkrun tourists included: Mark Boffey (23:46) and Michael Hughes (27:32) at South Manchester; Samantha Harris (36:30) at Brueton; Jackie Tierney (30:12) at Merthyr; Emma Pick (20:47) at Conkers; Garth Cox (28:10) at Sutton Park; Mick Stevenson (36:07) at Warwick Racecourse and Ian Orton (23:36) at Chipping Norton School.

The Worthington 6 mile race is the fourth race in the Burton & District Summer League and is an out-and-back race run along the Cloud Trail from Worthington, hosted by Ivanhoe Runners. The race always attracts a competitive field and this year was won by Matt Scarsbrook of Birchfield Harriers in a time of 31:13. First Peeler home was Wayne King in a time of 35:29 and 2^nd M40 and 13^th overall. He was followed by Luke Collins in 40:52; Emma Pick (41:25) and 2^nd Senior Female; Scott Chapman (43:15); Phil Neale (44:18); Ian Orton (46:02); Chris Bennett (47:51); Allen King (47:53); Tim Mudd (48:53); Darren O’Leary (48:53); Catherine Tieley (49:11); George Hope (51:19); Michael Hughes (51:58); Roger Lloyd (52:19); Emma Livingstone (59:41) and Billy King (70:15).

At the weekend, Caroline Evans completed the ‘Piece of Cake’ trail half marathon at Cardingmill Valley, Church Stretton in a time of 3:03:49. The scenic and hilly route threw all types of weather at the runners, making for an even more interesting experience than would usually be expected!

Also taking on a trail race over equally tough terrain, Sarah Boffey completed the Tittesworth Trail 10k race from Tittesworth reservoir near Leek in 1:32:18. The challenging route took in the Roaches and Hen Cloud, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and the interesting weather conditions!

At the weekend’s parkruns, Phil Neale was first home for the club at Kingsbury in 22:41, followed by Ben Dorkins (29:14); Dave Fern (29:45); Laura Bowyer (36:22); Sarah French (41:08); Alison Dolphin (41:10) and Ann Hill (41:12). Parkrun tourists included: Mick Stevenson (33:18) at Fountains Abbey, Ripon; Tim Mudd (26:21) at Gedling, Nottingham; EmmaPick (21:27) at Sutton Park; Ian Orton (25:42); Mark Boffey (25:43); Sarah Boffey (31:57) and Michael Hughes (34:21) at Henley Wood, Oswestry; Joy Sykes (33:36) at Tyne Green, Hexham; Garth Cox (25:12) at Woodgate Valley, Birmingham; Allen King (23:39) and Chris Bennett (25:16) at Market Bosworth and Jackie Tierney (32:02) at Beacon Hill, Loughborough.

Despite the hot, humid, and stormy weather, Peel Road Runners were not deterred from their usual
weekend running antics.

The Wyre Forest Trail Race saw runners tackle the “undulating” off-road route with 1200ft of
elevation over the half marathon distance. Michael Shelton was first Peeler back in a time of 2 hours
7 minutes, followed closely by Allen King (2:08), Simon Gordon (2:08) and Chris Bennett (2:11).
At the weekend’s Parkruns, first Peeler home at Kingsbury was Emma Pick (21:05), who was the first
female finisher, followed by Michael Shelton (21:33), completing his 200 th run at this location; Tim
Clark (22:51); Judith Mathews (25:37); Darren O’Leary (25:46); Roger Lloyd (26:03); Ben Dorkins
(27:46); Sophie Galloway (28:18); Dave Fern (30:27); Jacqueline Tierney (30:33); Helen Dempsey
(35:28); Neal Dempsey (35:29); Joy Sykes (36:06); Chris Norris (1:01:49); Chris Taylor (1:01:54) and
Stella Taylor (1:01:57). Parkrun tourists included Tim Mudd (24:57) at Highbury Fields, and Steph
Attenborough (32:36) at Henley Wood in Oswestry. A group of Peelers also travelled to Salcey Forest
in Northamptonshire: Allen King (22:56); Ian Orton (23:22); Mark Boffey (24:12); Chris Bennett
(24:43); Darren Truman (26:26); Sarah Boffey (30:46); Michael Hughes (32:55).

