SUPERSTAR CHERYL WINS EA AWARD!

Following on from Burnden’s Club of the Year Award in 2023 from England Athletics, we had another reason to be proud as our Cheryl picked up some more bling.

Cheryl was nominated as Volunteer of the Year in the EA Awards this year and (to nobody’s surprise!), she won!

We all know that Cheryl is a legend – loyal, everlastingly cheerful and as energetic as a Duracell bunny! Now it’s official as this is what England Athletics and Cheryl herself had to say on her win.

“Cheryl Dunleavy is the heart and soul of her club—radiating positivity, creativity, and unwavering support. From cheering in fancy dress to handcrafting mascots and banners, Cheryl brings joy to every event. Her reimagined Virtual Championship, now a fun and inclusive “Route 66k” challenge, keeps members engaged year-round. Cheryl’s thoughtfulness ensures no one is forgotten, whether sending messages to marathoners or standing trackside for hours. She champions volunteering, celebrates effort, and uplifts everyone around her. Cheryl’s energy, kindness, and dedication make her an irreplaceable force—and a truly deserving Club Volunteer of the Year.

On receiving her award, Cheryl said:

"I feel privileged and honoured. I started off the Virtual Championships in 2020, and I wanted to find a way to let people feel connected and to not let people lose touch, so that's where it all started, but everybody loved it so much that they don't want it to end!

"Keeping people connected with the club is really what I'm about. I'm really proud of the inclusiveness that the Virtual Championships in particular has brought our club, and there are lots of people involved in that, not just me. Everybody makes it really, don't they, and it just makes me smile."

Cheryl added that she was really thrilled that the VCs are recognised as an inclusive offer at Burnden RR and happy that everyone is appreciative of the work that has gone into its creation – both from herself and others. Well done Cheryl!

Cheryl didn’t let her running slip this week as her and hubby Andy nipped up the road and completed the Accrington 10K. Andy crossed in 44:35 and Cheryl in 1:16:18.

OVERSEAS FOR LONG DISTANCES

Though it be autumn, a trio of Burndeners were off abroad to catch some late sun (or rain showers!) in longer distance races.

Tess Riley completed her final marathon at, what is described as, ‘the most beautiful marathon in the world’ – Lisbon.

Starting in Carcavelos and finishing at Praca do Comercio, the marathon course is 100% sea and river side – giving runners stunning views of the Atlantic and the River Tagus as well as the gardens of Oeiras. Tess completed the course in 5:04:44.

The Half Marathon distance also had a Burndener amongst its crowds as Emma Walker competed in the equally beautiful race. Setting off a little later than the full, the half distance starts from the majestic Vasco de Gama Bridge and takes runners along the streets of Lisbon. Emma finished the course in 2:19:53.

A little further away in Valencia, Paul Cox was among the thousands competing in one of the top running events in the world. The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Half Marathon welcomes more than 25,000 runners from 138 nationalities to its fast and flat course through the beautiful city. With some wind hampering the final kilometres, Paul brought a great time home – crossing the line in 1:54:05.

LEICESTER HALF PB FOR HAMAD

Closer to home, Hamad Ali was smashing out PBs again as this weekend took him to Leicester. The Run Leicester Festival starts at Victoria Park and winds through the streets and parks of the city. Hamad crossed the line in 1:54:18.

‘HARDEST PARKRUN’ SHOUT OUT.

Kudos to Julie and David Morrison this week as they completed the ‘reputed’ toughest parkrun in England – the Great Yarmouth North Beach.

Undoubtedly full of sand, David further described the race as ‘flat and hard on the quads with every footstep sinking in but great fun!’

The couple crossed the (sandy) line in 43:00.