BURNDEN LIGHTS UP THE BIG SCREEN

A mid-week Club Championship race saw hordes of Burndeners gather in the North-West media capital to run a fast and flat 5K.

The Salford Media City 5K and 10K races are a regular occurrence but it was a first to have it as a Club race. And what a great choice. Buzzing atmosphere, lots to see, a shiny medal and treats to eat – what’s not to love? (Don’t mention the car parking!)

A glorious evening made the the two-lap race a bit of a warm one but the water stations and great views made up for that. Superb support lined the streets from the central Piazza and the Lowry Theatre to the BBC Studios and Imperial War Museum and custom built podiums and placards to show off those PBs made for great finish photographs.

First to finish for Burnden and the first of 3 to crack sub 19 was Suleman Badat in the lead with 18:03. Suleman was also crowned 1st MV45. Second Burndener was Matt Dewhurst in 18:33 and third was Tyler Hill in 18:40.

Katie Walsh, who has been smashing some fantastic times recently was Burnden’s first lady in 21:30. Gwen Kinloch was 2nd Burnden lady in 21:49 and 1st FV65. Third Burnden lady was Gayle Gerrard in 23:25 – taking 1st FV50.

Vet Categories were in abundance with Gareth Doherty 3rd MV45 in 19:50, Mike Caine 2nd MV55 in 20:51, Stephen Horsman 1st MV60 in 21:13, Marie Parkinson – 1st FV60 in 23:05, Anne Ferguson – 2nd FV65 in 23:55, Linda Doherty – 2nd FV50 in 24:40, Jane Forrest – 2nd FV60 in 25:35, Jenni Partington – 3rd FV45 in 24:29, Kath Berry – 3rd FV60 in 28:00, Emma Walker – 3rd FV50 in 28:01, Julie Riddle – 2nd FV55 in 30:40.

Catching new PBs were Justin Bones in 27:00, Jordan Hulme in 27:43 and Gillian Morris in 28:09.

More Salford-super results –

Ravi Patel – 19:19, Jake Quinn – 19:38, Gary Avison – 20:23, Gareth Lowe – 22:08, Kimberley Lowe – 23:22, Mark Butler – 25:05, Andy Warburton – 25:40, Ivan Brown – 25:47, Rick Winnard – 26:57, Steve Holt – 27:15, Aimee Sharples – 28:18, Nia Bell – 28:40, Sandra Caine – 28:53, Robert Bell – 31:40, Lyndsey Berrisford – 32:56, Jennifer Entwistle – 33:01, Jeanette Robinson – 33:38, Jen Forkin – 33:38, Tony Fulop – 35:06, Joyce Tyldesley – 35:11, Ian Mann – 38:39, Suzanne Walmsley – 57:05.

Carol Richardson completed 4 laps of the course for the 10K race and finished in 1:01:26.

CHAIR TONY RUNS FOR TEAM GB IN THE TRANSPLANT GAMES

In 2022, we featured the personal story of Tony Fulop’s running journey and how he overcame his demons to become not only a great runner but an inspiration and a much-loved member of the Burnden Road Runners family. In 2023, Tony returned to take part in the British Transplant Games 5K race and knocked 10 seconds of his previous time to finish in a super 31:46. This year, now our very own Burnden Chair, Tony was ultra proud to be chosen to represent Team GB in the Transplant Games 5K race at Blenheim Palace in Oxford and he finished in 33:08.

The Games are a partnership with the charity Transplant Sport and aim to increase awareness of the need for organ donation, encourage transplant recipients to lead active lifestyles and show appreciation for and remember donors and their families.

Here are some more of Tony’s words about the club, life and more from his emotional story.

“I can't speak more highly of the people involved in Burnden Road Runners - coaches/team leaders/fellow runners. What a great club with healthy competition and a smile every time. There is always tons of advice from everyone, great sessions and a real team ethos.

I learned the lesson that people think they are invincible - they are not. You have to live life every day the best you can and work hard. I am forever grateful for the donation of a new liver and second chance at life..."

Tony was overwhelmed to be supported at the Games by Cheryl and Andy Dunleavy who travelled down to Blenheim Palace to surprise him. Cheryl herself is overwhelmed to have been nominated by Burnden RR for the England Athletics North West Club Volunteer of the Year and this level of support is just one reason why she has been!

QUAD COMPLETE CYBI COASTAL

The stunning Cybi Coastal Marathon is on many a bucket list and even won Runners’ World’s best UK Marathon in 2019.

Comprising a circular route around Holy Island along the Ynys Cybi coastal an elevation of 1,504 metres up Mynydd Twr at 23 miles gives it a sting in its tail - it’s not one for the hill haters. However beauty is everywhere in Penrhos, Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn and Treardurr Bay and our four intrepid adventurers all completed the route. Andy Norman took on the Marathon distance for a fifth time and, despite contemplating retirement and labelling the course as ‘brutal’ – finished in a great time of 5:14:26. Rachel Norman, Tess Riley and Kath Berry finished the almost identical 25K route – crossing in respective times of 3:25:48, 4:35:30 and 4:35:36.

BARON AND CHADDERTON VET WINNERS AT LEE MILL

The Lee Mill Fell Race is a challenging scramble in Rossendale and measures over 6 miles in length and has an ascent of 1200 feet.

First in the Rossendale Sportsshoes Mid-Week series, this race saw Kath Baron and Jocelyn Chadderton thoroughly enjoying themselves amongst the mud and amazing views and both came home with a Vet win.

Both finishing in 1:44:38, Kath was 1st FV60 and Joc was 1st FV55.

SALE SIZZLER SEES SMASHING TIMES

The fourth race of Sale Sizzler welcomed four Burndeners across the line with some great times to show. Michael Kermode was 1st home for the Club with a new PB of 18:30. Ryan Moore was second with a sub 20 – 19:25. Francis Mackin claimed 2nd MV75 in 24:53 and Amy Smith cracked sub-30 with 29:47.

SOUTHPORT FOR FILIO

Patrick Filio was by the seaside for the Southport 10K, hosted by Fylde Coast Runners. A fast and flat course, Patrick enjoyed the run despite the wet and windy weather conditions on the return leg. He crossed the line in an impressive 47:34.

IAN BUZZES TO 100!

Ian Mann was buzzing this week as he hit the coveted milestone of 100 parkruns at Bolton - surrounded by his Burnden hive. Ian joined us at the Burnden Bees - the Beginners' Group - back in 2021 and is a valued addition to the Club and everybody's friend.

Following his finish time of 44:01, Ian posted,

"Thank you to everyone who came to Bolton parkrun this morning to celebrate as I officially joined the 100 Park Run club!! A journey that started on 24th July 2021 and my first proper 5K after joining the Burnden Bees.

Four years later I have completed 100 Park Runs across 22 locations from Uni of Stirling to Nobles on the Isle of Man, with 64 at Bolton. It's been a journey and I've learnt a lot.

Parkrun is the perfect way to start the weekend and I'm so chuffed to have started my running journey 4 years ago. I have met some amazing people from Bolton parkrun and the Burnden family who I now get to call friends."