After a busy year of running and racing, Peel Road Runners were able to reward the hard work and achievements of club members at their annual Presentation Night held at Bolehall Swifts on Friday evening. Prizes were presented by Club President, Ray Rogers and Club Chairman, Lee Rickards in the following categories: Best Male Runner of the Year – Wayne King; Best Female Runner of the Year – Emma Pick; Best Over 40 Male – Luke Collins; Best Over 50 Male – Phil Neale; Best Over 35 Female – Rachael Rickards; Best Over 45 Female – Carolyne Browne; Marathon Award – Lee Guffick; Most Improved Male Athlete – Allen King; Most Improved Female Athlete – Sarah Boffey; Best Potential (Male) – James Stretton; Best Potential (Female) – Catherine Tierney; Club Members of the Year (an award voted for by Club members) – Sandra Ingram and Mark Boffey; President’s Award – Sophie Galloway and Emma Whorwood.

At the Peel Road Runners Gate Gallop race (in aid of St Giles Hospice) on Sunday, with many of the club members and their families on marshalling duties, Peel were only able to put out a smaller team to brave the very hot and humid racing conditions. The first Peeler home was Wayne King crossing the line in 39:32 and 1^st M40. He was followed by Emma Pick in 45:54, 3^rd FSEN and 5^th overall. James Stretton showed great promise to finish as 3^rd MU20 (48:03), followed by Tony Bryan (61:58); Chris Bennett (who threw away his chances of a faster time to help another injured runner – 63:28); Sarah Boffey (65:52); Gemma Pritchard (67:19); Claire Guffick (72:11) and Clara Walton (74:15).

Meanwhile, at the Leamington Spa half marathon in aid of Myton Hospice on Sunday, George Hope completed the one lap 13.1 miles route on closed roads in 2:11:51. As with many other events this weekend, the hot and humid weather took its toll on runners’ results with many achieving slower times than normal.

On Saturday, Val Lawson ran the hilly, but very scenic Big Bear Cannock 10 trail race on Cannock Chase finishing in 2:14:48 and 27/56 runners.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Mike Shelton was first home for the club at Kingsbury in a time of 22:44, followed by Garth Cox (25:58); Dave Fern (30:38); Alison Perry (33:22); Matthew Shaw (35:25); Martyn Candy (36:41) and Chris Norris (60:28). Parkrun tourists included: Sarah Boffey (31:10) at Valentines, Ilford; Steph Attenborough (61:49) at Southport; Mick Stevenson (34:20) at Warwick Racecourse; Ben Dorkins (28:14) at Edgbaston Reservoir and Tim Mudd (24:47) at University Parks, Oxford. A group of Peelers supported Lichfield’s Beacon Park parkrun’s 100^th event, made all the more special as it coincided with Michael Hughes (37:15) 100^th parkrun! Running at Beacon Park were: James Stretton (19:17); Tim Clark (22:54); Chris Bennett (23:25); Ian Orton (23:28); Lisa Stretton (24:22); Mark Boffey (27:51); Darren Truman (28:00) and Jackie Tierney (29:39).

As an inclusive club which welcomes runners of all abilities, Peel Road Runners were keen to put out teams at last Wednesday’s Washlands Relays hosted by Washlands Women Runners in Burton on Trent.

The relays, always strongly contested by eleven local running and athletics clubs, consisted of two mile laps around the Trent Washlands and on a beautiful sunny evening, the route was particularly scenic had the runners time to look at the scenery! 

Peel RR put out 8 teams with 4 runners in the male and mixed teams and 3 runners in the female teams. The first female runner to finish the two mile route was V35 Abigail Halcarz from Tamworth AC in an amazing time of 11.51.

