What a perfect way to start a weekend – running the Coniston 14. This race is a hilly route which follows the miles of roads that circle Coniston water and there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Carolyne Browne travelled up to the Lake District and completed the course in 2:24:30, a great time.
As usual there was a great turnout for parkruns across the country. Michael Hughes headed up to Ashbourne, completing the 5k in 44:51. It was the first time for Wayne King at Beacon Park, Lichfield, and he gained 2nd place completing the course in 18:04. Tony Bryan travelled to Exmouth, running the 5k in 27.01. Hillsborough was the chosen venue for Ian Orton, finishing in 24:26. Kingsbury was once again a popular venue, Katie Stretton leading the pack in 24:43. Katie was followed by Lisa Stretton in 25:00, Ben Dorkins in 25:21, Jacqueline Tierney in 29:56, Darren Truman in 30:35, Roger Eastaff in 36:42 and Wendy Bowyer in 43:04.
Chris Taylor travelled to Penallta, Caerphilly, completing the course in 32:23. Rothay Park was the choice of Tim Mudd, finishing in 27:57. Tracy Ford ventured to Stratford-Upon-Avon finishing in 27:38.
As usual Tamworth Castle Grounds was the choice of many Peelers. Chris Bennett lead the pack here in 24:05, Samantha Futrill in 24:17, Lorna Carlin in 26:14, Sophie Galloway in 26:54, George Hope in 28:25, Helen Manton in 29:59. Garth Cox ran at Vicar Water Country Park finishing in 26:23. Walsall Arboretum was the choice of Roger Lloyd, completing the course in 23:22. Michael Stevenson ran at Warwick Racecourse, finishing in 37:08 and Sarah Boffey completed Woodgate Valley Country Park in 36:58. Millie Williamson travelled to Doncaster and finished her 5k with a PB of 21:42.
Steph Attenborough and Josey Jo took on an Ultra event this weekend. The Ultra was a 32-mile loop around the historic Black Country. The route is set among some great urban escapes – old railway lines, canal towpaths, tunnels and other exciting things that you do not get to see from the roads. This was a great training opportunity for Josey Jo who is preparing to take on the London Marathon.
The Peel Road Runners is an affiliated member of England Athletics. As a club we have trained Coaches and Leaders who are able to lead and support our members. Martin Hollamby has been successful in gaining the Coaching in Running Fitness Award which is the cornerstone of the off-track pathway. It is designed for those who want to get involved in coaching runners who take part in non-track-based activities eg. road, fell, cross-country or multi terrain events, and who wish to improve their fitness.
And finally, a tale of resilience, determination and a very welcome cheese and tomato cob! The following was written by Lee Guffick, following his completion of the Ashby 20 last weekend.
“On Sunday, I had the privilege of running the Ashby 20, a 20-mile road race with more than its fair share of rolling hills.
Now, I’m not the fastest runner out there. In past races, I’ve been overtaken by a snowman, a caterpillar, and even a mobile hot tub. This time, I can add to the list someone dressed as a carrot! But what mattered most wasn’t my speed – it was showing up, facing the challenge, and pushing through.
A new cut off was introduced this year: runners needed to hit 15 miles within 3:30. In training I’d only just scraped through this with 90 seconds to spare…so I was feeling the pressure. But I made it – with over 8 minutes in hand. Reaching that point was emotional – not just for me, but for many others who had worked hard to get me there. We cheered, we cried, we kept going.
I was the final runner to cross the finish line, proudly brought in by the local Scout group, what a way to finish! I received my coveted Ashby 20 hoody and the legendary post-race cheese and tomato cob.
I couldn’t be prouder. Not just of my own journey – but of every single person who laced up, showed up, and gave it their all.
Sometimes, success isn’t about being the fastest. It’s about having the courage to start, the grit to keep going and the heart to finish”. The Peelers are proud to be a running club catering for all abilities and celebrate everyone’s achievements. We meet every Tuesday night, at 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start – the skate park car park in the Castle Grounds. We have groups for all abilities together with a walking group. The club is very friendly and always welcomes new members.
