BLOOMING BLUEBELLS AND WAIST-HIGH WATER

It was a floral course for the Club Championship this week as the popular Yarrow Bluebell Splash in Chorley sprouted up next on the race list.

As the name suggests, club members wade through some pretty deep Yarrow water at one point on the 10K one-lap looped course. Also contributing to the name, the Yarrow Country Park is a beautiful woodland race held at this time of year to allow runners to witness the transformation of the bluebells in full bloom.

So popular the race that many members missed out on a place but leading the small but perfectly formed Burnden pack home was Andy Staveley in a blooming brilliant 54:48 – taking 1st MV65..

First lady was Jessica Lee following Staveley in 56:09. Third home was Paul Drew in 56:54 – claiming 3rd MV55.

Other splash-tastic results – Gareth Lowe – 58:03, Katie Walsh – 1:01:12, Marie Parkinson – 1:01:21, Keith Thomas – 1:01:30, Andy Warburton – 1:05:33, Jenni Partington – 1:11:02, Mark Butler – 1:13:10, Steve Holt – 1:13:24, Sarah Brown – 1:22:48, Tony Fulop – 1:34:27.

AMAZING 3 AT ASTLEY

The Astley Trail Series kicked off this week with its first held on Wednesday evening. The races, organised by Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club, are set in the picturesque grounds of Astley Hall.

First home for Burnden was Gwen Kinloch in 28:15 with Lyndsay Darbyshire second in 29:09. Andy Warburton completed the trio in 32:33.

SUMNER’S SOLE DEBUT FOR BURNDEN

Susan Sumner, one of Burnden’s new members took to the trails to represent the black stripe and fly the flag at the Worsley Woods 5 Mile. The race, organised by Swinton Running Club, is a beautiful woodland trail route, which uses part of the parkrun course but ventures deeper into the woods.

Susan achieved a sub hour in her debut for the Club – crossing the finish line in 57:20.

MARATHON MOUNTAIN FOR PAIR

Marathons were the in thing this week as not one but two marathons were the destinations for members – even in this heat!

Steven Walsh and David Morrison were on the search for the sword at the mountainous Excalibur Marathon in Wales.

With 1,896 metres of ‘brutal’ elevation, it’s more muscle aches than myths and magic likely to be discovered.

Over the distance and ‘technically an ultra marathon’ at 26.9 miles, it was a sweltering day for the pair and the race had a high number of would-be finishers drop out at various stages. The route traverses the stunning Clywdian range in North Wales – shrouded in mystical Arthurian legend.

Kudos to both runners who demolished the daunting distance in 8:34 and for David’s resilience and determination in finishing despite excruciating pain from sciatica.

LEEDS MARATHON FOR TWO

Two Burnden marathoners, Andy Norman and Phil Fryer took on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon this week – also experiencing some super hot sunshine, which added to the challenge even for the uber fit pair.

This was Andy’s 3rd Leeds Marathon – extra special this year as he was fundraising for the Sue Ryder charity. His time was slower than usual (for him) due to the heat and hills but Andy recommends the race with its varied terrain of city, urban and countryside. Andy finished in an impressive 3:38:40. Phil was also sub-4 and enjoyed the race – his time clocking in at 3:59:08.

TATTON PARK FOR ONE

Another race and another super hot Burndener with fantastic times. Arriving across the finish line in 49:24 Paul Cox smashed the Tatton Park 10K. Tatton hold regular races each month around their beautiful parkland and with the backdrop of its historic house.

PARKRUN SHOUTOUT

Well done and congratulations this week to Michelle Livesey who completed her 100th parkrun at Crosby in 45:05.