The Fire Fighters Duathlon, staged by Epic Events, is a unique celebration of the two sporting disciplines because of its association with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue. Known locally as ‘the start of season social race’, it invites pairs of racers to stick together throughout the run/bike/run elements. The 4 mile runs to start and finish bookend a hilly 25-mile bike distance where pairs are permitted to ‘draft’ each other Finishing with a ‘grimace’ on your face is encouraged!
Our own Steve Riddle, also Coach of MYC Tri took along his very good friend, Ste Evans and has described the experience below their excellent race result for the Duathlon here -
Total Finish Time 3:09:57 - Run – 36:24/ Transition 1 – 3:54/Bike – 1:48:49/Transition 2 – 3:46/Run – 37:03
In Steve’s words
“The friendship and bonds formed through shared triumphs …
The euphoria of victory, the resilience in the face of challenge , and the shared experience bring athletes together, and create long lasting friendships.
Today Sunday the 10th of March 2024, start time with Ste Evans I was able to create one of my favourite sports moments by completing the Epic Events annual Firefighters Duathlon with my event partner Ste Evans.
We started by running 4 miles towards Rivington Pike from Rivington High School and back to Transition 1, where we quickly changed into our cycling kit.
We then rode 22 miles on an extremely hilly bike course , taking in Sheephouse Lane , and the dreaded Anglezarke double hill, before descending back toward Transition 2 at Rivington High Schools.
Quick change to run shoes and again ran 4 miles towards Rivington Pike again for a second and final time , and back to the finish at Rivington High School.
A big thank you Ste Evans.
One step closer to the IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton 2024 in memory of Steve White ( Formerly of Holcombe Harriers, sadly killed cycling for his first Ironman event in 2020) and Cancer Research UK 🇬🇧 “
TERIFFIC TRIMPELLERS
A septet of Burndeners, some training for the marathon distance in the coming months, took on the the daunting Trimpell 20 miler this week. The Trimpell boasts a 90% traffic free route through the historic City of Lancaster and the stunning Lancashire Lune Valley countryside. This weekend was a Mothers’ Day special as it was held on Sunday. The seven-some brought home some shining times to Mother as they finished the epic challenge with spent legs but smiling faces.
First home was recent winner of the Men’s Captain Award, Michael ‘Fast-Mode’ Kermode, in 2:25:36. Leading Lady was Ladies’ Captain, Linda ‘Dasher’ Doherty in 2:56:35. Next up was ‘Feel the Bern-ie’ Jones, packing in the miles for the Rob Burrow May Marathon, in 3:22:10. Rounding up the seven was a quality quartet of ladies cracking it in sub 3:40:00 – ‘Nifty’ Nicola Halsall – 3:25:33, Tess ‘Riley-fast’ – 3:30:00, Emma ‘Runner’ Walker – 3:26:05 and Sandra ‘Yes She Caine’ – 3:35:16.
Flying the flag for Burnden on the 10K course was legendary Tony ‘Fulop-energy’ – crossing the line in 1:07:26.
NO HORSING AROUND FOR THE TRIPLE TREKKERS
The first race of the popular Chester Triple kicked off this month with the 10K. Soon to be followed by the Half Marathon in May and the Metric and Full Marathons in October, the triple is a coveted prize by many runners.
Described as ‘the ultimate running challenge’ by the organisers, the Chester Triple medal was created to tempt new runners to increase and progress through different running distances and ‘achieve something they didn’t think was possible’. Athletes aiming to collect the fancy medal must run the MBNA Chester 10K, the Essar Chester Half Marathon and then finish either the MBNA Chester Metric or Full Marathon – either 26.2K or 26.2 miles in October.
After the success of the Dunleavy’s Triple Award, and hungry eyes feasting on their enviable bling, another paddock of Burndeners are saddled up to ride the Triple horse.
Starting at the famous Chester Racecourse in the beautiful and historic city, runners are truly treated to a nosebag of goodies at the finish line amid cheers from the sidelines of the route by scores of spectators.
Here are the positions in which our bucking Burnden broncos finished on race day –
First back at the stable was Simon Entwistle – the only sub-hour finisher in 51:56, followed by Jason Attwood in 1:05:54, Shirley Robinson in 1:11:39 and a trio of Trotters - Jennifer Forkin, Jennifer Entwistle and Gillian McGowan in triplet times of 1:17:50.
KEIGHLEY FOR CAROLYN
Yorkshire lass, Carolyn Edwards, was on home turf this weekend as she completed the Keighley 10K in a respectable time of 1:06:21. The challenging race starts and finishes in Victoria Park – following a circular route alongside the Leeds-Liverpool canal and East Riddlesden Hall and taking in the stunning Keighley Golf Club.
WHITTINGTON IS WINNING!
Congratulations to Mark Whittington who finished in first position at the notoriously tough Bolton parkrun – great achievement! Mark was sub-20 in a lung-busting 19:44. Special mentions this week for John Simms who completed his 25th parkrun at Bolton and was 2nd Burndener home at Bolton in 23:53. Shout out to Rick Winnard who finished his 50th at Bolton in 27:06. First lady for Burnden was Linda Doherty in 29:17.
Other results at Bolton – Marcus Hamer – 24:02, Martin Cullen – 24:39, Ian Pudge – 25:01, Martin Archer – 25:36, Gareth Doherty – 26:23, Ravi Patel – 27:41, Paul Johnson – 28:46, Luke Newell – 30:30, Philip Glassbrook – 32:02, Maggie Slamin -33:00, David Allen – 35:39, Sarah Jane Wells – 36:40, Andrew Parkinson – 37:16, Lauren Hulme – 40:53.
The Watergrove reconnaissance team were over in Rochdale – checking out the mud thickness, course quality and post-run brew availability in preparation for the Off-Road Championship next weekend. It can’t be too bad as they’ve all finished in great times!
Here are the finishers- Gareth Lowe – 27:36, Steven Bate – 30:12, Jenni Partington – 33:10, Jocelyn Chadderton – 36:46.
Elsewhere –
Worsley Woods – Mark Jackson – 22:31
Wilmslow – Sarah Watton – 23:01, Jonathan Sangster – 23:02
Glossop – Steven Walsh – 24:29
Haigh Woodland – Andy Dunleavy – 22:00, Cheryl Dunleavy – 38:52
Exmouth – Simon Marland – 24:51, Sue Marland – 33:31
Fleetwood Promenade – Paul Drew - 24:42
Peel – Richard Blake – 26:01
Worden – Carol Richardson – 31:58, Michelle Livesey – 37:39, Sarah Brown – 37:40
Pennington Flash – Steven Snape – 31:50, Joyce Tyldesley – 36:55
Woodbank – Nia Bell – 31:51
Heaton Park – Chris Greenall – 25:25, Gayle Gerrard – 25:45