SUPERSONIC BURNDEN SLIDE AWAY AT MANCHESTER’S PARTY

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run brings tens of thousands to running in what is described as ‘the original and best-loved running event’ for its start to finish Mancunian party vibes.

Centrally located in the city, the half marathon and 10K races take runners around the city’s iconic landmarks including the two football stadiums of Old Trafford and the Etihad.

Burnden’s performances were well deserving of some Champagne Supernova this year. Ravi Patel was in double figures – with not one but two medals round his neck as he paced friends in both distances to a supersonic 1:59:25 in the half and 59:10 in the 10K!

Burnden’s ‘Wonderwalls’ were spotted all over this year – led by Andrew Horrocks who was Half a World Away in front – completing 13.1 miles in an astonishing 1:22:21. Following minutes later was Gary Avison in a speedy 1:30:59.

Martin Whitehead sped up his time by a super 7 minutes this year – finishing the Half as third Burnden male with a PB of 1:39:32.

She’s Electric, Gayle Gerrard, was 1st Burnden lady home from the half in 1:46:02 and Lisa Berry led the 10K ladies home in a Berry impressive 1:01:52.

Surely shining like an Oasis in the hot sun, the finish line was also crossed by these Supernovas.

Half Marathon – Emma Smith – 1:53:48, Laura Thornley – 1:56:36, Steven Walsh – 1:59:10, Kimberley Lowe – 1:59:25, Peter Wood – 2:24:43, Julie Morrison – 2:31:00, David Morrison – 2:31:00,

10K – Carol Richardson – 1:04:54, Sarah Jane Wells – 1:18:49.

PIER TO PIER

The Marlands ticked a race off their bucket list this weekend as they headed to the North East to complete the Pier to Pier 7 mile race.

Starting on the beach at South Shields, it’s a tough course with sandy terrain for a mile or so before heading up the coast line on a mix of trail paths before hitting the promenade and returning back via the beach to Roker Pier, Sunderland.

Simon Marland crossed the line in 53:52 and Sue finished in 1:23:21.

SHOUT OUT TO ASTRONOMICAL ANDY

Andy Horrocks deserves some credit this week as he takes a well deserved rest after hitting 4 major events in just 4 weeks and gaining a double set of PBs!

After achieving a sub-3 in Manchester Marathon at the end of April, 3:06 at Leeds Marathon last week, a PB at Manchester Half this weekend plus completing Horwich Triathlon, Andy deserves to hang his trainers up amid a round of Burnden applause – well done!

WALTON'S WELSH PBS

Steve Walton was off to Wales again to conquer the Snowdonia Half Marathon and smash some PBs on the way. Steve collected great records all around the course and beat last year's time by 5 minutes. Conquering Conwy's challenge with courage, Steve scaled the summit in 1:59:13.