The Peel ladies finish results were: SL Emma Pick (13.30); SL Catherine Tieley (15:51); V45 Lisa Stretton (15:58); V40 Gemma Pritchard (17:03); V50 Judith Matthews (17:04); V45 Sarah Boffey (17:39); V40 Steph Attenborough (18:15); V45 Caroline Evans (19:09); V50 Helen Manton (19:25); V50 Sandra Ingram (19:40); V60 Val Lawson (19:50) and V50 Jackie Tierney (20:15). In the men’s overall results, Matthew Orford of Lichfield Running Club was first home in a staggering time of 10:30!

First Peel male runner home was V45 Wayne King (12:13); V40 Luke Collins (12:46); V35 Allen King (14:14); V45 Ben Dorkins (14:33); V55 Phil Neale (14:34); V50 Mark Boffey (14:58); V35 Ian Orton (15:02); V45 Chris Bennett (15:09); V50 Tim Mudd (15:18); V50 Darren O’Leary (15:30); V45 Simon Gordon (15:57); V35 Michael Hughes (16:00); V50 Tony Bryan (16:08); SM Billy King (16:16); SM George Hope (16:56) and V70 Dave Fern (18:47). 

At the weekend, Steph Attenborough completed two back to back marathons over two days at the Phoenix Denbies event. Her first marathon was completed in 7:14:26 and the second in 9:46:01. She also celebrated receiving her 52 marathons in 52 weeks running top!

Helen Dempsey ran the Rise of the Solstice race at Beacon Hill park near Loughborough after her canicross event was cancelled due to the hot weather. She completed the 5 mile trail run in 64 minutes.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Peel results for this week included: Tim Mudd (25:25) at Gloucester North; Claire Guffick (27:39), Sophie Galloway (28:09), Roger Eastaff (31:57), Lee Guffick (34:51), Laura Bowyer (35:05), Martyn Candy (36:10), Wendy Bowyer (38:22), Sandra Ingram (38:53), Chris Norris (61:56 – 1^st V75+) and Alison Perry (62:03) at Kingsbury; Mick Stevenson (34:43) at Horton Park, Bradford; Ian Orton (24:01), Chris Bennett (24:23), Mark Boffey (24:32), Allen King (26:21), Darren Truman (26:37), Sarah Boffey (29:24), Jackie Tierney (31:15) and Michael Hughes (38:14) at Sherwood Pines and Garth Cox (24:48) at Babb’s Mill, Solihull.

Finally, a group of irrepressible Peeler Pips took part in the St Giles Soltice Safari walk starting at Lichfield Rugby Club on Saturday.

Many runners would tell you that they don’t like running in hot and humid weather, so this weekend has proved a difficult time for those Peelers racing and running at different events throughout the country!

At the Two Castles Run 10k race (starting at Warwick Castle and following a scenic, undulating road route to finish at Kenilworth Castle), Ian Orton crossed the finish line in a time of 52:20.

Nearer to home at the Aldridge 10k (another undulating road route), Claire Guffick was first Peeler to finish in a time of 64:49, followed by Helen Manton (68:22) and Lee Guffick (80:54).

Further north, Joy Sykes ran well at the Blaydon Race and finished in 58:47. (The race was first run in 1981 and follows the route in the words of the Geordie folk song, the Blaydon Races). She also completed a sprint tri this weekend with an overall time of 1:56:49 (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run).

