First 3 races of the Burnden Off Road Championship2026

Race reports - Jane Forrest Off Road Captain

We had a fantastic turnout for our first 3 off road races of 2026. We saw several category prizes a men’s team prize and lots of brilliant running. Thank you to everyone who turned out. It’s great to see so many of you trying new races and hopefully enjoying the off-road experience.

1^st April - Curley’s 5k

43 of the 76 runners in this race were from Burnden, a fantastic turn out for our first off road race of the year.  We were hoping for a fine evening, but the rain started as soon as we did and persisted for most of the way round. The Curley’s 5K is a lovely run across trail, and through woodland. Sadly,there were some issues with signposting and marshalling and during the race. Several runners went wrong and had to run further than others. This has affected the results. I wrote to Winter Hill runners to express our disappointment at the poor signage. We have had a response from the race director who has apologised for the way this affected all runners and impacted on our club championship. This was due to a missing sign and lack of a marshal at a crucial part of the race. He has offered us a reduction at next year’s event.

Despite the controversy, all the Burnden team completed the course. Paul Duke was our first man back in 3^rd place overall, with Paula Pilling first Burnden lady and first FV 50. We also got the male team prize, well done Paul, Steve N, Gary and Markus, and female team prize Paula, Katie, Marie and Lyndsay.  

Thanks to everyone who ran this race especially those who ran further than they should have.

Rivington Pike Fell Race

This fell race is short but tough.  This didn’t seem to put people off, and 32 Burnden runners turned up on Easter Saturday to run up the Pike and back down again. Storm Dave held off and everyone managed to complete the course without getting wet. At some points I thought the wind was actually helpful!

This race always attracts excellent fell runners from all parts of the country. The first runner finished in an eye watering 17 mins and 11 seconds.

Michael Kermode 24:43 and Paul Duke 24:58 were first and 2^nd Burndeners back with Paula Pilling the first Burnden lady home 26:16 also winning the FV50 prize. Congratulations to everyone who completed this iconic fell race.

Rivington 10 Mile Trail Race

On April 12^th 27 Burnden runners turned out to run the scenic but tough Rivington 10-mile trail race. This is a beautiful run through the trails, woodland and fells of Rivington, Anglezarke and White Coppice. Despite a short shower at the start of the race, the weather was kind. Conditions were quite slippery in parts and quite a few runners lost their footing in the mud. The course was well signed and marshalled although the lack of toilet facilities at the start was a bit of an issue.

Burnden had some excellent results. Paula Pilling was the first Burnden lady home wining the FV50 prize. Marie Parkinson and Gwen Kinloch were also FV60 and FV65 categorywinners.

Michael Kermode was our first runner home and Paul Duke won his age category prize.

Burnden also won the men’s team prize – congratulations to Michael, Lee, Paul and Steve Nolan.  

Well done to everyone who took part. If you completed this run, you can definitely call yourself an off road runner.

I will be emailing the organisers of the Rivington 10 mile. If anyone has any feedback that they would like me to share, please let me know.

I look forward to seeing you at our next off-road event the Horwich 6-mile trail on 20^th May.