Taking on the challenge of a first marathon is a ‘rite of passage’ for many runners and the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, 10th April proved to be just that for Peeler Emma Whorwood. Emma completed her first marathon supported by Matthew Harris at the iconic seaside course in a very creditable time of 5:18:06.
Also on Sunday, the Run in the Forest 5 mile race took place at the Conkers Discovery Centre in Moira. The race, promoted by South Derbyshire Road Runners, is the second race in the Burton & District Summer Race League series and attracted a large turnout of runners from local running clubs. First home for the Peelers in a very competitive field was Martin Hollamby in a time of 30:58 and 10th place overall. He was followed by Rob Mace (32:58); Lee Rickards (33:34); Emma Pick (33:44) making her first in age category and second female finisher; Mike Shelton (33:50); Zac Gibbons (35:19); Rachael Rickards (35:57); Lisa Stretton (38:43); Darren Truman (38:56); Mark Boffey (39:35 personal best); George Hope (39:38); Tony Bryan (40:27); Simon Gordon (40:29); Garth Cox (40:36); Dave Fern (41:39); Judith Matthews (42:26); Stuart Hatton (42:27); Caroline Evans (48:07); Helen Manton (48:36); Emma Livingstone (48:51); Jackie Tierney (49:01) and Joanne Harvey (50:38). In the children’s 1 mile race, mini Peeler Sally Schnepp crossed the line in a speedy 11:51.
In a landmark weekend for Peel parkrunners, records were being created at events across the country. Jackie Tierney celebrated running her 200thparkrun at Hastings High School parkrun in Burbage finishing in a time of 29:51. She was supported by Peelers Mark Boffey (24:08) and Tim Mudd (26:12). Meanwhile at Kingsbury parkrun, Chris Norris celebrated her 100th parkrun, whilst Lee Guffick celebrated his 50th parkrun. Celebrating in style and supported by others from the club, they ran the course dressed as unicorns and fairies! At Kingsbury, Zoe Schnepp was the first Peeler home in a time of (23:34), followed by Allen King (24:46); Mike Shelton (25:19); Garth Cox (26:04); Joy Sykes (32:32); Stella Taylor (32:52); Chris Norris (51:15); Lee Guffick (51:18); Claire Guffick (51:19); Ann Hill (51:20); Alison Perry (51:21); Sarah French (51:22); Kelly Porter (51:23); Wendy Bowyer (51:25); Roger Eastaff (51:27) and Nicola Bannister (52:49). Other parkrunning Peelers this weekend included: Carolyne Browne (27:15 and first in age category) at Banstead Woods, Coulsdon; Kathryn Adams (23:30) at Coventry; Clara Walton (29:54) at Didcot; Ben Dorkins (23:03) at Chasewater; Michael Stevenson (30:45) at Warwick Racecourse and Rob Mace (20:52) at Woodgate Valley, Birmingham.