Penistone Footpath Runners
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Graihagh helps England to Silver

The Junior Home Internationals mountain race took place on Sunday in Peebles, Scotland. The race was hosted by Scottish Athletics and featured teams from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The course started and finished at the Peebles Common and took in a variety of terrain, including forest trails, open moorland, and steep climbs. Penistone athlete Graihagh Turner, representing England in the girls under17 age category, placed fifth overall and was second home for England helping them take the silver team medal.

The final Trunce took place last Monday in warm conditions.  As it was the final race, fancy dress was encouraged.   Penistone claimed a one two with Tom Fryers claiming first place ahead of teammate George Parr.  There were age group wins for Richard Cottan (men’s over40), Majka Kunicka (ladies over40) and Barabara Haigh (ladies over70).  Series winners will be announced at the Trunce presentation night on 18th September.

A few Penistone runners took on the Bleaklow Blitz, which is an eight mile fell race that takes place near Torside and follows the Pennine Way all the way up to Bleaklow Head and then back down.  Penistone were well represented in the first ten finishers with Damien Kilpin picking up fifth and George Parr not far behind in seventh.  This strong packing gave Penistone first place in the men’s team prize.  First lady back for Penistone was Sarah Walch, who was fourth lady back, followed by Becky Timms, who was seventh lady.

A strong contingent of Penistone runners took part in the Vale of York half marathon.  Stand out performance was from Bill Phillips who picked up first place in the men’s over75 age category and in the process broke the men’s over75 club record in a time of 1-51-25.  First runner back for Penistone was Tom Fryers in 1-21-31 followed in by his brother James in 1-24-26.  First lady back for Penistone was Sarah Lee in 1-58-16.  Ray Brown picked up third place on the men’s over75 age category in 2-20-57.

The Great North Run saw four runners from Penistone complete the race in difficult conditions including flash flooding at the end.  First Penistone finisher was Rob Lees in 1-34-25.  Others finishing were Gareth Irvine (1-42-34), Oliver France (1-54-28) and Mandy Helliwell (2-34-25).

On the parkrun scene a good few Penistone runners were celebrating milestones.  At the Barnsley parkrun there were milestones for Myfanwy Cross (200th parkrun), Matthew Coldwell (250th parkrun), Stu Smith (300th parkrun) and Keith Gordon (350th parkrun).  John Lawcock completed his 150th parkrun at Potternewton.  There were first places for Rachael Mayston (Barnsley), Julia Johnson (Haverfordwest) and Flynn Rogers (Hillsborough).