This weekend was possibly one of the busiest weekends in the Peeler calendar. Peelers were out in force competing in races up and down the country, covering all types of terrain.
Those that weren’t competing were possibly following a Peeler who was competing in The Lakes in a Day race. 50 miles, 4,000 ascent – a challenging mountain journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere. It is described as not the easiest traverse but the most spectacular. A fellow Peeler who had previously completed the course was able to provide a running commentary; challenges Luke was currently facing and describing the descent from Halls Fell as the exciting bit! Luke finished in an epic time of 15:17:38, an amazing result. He summed up the race – “the views were unbelievable, wind was brutal, people were blown over at the tops and diverted us down Blease Fell as Halls Fell descent was deemed too dangerous, which nicely added an extra few miles to it. Not the toughest race I’ve done but by far the toughest ultra”.
A large contingent also travelled north last weekend to compete in the Chester Metric Marathon; the UK’s original and most popular metric marathon. It is a 26.2km race, which is the ideal stepping stone from a half marathon to a full marathon. The route passes by all Chester’s iconic landmarks before heading out to the stunning Chester countryside and villages. Wayne King was the first Peeler to cross the finish line in an impressive 1:43:51, 19th runner in. Allen King was the next Peeler home in 2:28:47 with Sammie Futrill hot on his heels in 2:28:48. Lisa Barnes followed in 2:53:28; Emma Petricca 3:17:30; Emma Whorwood 3:18:13; Amy Davis 3:22:01; Claire Guffick 3:27:30; Kelly Sippitts and Wendy Roe in 3:32:37; Alison Upton in 3:41:05; Helen Dempsey in 3:49:59 and Lee Guffick in 3:52:36.
Four Peelers also received a very special medal at Chester. Those runners who complete three specific runs within the same calendar year – Chester 10k, Chester Half Marathon and Chester Metric Marathon – receive the Chester Triple medal. For Allen King, Samie Futtrill and Lisa Barnes, completing the Metric Marathon gained them their extra bling. Tracy Ford also earned the Triple medal by completing the Chester Marathon in 4:28:51. A good day for the Peelers at Chester.
Closer to home, Leicester Half-Marathon was the race of choice for Danny Beardmore, who completed the course in 1:30:31, followed by George Hope in 2:03:00. Lorna Al-Ani chose Surrey’s iconic Beat Box 21k trail run. The route tackles ridgelines, woodland paths, chalky climbs and big views. Lorna finished in a great time of 2:10:28. The Cannock Chase half-marathon was Lydia Trenfield’s choice. This was Lyd’s last long training run, which she completed in 2:07:00.
Thirty-four Peelers were out on Saturday morning to complete a parkrun. Beacon Park, Lichfield was the choice of Graham Lane finishing in 26:30. Jacqueline Tierney ran at Bittesby Country Park in 34:26. Garth Cox ran at Chasewater in 25:30 and Lisa Barnes closely followed in 29:45. Cofton Park was the choice of Ian Orton who ran over the line in 23:16. Chris Bennett ran at Coronation Park finishing in 23:30. Tim Mudd chose to run at George Parkrun finishing in 30:02 with Carolyne Browne following in 46:53. Jesmond Dene, Newcastle Upon Tyne, was the venue for Joanne Sharman who finished the course in 54:11 with Stephanie Attenborough on her heels in 54:12. Closer to home, Kingsbury Water Park saw Phil Neale cross the line first in 22:59. Next in was Katie Stretton in 25:04; Ashley Goodman in 25:26; Owen Slater in 29:58; Ann Hill in 34:19; Roger Eastaff in 34:40; Lee Guffick in 62:56 and Claire Guffick in 63:00. Ann Whitby-Smith ran at Northampton in 23:59. Emma Pick was first female over the line at Rosliston in 20:08 followed by Jo Bovington in 26:12. Sense Valley Forest Park saw Roger Lloyd finish in 24:45; Mike Shelton in Sutton Park at 22:35. The home parkrun was the choice of several Peelers. Thomas King led the Peelers in 24:00; Sophie Galloway in 24:30; Simon Gordon in 24:34; Mark Boffey in 24:52; Cheryl Flint in 26:37; Tracy Ford in 28:27 and Stuart Hatton in 31:31. Finally, Mike Stevenson ran Warwick Racecourse in 42:19.
The Burton District Summer League celebrated a summer of running at their awards evening. Three Peelers were the recipients of an award. Runners had to complete at least five of the eight races for the points standings. Dave Fern was 2nd in the VM70 season standings; Lorna Al-Ani was 2nd in the VL45 category, and Katie Stretton was 3rd in the U25 ladies category.
Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday and Thursday, 18:45, at the skate park car park in the Castle Grounds. New members are always welcome. A walking group meet at the same time.