BADAT LEADS US HOME AT HORWICH

It was a double whammy last Wednesday evening as the Horwich Coronation trail ticked off a race on both the Off-Road Championship and the Central Lancs Grand Prix.

The trail saw a torrent of 49 runners traversing the fells for the midge-feast challenge - navigating 6 miles of the lesser known Rivington paths around the source and route of the River Yarrow.

Every runner was cheered on and cheered home – epitomising the welcoming family atmosphere of Burnden.

Over to the results and first home was Super Speedy Suleman Badat in 40:37 followed by Hurricane Andrew Horrocks in 41:21 and Whippet-quick Mark Whittington in 41:24.

First lady was Gwen Kinloch in 49:08 and crowned 1st FV65. Katie Walsh was 2nd lady in 51:19 and 3rd was Lyndsay Darbyshire seconds behind in 51:33 – taking 3rd FV55.

Anne Ferguson claimed 2nd FV65 in 52:51 and Lee White took 3rd MV50 in 42:16,

Gary Avison – 44:46, Mark Cannon – 45:27, Gareth Doherty – 45:55, Ed Ashton – 46:43, Lyall Mew – 47:32, Phillip Fryer – 47:51, Richard Marlton – 47:58, Gareth Lowe – 48:13, Jake Quinn – 49:29, Neil Counsell – 49:29, Ryan Moore – 49:30, Patrick Filio – 49:48, Martin Cullen – 50:12, Paul Drew – 50:33, Marcus Hamer – 50:57, Verity Harrison – 52:06, , Keith Thomas – 53:28, Marie Parkinson – 54:05, Jane Forrest – 55:29, Colm O’Brien – 55:35, Andy Warburton – 55:37, Gayle Gerrard – 56:04, Linda Doherty – 56:06, Kathryn Baron – 56:38, Elaine Roper – 58:21, Jenni Partington – 1:00:32, Rich Burnett – 1:00:48, Richard Blake – 1:01:02, Louise Righini – 1:02:01, Chris Greenall – 1:02:59, Amy Smith – 1:05:54, Nia Bell – 1:06:36, Steve Holt – 1:07:06, Julie Riddle – 1:10:40, Emma Walker – 1:15:17, Kathryn Berry – 1:15:18, Linda Coffey – 1:16:39, Diane Smith – 1:20:03, Anthony Fulop – 1:24:41.

CHESTER CHECKED OFF

Over a weekend of baking hot conditions, 4 Burndeners ticked off the second race of the Chester Triple Challenge.

Odds were looking good for the Chester hopefuls as they started from the historic racecourse and it was Jake Quinn who was first to finish for a nosebag of goodies – crossing in 1:48:30. Martin Archer was back for a second year and trotted home in 2:21:01. Finishing in 3rd and 4th were Bernie Jones in 2:23:21 and Lyndsey Berisford in 2:49:35.

The 10K was held earlier in the year and a quiet contingent of Burndeners crossed the line and kept it quiet.

Credit goes to Gregg Beardwell who led the troops home in an impressive 47:22, Martin Archer – 57:03, Bernie Jones – 57:05, Lyndsey Berisford – 1:12:03 and Maz Matthews-Wyatt – 1:42:40.

Those who have completed two of the Chester races have the option to carry on for a third and go for the big gold medal by completing either the Metric or Full Marathon in October.

MICHAEL’S SCOTTISH MARATHON

Michael ‘Fast Mode’ Kermode travelled up to Scotland’s capital for the country’s biggest running festival. The Edinburgh Marathon boasts stunning scenery and a great course – taking runners along the Royal Mile and past the iconic castle. Michael enjoyed the course, despite the challenging weather conditions of heavy coastal wind, rain and hailstones, and he finished the distance in a super 3:30:58.