Meanwhile at the Swansea half marathon, undeterred by the hot weather, Helen Dempsey ran a season’s best time of 2:50:06 whilst Steph Attenborough took on the Outrun half marathon at Caldecotte Lake, Milton Keynes finishing in 2:53:32.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Peelers were represented all over the country! At Kingsbury, Darren O’Leary finished first for the club in a time of 23:31, followed by Lisa Stretton (24:50); Jackie Tierney (29:11); Laura Bowyer (36:37); Wendy Bowyer (36:38); Ann Hill (36:38); Sarah French (56:56); Chris Norris (65:14) first in V75+ age category; Stephen Andrews (65:40) and Mike Shelton (66:36) tail walker. Parkrun tourists included: Luke Collins (23:42) and Garth Cox (25:21) at Rosliston; Tim Mudd (25:04) at Cannon Hill, Birmingham; Roger Lloyd (26:34) at Conkers; Allen King (22:15); Mark Boffey (24:32); Chris Bennett (25:13) and Sarah Boffey (28:13) at Sixfields, Northampton; Mick Stevenson (34:18) at Warwick Racecourse; Ian Orton (24:49) and Michael Hughes (25:38) at University Parks, Oxford and Ben Dorkins (23:24) at Market Bosworth. Steph Attenborough volunteered at the Swadlincote Junior parkrun on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Great Midlands Fun Run took place in Sutton Coldfield. This is always a popular race
with local clubs and the Peel contingent was as strong as ever. The 8.5 mile course in 20 degree heat
and the infamous Cardiac Hill took some of the ‘fun; element from the run but the fantastic
community support made up for it.

Scott Chapman (59:08) and Luke Collins (59:42) both ran brilliantly to complete the course in under
an hour. They were followed by Ian Orton (1hr:11:09), Darren O Leary (1hr:11:25) Stu Baker, Jude
Matthews, Sophie Galloway (1hr:20 PB), Jackie Sheasby (1hr:25), Claire Guffick (1hr:27), Sandra
Ingram (1hr:30), Alison Upton (1hr:44:), Roger Eastaff, Wendy Bowyer and Lee Guffick (1hr:53)

On Saturday Several Peelers hit the Parkrun tourist trail to visit Bushy Parkrun, the home of parkrun,
that still attracts over 1000 runners each week. Chris Bennet, Darren Turman, Allen King, Mark
Boffey, Sarah Boffey, Michael Hughes and Ian Orton completing who completed his 100 th parkrun at
this landmark event.

Phil Neale ventured even further to complete the Land’s End Parkrun in 22:39, while just up the
coast Wayne King came 4 th in the Minehead Parkrun in 18:24 and Emma Pick was first lady home at
Rosliston Parkrun.

Back at local Kingsbury Water Park, Chris Norris continued her training for her defibrillator
fundraising challenge by walking the parkrun route, supported by Parkwalkers Ann Hill and Sarah
French.

Advertised as the second largest marathon in the UK after London and a ‘fast and flat course with PB potential’ by Runner’s World magazine, the Edinburgh marathon was the place to be for Peel Road Runner Tim Mudd. Living up to its billing, Mudd ran a personal best time of 4:13:45 knocking 9 minutes of his previous marathon best time.

Meanwhile, Catherine Tieley travelled north of the border to take on the Edinburgh half marathon, another race route renowned for its potential for personal best times! Tieley did not disappoint and crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 1:54:29, another great result for Peel!

At the Buxton half marathon, Steph Attenborough ran the definitely not fast and flat course and finished in 2:31:02. The scenic road route with 1549 ft of ascent over its 13.1 miles would prove a challenge for any runner, let alone one who had run as a ‘sweep runner’ at the Wuthering Heights Wander trail half marathon in Yorkshire the previous day! 

Continuing his season of impressive running, Wayne King took on the midweek Beeston AC Trent 5 road race in Nottingham, finishing in 29:56, 13^th place overall and 7^th in MV40 age category in a very competitive field.

At Saturday’s parkruns, Kingsbury drew a good number of Peelers. James Stretton was first home for the club in a time of 19:39, followed by Darren O’Leary in 23:45; Lisa Stretton (24:14); Judith Matthews (25:03); Claire Guffick (29:40); Roger Eastaff (31:44); Joy Sykes (32:29); Lee Guffick (35:24); Alison Perry (35:48); Ann Hill (36:10); Wendy Bowyer (36:11); Laura Bowyer (39:58) and Alison Dolphin (43:14).

