On what turned out to be an unusually toasty Bank Holiday, Val Lawson set off to Staffordshire totake on the Denstone 10 miler. The route starts at Denstone College opening with a downhill start to lure the runners into a false sense of comfort. The out and back route tracks along the Churnet Valley trail before rewarding participants with an uphill finish. Val achieved a time of 1:50:29 finishing 3rd in her age category.
Taking the opportunity of the long weekend to squeeze in not one but two events Joanne Sharman and Steph Attenborough were in action at two back to back half marathons. First up on Sunday they completed Derby Running Festival half marathon in 2:39:00 before heading to Walton on Thames on Monday to take part in the ‘2 Weird 2 Run’ half marathon hosted by Phoenix Running. A scenic run along the River Thames the event is known for its aid stations featuring unusual baked goods. The pair took advantage of the sociable atmosphere and the feed stations completing in 3:21:00.
29 Peel members kept the Peel flag flying at Park Runs across the country. Worcester Pitchcroft hosted Wendy Bowyer who finished in 39:27, Garth Cox ticked off an incredible 250th park run at East Park in Wolverhampton (22:59), Chelmsford Central saw a visit from Michael Hughes who achieved a PB of 21:22, whilst at Newent Mark Boffey and Sarah Boffey finished in 25:41 and 29:47 respectively. Closer to home Kingsbury remained ever popular with Phil Neale crossing the line first in 22:45. Ash Goodman was next home in 25:07 followed by Darren O’Leary (25:57), Roger Eastaff (33:11), Alison Upton (33:19) Ann Hill (35:45), Stephen Andrews (59:10), Alison Dolphin (59:12), Sarah French (59:21) and tail walkers Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman brought the run to a close in 01:01:05 and 01:01:06. Also staying local Mike Shelton ran Beacon Park in 21:25, Jackie Tierney visited Battlestead Croft (29:27), Simon Gordon finished Conkers in 25:57 and Roger Lloyd took on Market Bosworth (24:30). Meanwhile at Tamworth Chris Samson brought the team home in 18:49, chased down by Matt Salisbury in 20:04, Ben Dorkins (23:45), Sophie Galloway (24:10), Richard Satchwell (25:29), Sam Cart (25:35), Lydia Knight who achieved both 1st in her age category and a PB of 27:39, Tim Mudd (27:44), Billy King (28:56), Allen King (28:57) and Lisa Vickery (30:46). Ian Orton added Wyre Forest to his collection of locations, in a time of 24:45 and Chris Bennett triumphed at Groe Builth Wells in 23:48.
A Sunday social for the Peel walking group saw members head out on a 6.5 mile hike around Shustoke and Nether Whitacre, enjoying the beautiful countryside and sampling the delights of the local pub as a well deserved reward. What better way to spend a Bank Holiday!