BADAT OUTSTANDING IN HIS FIELD

If you’re heading up to Blackrod, you may see a few strange sights dotted around the village at this time of year.

The annual Scarecrow Festival harvests a host of great events including a sold out10K race – now in its second year. Attracting a stream of runners to its course, the pull might be its novelty of spotting scarecrows along the route, its friendly atmosphere or its beautiful course with a sting in its straw.

Either way, there was an a-maize-ing turnout from Burnden and some fantastic performances from our own crows!

Four flattish or downhill miles led to a burst of speed before the testing 2 mile uphill slog challenged even the quickest of BRRs.

Outstanding in his field, with the only Burnden sub-40 and 1st MV45, was Suleman Badat – first to land in 39:53. Sully deserves a special mention for his excellent support of fellow runners up that horrific end hill. Many have paid credit and thanks for his encouragement when they needed it most. Hats off to Suleman!

Standing tall at the finish was Lee White in 42:44 – taking 1st MV50. Pecking at his heels was Michael Kermode seconds later in 42:57.

First Burnden lady and first lady overall was Gwen Kinloch – taking another first with 1st FV65. Second lady and 1st FV55 was Lyndsay Darbyshire in 51:23 and third lady and 3rd Senior was Katie Walsh in 52:13.

Burnden continued to clean up the straw as Steve Nolan took 1st MV65 in 45:10, Stephen Horsman claimed 1st MV60 in 47:31, Mike Caine took 1st MV55 in 47:53, Marie Parkinson was crowned 1st FV60 in 53:06 and Jenni Partington claimed 1st FV45 in 57:21.

Second and Third Vets went to Simon Marland – 2nd MV65 in 48:29, Paul Drew – 2nd MV55 in 52:21, Gayle Gerrard – 2nd FV50 in 53:01, Anne Ferguson – 2nd FV65 in 53:15, Jane Forrest – 2nd FV60 in 56:48, Julia Hall – 2nd FV55 in 59:02, Louise Righini – 2nd FV40 in 1:04:24, Gareth Doherty – 3rd MV45 in 45:27, Andy Dunleavy – 3rd MV65 in 48:50, Paul Cox – 3rd MV55 in 52:28, Andy Warburton – 3rd MV60 in 56:39, Elaine Roper – 3rd FV65 in 57:38, Tess Riley – 3rd FV60 in 1:03:57 and Julie Riddle – 3rd FV55 in 1:08:50.

Tyler Hill smashed two PBs on the course – 5K in 21:01 and 10K in 44:58.

Also flying in – Gary Avison – 44:39, Ryan Moore – 45:11, Jake Quinn – 45:36, Martin Fielding – 47:20, Lyall Mew – 47:43, Ravi Patel – 47:51, Martin Whitehead – 49:01, Gareth Lowe – 50:19, Aaron Dennel – 51:28, Keith Thomas – 54:55, Kris Worsley – 55:18, Linda Doherty – 55:20, Craig Philpot – 55:46, Kimberley Lowe – 56:29, Colm O’Brien – 56:35, Richard Burnett – 57:42, Jackie Oakes – 1:00:57, Rick Winnard – 1:01:18, Mark Butler – 1:02:00, Sarah Woodiwiss – 1:02:20, Steve Holt – 1:02:48, Tony Woodiwiss – 1:03:46, Emma Walker – 1:04:19, Sandra Caine – 1:05:41, Nia Bell – 1:06:23, Sarah Brown – 1:07:25, Carol Richardson – 1:07:33, Natasha Clarke – 1:07:35, Justin Bones – 1:10:36, Lyndsey Berrisford – 1:14:42, Jen Forkin – 1:16:13, Debra Hennessey – 1:17:01, Sue Marland – 1:17:37, Tony Fulop – 1:18:06, Cheryl Dunleavy – 1:26:04, Michelle Livesey – 1:28:02, Ian Mann – 1:36:05, Gillian McGowan – 1:36:05.

SALE SIZZLER

The second race was on at Sale Sizzler this week and just two returned to knock another from the list. Michael Kermode was 1st back in 18:54 with Justin Bones home in 28:14.