VETS CLEAN UP AT BLACKLEACH

Quays Running Club once again held their contribution to the CLGP league with the popular Blackleach 5. With a tour around Blackleach Country Park and a double out and back section, it’s a great race for both the scenery and spotting fellow Club members!

First to finish was cannonball quick Mark Cannon in 33:54, which crowned him 1st VM60. Second home was Phil Fryer in a sizzling 35:11 and Neil Counsell in 36:39.

Leading the ladies was Gwen Kinloch in 37:03 and claiming 1st FV65. Next in was Lyndsay Darbyshire in 40:13 – taking 2nd FV55 and Marie Parkinson shadowing closely in 40:48 – taking 1st FV60. Lady Vets continued to shine with Shirley Staveley 2nd FV60 in 41:12, Katie Walsh 1st Senior in 46:46 and Linda Coffey 2nd FV70 in 52:06.

Burnden took the 1st MV65 in the top 3 categories with 1st going to Andy Dunleavy in 36:42, 2nd to Simon Marland in 38:48 and 3rd was David Smith in 39:31. Finlay Coyne took 2nd MV75 in 51:05.

Other results from Burnden –

Jake Quinn – 37:41, Gareth Lowe – 38:09, Lawrence McDonald – 39:37, Sue Marland – 1:00:03, Cheryl Dunleavy – 1:02:17, Tony Fulop – 1:03:38.

RUNNING CHICK TO CHICK IN BURY

There was a bright yellow surprise for Burndeners as they gathered at the Bury 10K. Fellow member and pacer Justin, who also runs for Clarence was dressed head to toe in an eggs-cellent outfit, which made everyone start with a smile! Justin also included his trademark Banana Boys shorts, which rounded off the outfit peck-fectly!

Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All - Bury Bid 10K is part of Bury Running Festival and has grown into a huge event with 1,400 runners.

Not an easy run with a slow climb up Tottington Road, the run then hits 5K and flattens out with some downhills and runnable paths along the Lines.

First to cluck home was David Allen in 1:01:55 followed by Jordan Hulme in 1:05:07, Luke Newell in 1:07:17, Jen Forkin in 1:11:39 and Jeanette Robinson in 1:13:00. Pacing the run were Justin ‘Chicken’ Bones with the 1:15:00 flag and Jennifer Entwistle sporting the 1:30:00.

GERRARD 1st OF 106

A treasure trove of Burndeners set out to another local race – this one in Pie Country just up the road. The relatively flat route starts and finishes in Mesnes Park and leads runners through Wigan town centre past the DW Stadium.

First home was Michael Kermode in 39:46 and first Burnden lady, Jessica Lee, was minutes behind in 43:03. Gayle Gerrard not only smashed her 10 year old PB but also took 1st FV50 ahead of 105 others in 45:21.

Other pie-tastic results – Craig Philpot – 51:15, Kris Worsley – 53:27, Carol Richardson – 1:01:49, Andrew Crawford – 1:16:10.

GNR IS MIXED UP BUT BURNDEN ARE BRILLIANT!

The famous race from Newcastle to South Shields via Gateshead made a mini mistake this year as its finisher t shirt AND medal featured not Tyneside but Sunderland! The names of the places were correct but the street map and river depicted the rival city. Great North Run organisers have since apologised but finishers no doubt have a unique keepsake!

Our Burndeners were on the right track though and all smashed it with a special mention to new member who completed her first half marathon in 3:31:00!

The GNR, with its field of 60,000, Geordie views and visions in the sky of the Red Arrows, is the ultimate half for many runners and a lucky place in the ballot is on many a wish list.

A special mention for new Club member, Rebecca Fisher, who completed the GNR and her first half marathon!

First to fly home was Tom Stratton in 1:27:27, a course PB for the speedy runner. Gary Avison was 2nd Burndener home in 1:33:57 followed by Ryan Moore in 1:43:10 and Dean Covill in 1:54:36. Next up were the Stormin’ Normans, Andy and Rachel, who held strong and finished in identical times of 2:05:14. Peter Wood was next to finish in 2:11:11 followed by Hamad Ali in 2:19:58 and Rebecca Fisher in 3:31:00.

COUCH TO 5K RETURNS

The Bees are back in town and are about to start week 3 of Couch to 5K. It’s not too late to join the Hive! Leading the group are Sarah Brown and Jennifer Entwistle. For any queries, please visit www.burndenroadrunners.co.uk