XC TEAM BACK FOR MUD

Burnden were off to Liverpool this week as the Cross Country season continued on Saturday with the Cross Challenge. Bringing grit, determination and smiles, two Senior teams would take that brave step into the mud fields of Sefton Park for that could it be magic moment.

The Cross Challenge is significant in the calendar as it serves as a trial for for the European Cross Country Championships, where athletes compete for spots on the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team.

Front of stage of the ladies’ 8K was Gwen Kinloch in 38:51 backed up by Shirley Staveley in 43:22, Kathryn Baron in 45:15 and Jane Forrest in 45:21.

Everything changes for the men’s team where Stephen Horsman took the 8K mic in 37:56 followed by Samuel Ashton in 38:41 and Andy Warburton in 46:46.

The following day was time for Sunday League XC and it was off to Beacon Park. No times recorded here but positions are as follows – Men’s Team - Michael Kermode(58), Paul Duke(64) , Lyall Mew (177) , Andy Warburton (213).

Ladies’ Team - Katie Walsh (112), Nia Bell (118), Gillian McGowan (134)

NORMANS ABROAD

From a mudfest to a sunfest, it was time for the annual excursion to Benidorm for a couple of lucky Burndeners.

The Benidorm Marathon Festival routes take runners along the coast with beautiful views of the Mediterranean at dusk. Featuring iconic locations including Levante Beach, Mediterraneo Avenue, Poniente Beach and the Old Town, the festival atmosphere always attracts high numbers and lots of local clubs looking for a race abroad.

Andy and Rachel Norman took the sunshine break with a couple of friends and represented in both the 10K and the Half Marathon between them. Rachel ran the 10km with her friend Bev in 57:04 and Andy ran the Half Marathon in 1:33:52.

ON TRACK FOR TRIO

Oulton Park in Cheshire has been host to many racing events since the 1950s including car and bike championships. This week it was the turn of the Running Grand Prix to make the track its home with six distances on offer to competitors – a 5K, 10K, Half, Metric, 20 miler and the full Marathon.

Burnden sent a trio of quick-steppers and it was a happy bunch who returned with some grand times.

Michael Kermode whizzed round the 16 mile circuit in 1:45:46 – an excellent PB. Representing in the 10K were Ian Mann who finished in 1:27:50 and Gillian McGowan who crossed in 1:12:04.

FAST FIVE LED BY PB RAVI

Starting in the town centre of Wilmslow, the Wilmslow Festive 10K’s one lap course is perfect for fast times on scenic roads, before finishing on Mobberley Road/Sandy Lane. It is Run North-West’s ‘traditional festive curtain raiser’ – raising much-needed funds for The Christie since 2017.

Ravi Patel was the front Burndener at this race and cracked out a brilliant PB – crossing in 40:29. Next in quick succession was Gregg Beardwell – 47:59, Martin Cullen – 48:29 and Hamad Ali – 59:49.

KATIE’S 25,25,25!

Special mention to Katie Walsh this week as she hit the same number of parkruns as her age and in 25 minutes! Katie ran at Worsley Woods for her milestone and was 5th female in 25:39 before running back to support fellow runners in the last K.