FAR FROM FELLED AT LEO’S CHALLENGE

Burnden brought home several Vet winners from the annual Leo Pollard Memorial Fell Race, organised by Lostock AC and part of the Horwich Festival of Racing.

Named in honour of Lostock’s late President, Leo Pollard – an accomplished fell runner and climber, the race is a tough and challenging adventure in the hills. Beginning at the Top Barn in Rivington, runners faced a steep climb up to the Pike and then circulate both Rivington and Smithills moor – taking in Brown Hill and Crooked Edge Hill to reach the Two Lads monument. Circling again around Holden’s Plantation and Smithills Shooting Hut, it is another climb almost to the Mast before traversing back across Rivington Moor in stunning approach to the Pike. Racers then retrace their steps to finish the 7 mile race back at the starting point.

Andrew Horrocs was first Burndener home in 44:23 followed by Paul Duke in 47:58 and Michael Kermode in 51:35. Anne Ferguson was 1st Burnden lady and 1st FV65 in 57:24 and Lyndsay Darbyshire brought 3rd FV55 and 2nd Burnden lady in 1:00:48. Jane Forrest claimed 1st FV60 in 1:00:53 and Marie Parkinson took 2nd FV60 in 1:05:10.

Other results - Phil Fryer – 52:15, Andy Staveley – 53:36, Jake Quinn – 54:02, Keith Thomas – 57:58, Marcus Hamer – 58:03, Dean Covill – 59:22, Andy Warburton – 1:02:48, Colm O’Brien – 1:02:51, Kathryn Baron – 1:06:12, Louise Righini – 1:09:38, Steve Holt – 1:12:49, Nia Bell – 1:18:08.

NIGHT RUN

Ironman’s slightly kinder challenge was underway on the Friday before the big event with almost 1000 runners waiting to set off in waves on Le Mans Crescent.

Two offers – a 5K and a 10K - take runners around and out of Bolton town centre and into Queens Park for a gentle(ish) ramble before looping back around and onto the mighty red carpet for a true Ironman finish.

In the 10K, first home was Gary Avison in 40:15 followed by Ryan Moore in 42:31 and Steven Walton in 43:33. First 3 ladies were Linda Doherty in 51:22, Sandra Caine – 59:01 and Natasha Clarke – 59:34.

Other results -

Rick Winnard – 56:02, Rob Moran-Hetherington – 57:55, Richard Blake – 59:15, Amy Smith - 1:01:03, Katie Walsh – 1:07:28, Jennifer Entwistle – 1:10:02, Jeanette Robinson – 1:10:02,

First home in the 5K was Mark Cannon in 20:16 followed by John Simms in 21:09 and Neil Counsell in 21:55. First 3 ladies were Gayle Gerrard – 23:43, Susan Sumner – 24:42 and Louise Righini – 26:29.

Other results - Martin Whitehead – 21:56, Paul Johnson – 22:07, Steven Walsh – 25:07, Ivan Brown – 28:08, Lisa Berry – 29:01, Nicola Halsall – 29:43, Carol Richardson – 30:54, Jocelyn Chadderton – 31:01, Kathryn Berry – 31:02, Stephen Holt – 31:03, Bernie Jones – 32:22, Rebecca Fisher - 33:12, Debra Hennessey – 34:55, Tony Fulop – 35:12, Ian Mann – 39:21, Suzanne Walmsley – 59:09

ON TRACK FOR BURNDEN AS THEY NET NINE MEDALS

It was back to the classics for Burnden this week as a contingent took on track and field events in Manchester. Wednesday saw the 16th Joe Moran Memorial Veteran Track and Field Meeting hosted by Manchester Harriers at the Sportcity Stadium in Manchester.

Paul Christie, former Chair and avid sprint runner, is an enthusiastic ambassador for this event and picked up two of the nine total medals. Paul claimed Gold in the 400 metres with his time of 1:19:7 and Gold in the 800 metres with 2:58:9.

Steve Nolan took two Golds in the 800 metres with 2:44.9 and in the 1500 metres with 6:03.5.

Mumtaz Patel took home two Bronze medals for the 400 metres – 1:26 and the 800 metres – 3:02. In the field events it was the Javelin up first and Mumtaz took a further Bronze medal with her throw of 6.26 metres. Tom Stratton took two medals home – one in the 1500 metres with 5:18:6 and a javelin throw of 25.31 metres.

GRIM UP HALF FOR COX

Paul Cox was out for another half marathon this week – choosing one of ‘It’s Grim Up North’ canal events.

A variety of distances are on offer at the IGUN races and Paul’s half marathon distance took him along the tranquil Leeds to Liverpool Canal to Kirkstall and back again.

Paul crossed the line in 1:57:00.

HYROX FOR THE SMITHS

Diane and Amy Smith were in Wales this week to compete at the Cardiff Hyrox Doubles.

Described as ‘the world series of fitness racing’, this brutal training event is super popular all over the UK.

With supporters providing an electrifying atmosphere throughout, the sport of Hyrox incorporates cardio and strength racing 1km between eight activities – SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls.

The mother-daughter duo smashed this terrifying event in 1:58:29.

BURNDEN REPRESENTS AT ASTLEY

It was just two Burndeners at the Astley Park Trail this week as the packed race calendar presented other commitments. Located around the picturesque grounds of Astley Hall in Chorley, this week’s finishers were Gayle Gerrard in 30:53 and Chris Greenall in 34:14.

SOLO BONES AT EDGWORTH 10K

Edgworth Reservoir 10K welcomed just the one Burndener , Justin Bones, to its wet and muddy race. The picturesque yet challenging route is a whistle-stop tour around two of the countryside’s most beautiful reservoirs – Wayoh and Entwistle.