This weekend was one of the UK’s most challenging endurance events, the gruelling Lakeland 100 ultramarathon in the Lake District.
Peeler Martin Hollamby was among the competitors who lined up for the iconic race, which started in Coniston on Friday 24 July and took runners on a demanding 100-mile circuit through some of the country’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The event is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier ultra-distance trail races.
Demonstrating exceptional determination and resilience, Martin crossed the finish line in 327th place from a field of 489 finishers, placing him among an elite group of athletes able to conquer the formidable challenge.
The Lakeland 100 takes runners on a clockwise loop of the Lake District, passing through remote valleys and fells including Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Haweswater and Ambleside before returning to Coniston. Competitors face around 6,300 metres of ascent and descent, rugged terrain, overnight running and unpredictable weather conditions. Organisers allow a maximum of 40 hours to complete the course.
Often referred to as the “Ultra Tour of the Lake District”, the race is renowned for its difficulty, with many entrants failing to complete the course each year. Congratulations to Martin on an outstanding achievement.
Parkrun Events
Peel Road Runners once again demonstrated the club’s remarkable enthusiasm for parkrun, with members taking part at no fewer than 13 different venues on Saturday morning. From local favourites at Tamworth Castle Grounds and Kingsbury Water to the historic setting of Rome’s Caffarella parkrun, the club was represented by 42 runners across the UK and beyond.
The performance of the day belonged to Emma Pick, who claimed the title of first female finisher at Caffarella parkrun in Rome. Emma crossed the line in an outstanding 19:15, securing third place overall and producing one of the club’s fastest performances of the weekend.
At Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 370 runners took part, Danny Beardmore led the Peel Road contingent with an impressive 7th-place finish in 19:19. He was followed by Wayne Richardson (22:54) and Ashley Goodman (23:03), both recording excellent top-40 finishes. Sophie Galloway was the leading Peel Road female runner at the event, stopping the clock at 24:43. Also representing the club were Martin Hemming (24:47), Cheryl Flint (27:49), Chris Bennett (30:30), Darren Truman (31:18), Jo Bovington (43:26), Allen King (52:34), Samantha Futrill (52:35) and Alison Perry (1:01:15).
A strong contingent also headed to Kingsbury Water parkrun, where James Stretton was first home for the club in 19:40, finishing eighth overall. Other notable performances came from Mike Shelton (22:04), Katie Stretton (24:35), Lisa Stretton (24:44) and Simon Gordon (26:30). Completing the Peel Road line-up were Carolyne Browne (27:55), Roger Eastaff (33:22), Claire Guffick (33:32), Stephen Andrews (34:51), Lee Guffick (35:03), Ann Hill (35:54), Emma Whorwood (38:16), Alison Upton (38:17), Nicola Bannister (41:34) and Alison Dolphin (47:14).
Elsewhere, Peel Road’s parkrun tourists were spread across the country. Ian Orton recorded a superb 21:22 at Conwy parkrun, finishing 14th overall, while Athena Mansell posted 26:37 at the busy Cheltenham parkrun, which attracted 724 runners. Graham Lane completed Beacon parkrun in 28:47, while Tim Mudd tackled the challenging terrain of Haughmond Hill parkrun, finishing in 28:45.
At Queenswood Country Park parkrun, Mark Boffey crossed the line in 28:52, with Sarah Boffey following in 38:53. Jonathan Allen enjoyed a visit to scenic Mount Stuart parkrun, recording 32:03, while Garth Cox completed Chasewater parkrun in 34:14.
Further afield, Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough represented Peel Road at Queensway parkrun, finishing in 31:12 and 43:58 respectively. Chris Taylor completed Market Bosworth Country Park parkrun in 37:00, while Jacqueline Tierney showed great determination at Flint Castle parkrun, recording 1:00:54.
A special mention also goes to Paul McCann, who completed the aptly named Peel parkrun on the Isle of Man in 52:57, ensuring the club’s colours were represented at an event sharing the club’s name.
Peel Road Runners meet every Tuesday evening at Tamworth Castle Grounds Skate Park at 6.45 pm. Come along and give it a try; details can be found at: www.peelroadrunners.co.uk