Burnden Road Runners Race Report Week Beginning 15th June 2026

BURNDEN SMASHES TOUR OF TAMESIDE

A sixth of Burnden’s speedies were super busy this week as they took on the (in)famous Tour of Tameside. Comprising over 50km of running, it explores routes, trails and tough terrain from Thursday to Sunday – making it a very active long weekend away!

The Tour has been adapted from the original 7 day founded by Ron Hill in 1981. Thursday’s offering is the X-Trail 10K through Daisy Nook and Park Bridge County Parks in Oldham. The mix of woodland paths, steep climbs and uneven terrain tested both strength and endurance but Burnden runners rose to the occasion with Tom Stratton first Burnden finisher in 42:38 with Lee White next in 42:54, Michael Kermode 3rd in 43:18 and Katherine Baines the sole Club lady in 52:39 who was crowned 2nd FV40.

Next came Hell on the Fell – a 6 mile seriously demanding fell race renowned for its steep ascents, fast descents and rugged terrain. Starting in Stalybridge then heading for the Trigg point on Copley Fell, it is a real test of endurance and resilience. Individual results are here with Tom Stratton leading the pack home in 45:56. Lee White – 46:43, Michael Kermode – 47:27, Katherine Baines – 57:24.

Third is the Hero Half – a loop of the small village of Hadfield near Glossop then an out and back along the Longdendale Trail. A fantastic array of five sub 2 hour endurance efforts was on display as Tom Stratton again led the group home in 1:31:15 followed by Michael Kermode – 1:37:26, Lee White – 1:50:08, Gayle Gerrard – 1:52:58 and Katherine Baines – 1:59:03.

Finally, the Dr Ron Hyde 7 Miler on the Sunday is an undulating loop around the town of Hyde and surrounding roads. With a competitive field, the race provided a great opportunity for the Burndeners to test their speed over a slightly longer distance than the traditional 10K. Michael Kermode was first home from Hyde in 44:45 with the ladies shining in their Vet crowns. Gayle Gerrard took 3rd FV50 in 56:10 and Katherine Baines claimed 3rd FV40 in 57:26. Tom Stratton was 2nd home in 45:53 followed by Lee White and Andrew Norman seconds apart – finishing in 48:21 and 48:49 respectively.

Fantastic results all round on the Tour of Tameside with a special mention to Katherine Baines, who put in an astonishing performance in all four races and finished as 2nd FV40 in the final overall standings—an excellent achievement in a highly competitive event.

BURNDEN KNOWL BEST

The Knowl Hill Fell Race is the third event in Rochdale Harriers’ Three Day Racing Event. With ascent reaching 1,299 feet at the peak of Knowl Hill, it’s one for the brave of heart. Its 6 miles follow alongside the Greenbooth and Naden Reservoirs before demanding a scramble on all-fours up to the moors to the Knowl Hill trig point before speeding down to the reservoirs once more, ascending once again and descending then to Doctor Dam before finishing. Our intrepid Burnden pair had knowl problem as Kath Baron crossed in 1:24:34 and claimed 3rd FV60 while David Morrison was just a few minutes behind – completing in 1:28:30.

ANOTHER VET PRIZE FOR GAYLE!

Not content with one Vet win this week, Gayle Gerrard was out for another as she took on Barmouth 10k. Described by Gayle as ‘A race where the mountains meet the sea!’, Barmouth Harbout is the start and finish point for this out and back and the route features a trek out over the wooden boards of Barmouth Bridge and continues onto the Mawddach Trail.

Despite facing a stiff sea breeze on the return leg, Gayle finished the 10K in 46:53, 3rd FV50 of 82 and 18th lady of 652. A fantastic performance in this beautiful coastal race with a carnival atmosphere!

STANLEY PARK FOR ERIN

Erin Marsh produced a fantastic run at the Stanley Park 5K, finishing strongly in 24:39 among a competitive field. Stanley Park divides the Everton and Liverpool football grounds of Anfield and Goodison Park and the 5K and 10K races take in the beautiful scenery of the historic park.

DEWHURST WINS SLATEMAN 70.3

Written by Triathlon Captain Mike Caine.

Matt Dewhurst provides coached training for a number of Burnden members and is a trusted friend of the Club. Matt took on the Slateman 70.3 Triathlon this weekend.

The Slateman Triathlon in Llanberis, North Wales, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most iconic and challenging triathlons, set against the spectacular backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The race begins with an open-water swim in the waters of Llyn Padarn near Snowdon, before transitioning onto a demanding bike course that winds through mountain passes and rolling Welsh roads with significant climbing throughout. The race concludes with an unforgiving trail run through the historic Dinorwig Slate Quarry, where steep ascents, rugged terrain and breathtaking views test athletes to the limit. The total distance is 70.3 miles. After a battle at the front of the pack with another athlete, Matt won the race overall in a time of 5:13:57, which given the race difficulty is an unbelievable time. Well done Matt!

PARKRUN ROUNDUP

Parkrun once again proved to be a huge part of the weekend, with Burnden Road Runners representing the club across multiple locations.

Special mention at Clarence parkrun for Paula Pilling who was 1st female in 22:12.

At Phillips Park, runners enjoyed a memorable morning including a surprise appearance from Joe Wicks. Results here - Gareth Lowe – 24:09, Jenni Partington – 25:23, Louise Bentley – 31:14, Tess Riley – 31:18, Linda Coffey – 31:18.

Andy Dunleavy led a huge club turnout home at Bolton parkrun with a strong performance of 22:01. First lady was Vicki Hamer in 26:47. Results – Martin Whitehead – 23:40, Mark Cannon – 25:15, Ivan Brown – 25:18, Phillip Fryer – 25:33, Lyall Mew – 26:36, Clair Marland – 27:03, Rob Moran-Hetherington – 27:27, Gareth Doherty – 27:59, Steven Walsh – 28:20, Luisa Shield – 28:35, Kathryn Baron – 28:46, Catherine Shield – 29:19, Nicola Halsall – 29:32, Andrew Crawford – 29:32, Hannah Larke – 29:36, Paul Johnson – 30:00, Emma Walker – 30:50, David Allen – 33:56, Kelly Johnson-Owen – 34:26, Rebecca Fisher – 35:51, Cheryl Dunleavy – 40:15, Philip Glassbrook – 47:29, Vivienne Bentley – 49:49, Ian Mann – 52:52.

Other locations

Haigh Woodland parkrun - David Smith – 24:25, Carol Richardson – 33:09, Tracey Lowe – 35:32

Hyndburn parkrun: Sarah Brown – 46:42, Michelle Livesey – 46:43

Brea Reservoir parkrun: Simon Marland – 24:49, Sue Marland – 35:08

Peel parkrun: Steven Snape – 33:12, Joyce Tyldesley – 41:27

Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun: Nia Bell – 39:23

Kingsway Park parkrun (Urmston): Mark Jackson – 18:39

Rothay Park parkrun: Ravi Patel – 27:05, Kimberly Lowe – 29:13

Marple parkrun: Paul Cox – 27:15

Northwich parkrun: Aimee Sharples (and Keith the dog) – 52:45