PARKRUN CHRISTMAS

A host of Christmas characters stepped into parkrun this weekend as festivities were ramped up in the last weekend before the big day.

Presents and trees, elves and Scrooge, snowmen and reindeer all gathered for a colourful photo before heading out for the 5K route.

There were reasons to be merry as many members received their medal for completing 50 runs to Christmas, organised by Lawrence McDonald – full write up below.

Top of the tree was Michael Kermode in 5th overall position with 20:55. Next was Jake Quinn in 9th overall position with 22:08 and first Burnden lady and 6th overall Francesca Caine in 23:29.

Other Santa-riffic results – Phillip Fryer – 23:32, Andrew Norman – 23:35, David Smith – 24:05, Gareth Lowe – 24:08, Gregg Beardwell – 24:14, Gary Avison – 25:04, Lawrence McDonald – 25:17, Ryan Moore – 25:31, Andy Dunleavy – 25:42, Gareth Doherty – 25:51, Martin Whitehead – 26:05, Michael Caine – 26:06, Anne Ferguson – 26:42, Clair Marland – 27:28, Ravi Patel – 27:49, Katherine Baines – 28:12, Tom Stratton – 28:13, Jenni Partington – 28:15, Paul Johnson – 28:16, Kimberley Lowe – 28:52, Tess Riley – 30:47, Helen Bury – 31:48, Tony Woodiwiss – 31:52, Sarah Woodiwiss – 31:53, Linda Doherty – 31:54, David Allen – 32:22, Sarah Brown – 32:49, Justin Bones – 32:50, Natasha Clarke – 32:54, Carol Richardson – 33:33, Jennifer Entwistle – 33:40, Luke Newell – 33:59, Gillian Morris – 34:06, Kathryn Berry – 34:07, Louise Bentley – 34:36, Amy Smith – 35:11, Kathryn Baron – 35:30, Emma Walker – 37:10, Sarah Watton – 37:11, Vicki Hamer – 37:12, Gillian McGowan – 38:08, Cheryl Dunleavy – 40:24, Julie Mann – 42:12, Andrew Mann – 42:13, Ian Mann – 46:30.

Special Christmas parkruns elsewhere…

Heaton Park – Suleman Badat – 18:30, Alexander Shield – 19:48, Luisa Shield – 28:43, Catherine Shield – 29:17.

Chester – Gayle Gerrard – 24:14

Rothwell – Steven Walsh – 26:02

Worsley Woods – Verity Harrison – 22:55

Cassiobury – Simon Marland – 23:45, Sue Marland – 31:24

Peel – Paul Holt – 27:27

Clarence – Nia Bell – 33:08

50 RUNS TO CHRISTMAS – DONE!

Written by Lawrence McDonald

Over 30 Burnden Road Runners members and friends took part in the 50-Day Run to Christmas, which began on 5 November and concluded on Christmas Eve. Members committed to running a minimum of two miles every day throughout the challenge. The initiative successfully raised funds for Urban Outreach, enabling runners to purchase essential grocery items for the charity’s Christmas hampers. Members delivered the donated items earlier this month to the Urban Outreach warehouse, and on Saturday were presented with their medals by organiser Lawrence McDonald during Bolton parkrun’s Christmas fancy dress event.

SPECIAL MENTIONS…to Phil Glassbrook who has hit 219 volunteering spots at parkrun – well done!

And to Connor Barratt who felt incredibly privileged this week to share the last miles of Jess Furness' 42 marathons in 2025 challenge. Raising money for Big Moose who help those affected by bereavement. Well done to Phil, Connor and Jess!