NORMANS GRIM AND BEAR IT

Andy and Rachel Norman laced up their trainers and headed to Yorkshire for a soggy and muddy challenge by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Always a popular choice for runners of all abilities, Grim up North events offer a variety of distances as well as scenic routes and a medal on completion. The Normans completed the Grim Leodis, which consists of running a 6.5 mile loop up to the chosen distance. Starting and finishing off Wyther Lane in Kirkstall, the route features a mix of canal towpath, river bank, trail and a short road section.

Rachel made an excellent return to racing – completing the two loop half marathon in 2:16:07 – while Andy hit 5th place with a superb marathon effort of 3:45:09.

WINDY HILL NO MATCH FOR MORRISON

David Morrison headed for the fells of Littleborough this weekend to take on the Windy Hill. Described by David as ‘a crazy fell run’, the 12 mile route includes crossing the M62 on bouncy footpath bridges and passes the huge relay transmitter on Saddleworth Moor.

With his trusty GoPro, David captured every moment of his challenging and adventurous run, which was his first return to the fells since a spinal injury.

Good conditions made for a bright and sunny day but David described the ‘cold bogs and knee-deep puddles’ – even spotting a dog standing in one of the puddles - mostly submerged!

With challenges along the route, steep rutted downhills, relentless uphills ascending to 2,100 feet, and a brisk wind, this was not an easy experience for David but he completed in 2:43:00 and recommended the ‘character-building race with its stunning scenery!’.

NEIGH PROBLEM FOR BURNDEN’S MANN

Known for its horseracing and its annual Grand National Steeplechase, Aintree was home instead to a stable full of runners this weekend.

Regular races are held at the racecourse by Run Through Events – offering an exciting atmosphere, a fast and flat course which keeps you literally on track as well as a post-race medal and a nosebag full of goodies.

Ian Mann was the sole horse out of the box for Burnden and he finished with the chequered flag in 1:24:14.

SHOUTOUT

A special mention to Linda Doherty this week who volunteered at Bolton parkrun for the 100th time!!!