The nights are getting darker and so we leave our runs along the meadows and canals behind and take to the pavements. During the summer months many of our members enjoy running with other members of the Burton and District Summer League. The league was established in 2005 to encourage friendly rivalry between running clubs in the Burton Upon Trent area. The league comprises nine clubs who race over a variety of distances and terrains. The season ends with a Presentation Evening, celebrating both individuals and teams. The Peel Running Club is proud to report that Emma Pick who ran in all nine races, was the Overall and Age Group winner. Emma received a trophy together with an engraved glass. Emma has had another great year also winning the Best Female Runner at the Peel Presentation Evening earlier in the year.
Matt Salisbury enjoyed the autumn sunshine at the weekend and achieved a new pb. He ran the Cannock Chase half-marathon in 1:45:38. Participants navigate the picturesque trails,racing through the dappled sunlight filtering through the vibrant autumn leaves, free from any vehicle traffic. Natural obstacles keep runners on their toes, like tree roots and slippery surfaces. All runners received a bespoke medal.
World Marathon Major No3 was completed by George Hope this weekend. Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. This year’s race was a record-breaking event, with 50,000 people entering. The route is flat and fast, with just one sneaky hill to ascend right before the finish line, and nicknamed “Mount Roosevelt”. Overcoming the crest of the hill is your cue to give it everything you’ve got all the way to the finish line just a few hundred metres away. Despite having a chesty cough, George completed the course in 4:32:31.
Parkrun was once again a very popular choice for Peelers this weekend. Ian Cooper completed the course in 26:21 at Babbs Mill; Garth Cox ran Brunswick Park in 25:25; Epworth Equestrian was the choice of Michael Hughes (27:28), Joanne Sharman and Stephanie Attenborough (64:26); Mark Boffey (24:57), Jacqueline Tierney (29:44) and Sarah Boffey (35:46) ran at Ferry Meadows. Nine members chose Kingsbury Parkrun – Billy King (24:37), Allen King (24:42), Chris Benett (25:35), Katie Stretton (25:58), Claire Guffick (48:08), Lee Guffick (48:11), Alison Dolphin (51:11), Ann Hill (51:13) and Sarah French (51:14). Emma Pick achieved 20:50 at Markeaton; Stella Taylor (30:05) at Sutton Park; Jamie Abbiss (20:21), Sophie Gsalloway (25:47), Roger Lloyd (26:02), Matt Salisbury (27:03), Lisa Vickery (29:45), Marcus Fairburn (29:50) and Lisa Barnes (31:39) all ran at Tamworth Castle Grounds. Michael Stevenson (37:49) ran at Warwick Racecourse and finally Ian Orton achieved 23:31 at Wolverhampton.
Finally, the club has introduced a walking group. If you are interested we meet at the skatepark car-park in the Castle Grounds, Tuesday evening at 6:45 for a 7:00pm walk. The walk will take approximately one hour. More details can be found on our Facebook page – Peel Road Runners Public page or from our website.