An enthusiastic team of Peel Road Runners were under starter’s orders for their first cross country race of the winter season due to be held at Poplars Farm Equestrian Centre near Burton on Sunday, when news came through that the event had been postponed for a week. Sadly cross country spikes and trail shoes were put back into the cupboards, while road trainers became the order of the day.
On Sunday, Carolyne Browne represented the Peelers at the last ever Rock ‘n Roll Running Series Liverpool half marathon. Runners on the 13.1 mile course were entertained by live music and bands every mile, which made for a great atmosphere. Carolyne finished in an excellent time of 1:57:29, not far short of her club record for FV50 at this distance.
With cross country cancelled this weekend, many Peelers were drawn to the Saturday morning challenge of a 5k parkrun. Once again Kingsbury parkrun proved the most popular venue with Ben Dorkins being the first Peeler to cross the line in a time of 21:59. Other Peelers at Kingsbury included: Chris Bennett (22:58), Phil Neale (23:13), Darren O’Leary (24:34), Mark Boffey (25:06), Stella Martin (27:21), Claire Guffick (29:16), Joy Sykes (29:40 – course PB), Chris Taylor (30:24), Jackie Tierney (30:49), Roger Eastaff (31:40), Emma Whorwood (34:44), Alison Dolphin (36:50), Lee Guffick (37:05) and Stephen Andrews (44:10).
Parkrun tourists this week included: Kathryn Adams at Coventry parkrun, who was second lady and finished in a personal best time of 21:44. At Sandwell Valley Rob Mace also finished in second place in an impressive 19:53. At Conkers parkrun Marcus Fairburn finished in 27:24, with Ann Hill (39:35) and Sarah French (39:36). At Concord parkrun in Sheffield Andy Pickard crossed the line in 23:46, whilst Nick Neale ran at Seaton, Devon in a time of 21:11. Further north, Mick Stevenson ran at the Northallerton parkrun finishing in a time of 31:36; at Babbs Mill, Ian Cooper (23:58) and Tanya Murphy (29:42) were the sole club representatives. At Warwick racecourse, Tim Mudd galloped over the course in 26:32 and at Beacon parkrun in Lichfield, Ash Goodman finished in 22:28, followed by Sophie Galloway (29:00) and Lisa Vickery (31:59).
