It’s the time of year when the focus turns to marathons and last weekend saw five Peelers in action at the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the second largest marathon in the UK. Having tackled numerous storms and lots of wet weather to get those much needed long training runs in over the winter months, those taking part were rewarded with a surprisingly dry Manchester and great conditions on the day. The hard work paid off with PB’s and milestones for all who ran.
First to cross the line was Lee Rickards achieving an incredible sub 3 hour PB time of 2:57:27. Next through for the Peelers was Allen King, smashing an hour off his previous marathon PB, crossing the line in 3:42:34. Mike Shelton and Trev the Bear came in at 4:17:48, completing their 10th marathon together and continuing to raise awareness for the amazing work of St Giles Hospice, whilst husband and wife team Claire and Lee Guffick both PB’d with fantastic times of 5:01:24 and 6:07:53 respectively. A huge Peeler well done to all involved, we’re very proud of you.
Meanwhile Saturday saw a stalwart and much admired member of the club, Dave Fern, complete his 200th Park Run at Kingsbury Water Park. Dave was first home in his age category in a time of 30:24.
Also competing at Kingsbury were Ben Dorkins (21:53), Darren O’Leary (23:17), Tim Clark (25:06), Lisa Stretton (25:45), Simon Gordon (26:13), Stuart Hatton (27:22), Marcus Fairburn (28:38), Laura Bowyer (31:02), Sarah Boffey (33:50), Alison Perry (37:39), Wendy Bowyer (43:31) and Stephen Andrews (47:10).
Wayne King led the pack at Tamworth Park Run, crossing the finish first and securing a PB at the same time in 18:12. He was followed by one of the newer club members Jamie Abiss in a time of 20:14 with Chris Bennett (22:46), Time Mudd (24:04), Roger Lloyd (24:26), Tony Bryan (24:30), Judith Matthews (25:38) and Sophie Galloway (25:57) all hot on one another’s heels. Wendy Roe represented the club at Lichfield Beacon Park with a time of 30:51.
Park Run touring Peelers included Jackie Tierney (27:25) at Northampton, Garth Cox (23:29) at Walsall and Ian Orton (24:17) and Michael Hughes (34:45) at Hanley. Emma Pick visited Rother Valley and secured the position of 3rd female (20:45) whilst over at Babbs Mill Roger Eastaff secured a time of 33:05 chased down by Ann Hill (45:29), Alison Dolphin (45:30) and Sarah French (45:34). Finally over at Irchester Steph Attenborough finished in 35:56 with Joanne Sharman, another new Peeler, closing in on her in a time of 36:20. Next week will see many of the Peelers head down to London to participate or support fellow members in the iconic London Marathon. We’d like to wish the best of luck to all taking part; may all your efforts and training pay off but most of all have an incredible time and enjoy the experience.
