Saturday marked a significant milestone for Bill Phillips as he completed his 500th 5K event at Watermead parkrun, finishing in a time of 30:37. This was his 433rd official parkrun, with the remaining 67 races primarily consisting of road events from before he began his parkrun journey in April 2011.
Reflecting on his 5K journey, Bill recalls his personal best of 17:51, achieved at Beaumont Leys in May 1991, as a standout performance. Over the years, he has participated in memorable races, including the Wrexham Town Centre Vets events (1992-1996) and the World Vets Championships in Birmingham, where he crossed the line ahead of Olympic marathoner Ron Hill—though, as Bill notes, Hill may have been over 70 at the time!
With 500 5K events now completed, Bill remains focused on his next big milestone: reaching 500 parkruns by the summer of 2026. We have no doubt that you will achieve this next landmark Bill!
Also at Watermead, Heather Dunkley made her pacing debut as the 29-minute pacer. Heather expertly completed the course in 28:58, just under the target time. Nicely done Heather!
Later on Saturday, Mats Vermeeren and Rachel Bentley took part in the Winter Half Tour of Bradwell, a demanding 17.5 miles / 3478ft elevation gain race that journeys through some lovely countryside taking in some iconic Peak District vistas. Mats completed the race in an impressive time of 03:11:30, with Rachel following shortly behind with a strong 03:27:12. Well done to both of you on tackling this challenging course!
Sunday was all about cross country, with the Holly Hayes Derby Runner Cross Country League race taking place in Whitwick. Jack Peasgood was first home for Barrow and was 3rd male overall, Tim Hartley was second home for Barrow and finished 7th male overall (but could not score for us as he's second claim), and Michael Cheverton was third home for Barrow and finished 18th in his first cross country race since school. For the ladies, Andrea Winkless was first home for Barrow finishing in 22nd, Hannah Bibb was second home finishing 48th, and Sue Taylor was third home finishing in 62nd.
Well done to everyone who raced this weekend!
Saturday 8th February 2025
Winter Half Tour of Bradwell
- Mats Vermeeren 3:11:30
- Rachel Bentley 3:27:12
parkrun
Abbey Park parkrun
- Laura Browne 00:23:59 🥇 1st SW30-34
Alvaston parkrun
Beacon Hill Country Park parkrun
- Rob Phillips 00:24:09 🥉 3rd VM50-54
- Justine Albert 00:24:21 🥇 1st VW50-54
- Nigel Hillier 00:28:03 🥈 2nd VM65-69
- Alexandra Dalgetty 00:33:18
Braunstone parkrun
- Rosette Dikebele 00:30:55
Dishley parkrun, Loughborough
- Mark Lingham 00:23:12 🥇 1st VM40-44
- Ian Paramore 00:23:53 🥇 1st VM60-64
- Jonathan Rashleigh 00:23:55 🥈 2nd VM50-54
- Natasha Riall 00:25:15 🥇 1st VW35-39
- Amanda Rashleigh 00:34:55 🥇 1st VW55-59
Forest Rec parkrun
Gedling parkrun
- Mark Platt 00:21:27 🥈 2nd VM45-49
Rushcliffe parkrun
- Jack Peasgood 00:22:22
- Hannah Bibb 00:24:59 🥉 3rd VW35-39
- Amanda Stanbridge 00:32:05
- Julie Felstead 00:42:14
Sence Valley Forest Park parkrun
- Dawn Storer 00:28:21 🥈 2nd VW55-59
Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun
- Rebecca Chandler 00:25:54 🥇 1st SW30-34
- Luke Martin 00:25:55
Watermead Country Park parkrun
- Jake Blythe 00:19:33 🥈 2nd SM18-19
- Kristie Matthiae 00:21:21 🥇 1st VW40-44
- Mark Sadler 00:26:34
- Ben Dunkley 00:27:47
- Heather Dunkley 00:28:58
- Bill Phillips 00:30:37 🥈 2nd VM75-79
Sunday 9th February 2025
Holly Hayes (Derby Runner Cross Country League)
Men's team
- 3rd Jack Peasgood 🥉 3rd male overall
- 7th Tim Hartley
- 18th Michael Cheverton
- 97th Richard Keep
- 111th Mats Vermeeren
- 139th Matthew Wolloch
- 144th Danny Hall
- 176th Dave Robson
- 195th Chris Trzcinski
- 202nd Nigel Hillier
- 205th Malcolm Harris
- 218th Mark Sadler
- 245th Mark Braithwaite
Ladies team
- 22nd Andrea Winkless
- 48th Hannah Bibb
- 62nd Sue Taylor
- 65th Claire Dennison
- 91st Lorna Goodacre
Prepared by Ben Spencer