Parkrun tourists included: Emma Pick (21:12) at Rosliston; Michael Hughes (36:07) at Valentines, Redbridge; Tony Bryan (25:26) at Conkers; Allen King (21:22 personal best); Mark Boffey (23:02); Chris Bennett (23:40); Darren Truman (25:18); Sarah Boffey (27:35) and Jackie Tierney (28:59) at Shrewsbury; Mick Stevenson (33:16) at Northallerton; Tim Clark (22:45) at Warwick Racecourse; Steph Attenborough (49:44) at Cliffe Castle, Keighley; Tim Mudd (28:19) and Carolyne Browne (28:45) at Oriam, Edinburgh and Garth Cox (24:37) at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Southam.

Running a marathon is a major aspiration for many runners, but Peel Road Runners seem to be breeding ultra runners at the moment! Seasoned veteran Martin Hollamby chalked up another great result at the Maverick Peak District Ultra 54 km race. The circular, undulating route started in Bakewell and visited Grindleford, Burbage Edge and Froggatt Edge before returning to Bakewell. Hollamby finished in an impressive 11^th place overall with a finish time of 5:07:34.

Ticking off another couple of marathons with apparent ease, Steph Attenborough completed the Saturn Chasing Numbers Run at Runnymede on Friday finishing in a time of 5:53:43, followed by the IGUN Bluebell Dash at Temple Newsam, Leeds on Saturday in a time of 6:40:57!

At the weekend’s parkruns, Claire Guffick was the first Peeler home at Kingsbury parkrun in a personal best time of 27:26, followed by Jackie Tierney (39:39); Emma Whorwood (32:13); Roger Eastaff (32:29); Lee Guffick (34:33); Ann Hill (34:44); Wendy Bowyer (34:45); Alison Perry (36:52); Sandra Ingram (45:15) and Caroline Evans (64:56). Parkrun tourists included Mark Boffey (23:20); Chris Bennett (23:40); Allen King (24:56); Darren Truman (25:58) and Sarah Boffey (27:41) at Rugby; Garth Cox (23:02) at Walsall Arboretum; Tony Bryan (25:22) at Conkers; Joy Sykes (33:43) at Tyne Green; Ian Orton (23:16) at Alvaston; Mick Stevenson (33:22) at Warwick Racecourse; Tim Mudd (24:38) at Henlow Bridge Lakes and Michael Hughes (38:59) at Wolford Wood, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Peelers Martin Hollamby, Alison Dolphin and Emma Whorwood have been back to school at Flax Hill Junior Academy and Ankermoor Primary last week to enjoy some running games and exercises. Accompanied by Trev the Bear (who recently completed the London marathon!), the children were also invited to take part in the children’s run at the Gate Gallop on Sunday 26th June with the promise of a shiny medal on completion. 

A month after completing the Manchester Marathon, Mark Boffey and Michael Hughes took part in
their first ultra marathon at the Goring Gap 50km in Berkshire. The circular route is ideal for ultra
newbies with just 700ft of elevation and no navigation required. The pair were less happy with the
sun finally showing its May heat but dug in to complete the course together in 7hrs 42 mins.

On the south coast Luke Collins took part in the much more bumpy ‘First Half’ challenge from Corfe
Castle to Weymouth. With 1700 metres of climbs (which most us wouldn’t even like to walk!) this
stunning but somewhat brutal tour of the Jurassic Coast provided a huge physical and mental test.
Luke toughed it out to finish in a superb 11 th place in 7hrs 35 mins.

Steph Attenborough continued her quest to complete 100 marathons with another epic 3 marathons
challenges in 3 days in Lancashire. On Friday, Steph completed the Brockholes Bimble in 6hrs 15
mins, on Saturday the Cottam Canter in 6hr 6 and on Sunday the Avenham Amble in 5 hours 55
mins.

At Kingsbury Parkrun on Saturday, Peel Road Runners staged a takeover even to publicise the
upcoming Gate Gallop event. The club provided all the volunteers from timekeepers to marshals and
scanners and also provided pacers (Martin Hollamby, Ben Dorkins, Phil Neale, Lisa Stretton, Garth
Cox, Simon Gordon, Dave Fern) for those hoping to grab a pb.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Gate Gallop on Sunday 25 June with all proceeds going to St
Giles Hospice, can sign up via the website. www.avtiming.com/gategallop