Before the weekend’s parkrun action got underway, Joanne Sharman celebrated a remarkable milestone by completing her 200th and 201st half marathons on consecutive days.
On Saturday, Joanne travelled to the Saturn Running “Have You Ever Seen a Nessie in the Thames?” event. Set along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames, the multi-lap course combines well-made paths, tarmac and a short grass section, with runners having up to seven hours to achieve their chosen distance. Joanne completed her half marathon in 3:24:10, bringing up her landmark 200th half marathon.
Not content to stop there, Joanne was back in action on Sunday at the RunThrough Bedford Autodrome Half Marathon. The event is held on the former motor racing circuit designed by ex-Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer and is renowned for its smooth tarmac surface, sweeping bends and traffic-free route. Despite completing a half marathon the previous day, Joanne produced an excellent run, finishing in 2:52:48, an impressive 32 minutes quicker than Saturday’s effort.
Saturday’s parkruns were blessed with favourable summer running conditions, with warm temperatures, light winds and dry conditions providing ideal circumstances for runners across the country.
Another packed parkrun weekend saw Peel Road Runners delivering strong performances at a variety of events across the country, with members ranging from Scotland’s Moray coast to Surrey, Nottinghamshire and across the Midlands.
A strong club turnout was recorded at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, where 363 runners took part. Leading the Peel Road Runners home was Wayne Richardson, finishing 31st overall in 22:26. He was followed by Billy King (23:16), Jo Bovington (25:17), Mark Boffey (25:24), Lydia Trenfield (27:29), Darren Truman (29:32), Sarah Boffey (33:22), Alison Perry (39:26), Dan Bird (42:55) and Cheryl Flint (43:11).
At Kingsbury Water parkrun, where 247 runners lined up, Darren O’Leary led the Peel contingent with an impressive 24:53. He was followed by Chris Bennett (28:31), Allen King (28:36), Lisa Barnes (32:28), Claire Guffick (33:56), Ann Hill (34:40), Stephen Andrews (34:59), Roger Eastaff (35:00), Martyn Candy (39:03), Nicola Bannister (40:19) and Lee Guffick (49:19).
There were standout performances elsewhere, with Emma Pick continuing her excellent form by finishing 1st female and 15th overall at Wollaton Hall parkrun in a superb 21:03. At Holme Pierrepont parkrun, Ian Orton secured a top-25 finish, crossing the line in 20:51, while Ash Goodman recorded 23:07 at Babbs Mill parkrun and Jackie Tierney tackled Victoria Embankment parkrun in Nottingham, crossing the line in 58:26.
At Battlestead Croft parkrun, Iain Downie led the Peel runners home in 23:11, followed by Owen Slater in 28:39. Meanwhile, Roger Lloyd posted a strong 24:27 at Beacon parkrun, Graham Lane completed Monsal Trail parkrun in 29:11 and at Warwick Racecourse parkrun, Michael Stevenson finished in 42:48.
Further afield, Jonathan Allen ran 27:34 at Nairn Links parkrun in Scotland, while Garth Cox completed Severn Valley Country parkrun in 31:23.
The club was also represented in southern England, where Steph Attenborough and Joanne Sharman completed Egham Orbit parkrun in 52:02 and 52:04 respectively.
With members taking part at thirteen different parkrun venues, achieving category honours, top-25 finishes and personal successes along the way, it was another excellent weekend showcasing the enthusiasm and spirit of Peel Road Runners.