On Sunday, James O’Connell took on the impressive challenge of the Loch Ness Marathon. Described as ‘quite possibly one of the most stunning marathons in the world ’, the route follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world-famous Loch Ness. Entrants are first ferried to the atmospheric moorland start point from where the run continues through stunning Highland scenery, taking participants along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, to finish in Inverness. With spectacular scenery, fantastic atmosphere and a truly memorable experience, the event is a bucket list for many runners. James’ hard work and training for the event paid off, and he achieved a fantastic time of 4:21:58.
Meanwhile, long-standing club member George Hope added another medal to his collection at the Robin Hood half marathon. The single lap event, starting and finishing on the Victoria Embankment, has several inclines to challenge those fresh legs in the first half of the race and continues to bite with an undulating second half. George dug deep and completed the race in 2:06:42.
Also on Sunday Danny Beardmore and Lisa Barnes took the short jaunt out to the Shenstone 10K, a popular, fast and relatively flat course that starts and finishes at Shenstone Playing Fields near Lichfield. Organised by the Greysbrooke Primary School PTA, the event brings runners together for a 10K through Shenstone and the surrounding Staffordshire countryside, whilst raising funds for the school, local children’s charities and community groups. Danny finished third in his age group in a lung-busting 39:50, and Lisa crossed the line in 1:09:32.
Peel Road Runners enjoyed another busy weekend on the parkrun circuit, with members turning out at venues across England, Wales and Ireland. Conditions were generally favourable for running, and several members recorded strong finishes, including top-five and top-ten placings.
The largest club turnout was at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 341 runners took part. Wayne Richardson led the Peel contingent home, finishing 48th in 24:13, closely followed by Billy King in 24:15. Jo Bovington was the club’s leading female, finishing 65th overall and 4th female in 25:06. Other Peel finishers were Roger Lloyd (25:42), Sophie Galloway (26:27), Richard Satchwell (26:45), Graham Lane (27:33), Chris Bennett (27:39), Tony Bryan (28:54), Jonathan Allen (29:46), Dan Bird (39:12), Cheryl Flint (42:40) and Samantha Futrill (58:46).
At Kingsbury Waterpark parkrun, which attracted 292 participants, Iain Downie and Ben Dorkins produced excellent runs to finish in 23:40 and 23:45 respectively. Lisa Stretton was the club’s first female finisher and 8th woman overall in 24:28, while Simon Gordon followed close behind in 24:32. Also representing Peel were Owen Slater (26:49), Claire Guffick (31:18), Emma Whorwood (37:14), Alison Upton (37:33), Nicola Bannister (38:08), Lee Guffick (38:24), Wendy Bowyer (40:28) and Stephen Andrews (40:29).
There were standout individual performances elsewhere. At Illaunmanagh parkrun in Ireland, Ian Orton secured an excellent 4th-place finish in 21:22, while Jacqueline Tierney completed the course in 34:22 and Mark Boffey in 54:52. At Dishley parkrun in Loughborough, Emma Pick continued her impressive form, finishing 4th female in 22:12.
At Beacon parkrun, Mike Shelton ran strongly to finish 24th overall in 21:24, while Katherine Bradley was 7th female at Conkers parkrun with a time of 24:11. Tracy Ford was another runner to finish in the top 20 females, placing 18th female at Chasewater parkrun in 26:39.
Further afield, Garth Cox recorded 24:21 at Walsall Arboretum parkrun whilst Stephanie Attenborough and Joanne Sharman tackled the challenging hills of Lyme Park parkrun, finishing in 57:45 and 57:49 respectively
There was even a ‘Peeler at Peel’, with Sandra Ingram clocking 28:13 at Peel parkrun in Salford.
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.