Lostock AC welcomed a huge turnout of 71 Burnden members to their popular ‘Six Miles of Smiles’ race last Sunday and, despite a brutal start with the weather, the club members gave it their all with encouragement from the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, who started off the race.
Part of the Central Lancashire Grand Prix, the local, flattish road-based ‘six’ has always had a good turnout with its dance music workout to start and great support throughout.
There were maximum efforts all round from Burnden members with first finisher Matt Dewhurst improving his fantastic finish position from 2024, climbing six notches to take sixth overall place in a breathtaking 35mins 5secs - faster than the average 5K.
Second male was Mark Whittington, in 37:32, and third was Burnden newcomer, Alexander Shield, in 39:19.
Francesca Caine was first Burnden lady in a super 42:59, knocking more than four minutes from 2024’s time. Gwen Kinloch was second Burnden lady in 44:40 and third Burnden lady was Lyndsay Darbyshire, in 45:09.
Sub-40s and 45s were in abundance with several Burnden members below the magic numbers, namely Andy Norman (40:23), Michael Kermode (40:44), Mike Caine (41:44), Ryan Moore (42:03), Steve Nolan (42:14), Mark Cannon (42:34), Steve Horsman (43:09), Lyall Mew (44:13).
A mention also goes to Louise Righini for gaining a PB of 53:53 on this course.
Other results: Martin Whitehead 45:37, David Smith 45:49, Simon Marland 45:54, Patrick Filio 45:59, Jessica Lee 46:19, Helen Bury 46:51, Alistair Marland 46:51, Jake Quinn 47:00, Peter Gardner 47:29, Paul Cox 47:50, Gayle Gerrard 47:58, Marcus Hamer 48:20, Paul Willan 48:45, Gareth Doherty 48:38, Keith Thomas 49:03, Anne Ferguson 49:54, Jackie Oakes 50:01, Kimberley Lowe 50:31, Ravi Patel 50:38, Luisa Shield 51:15, Mark Butler 51:24, Katie Walsh 51:40, Linda Doherty 52:21, Clair Marland 52:46, Catherine Shield 52:37, Kris Worsley 52:54, Craig Philpot 52:55, Phil Holden 53:15, Steve Riddle 53:44, Kath Berry 54:04, Julia Hall 54:48, Elaine Roper 55:49, Simon Entwistle 57:25, Rachel Norman 57:15, Richard Blake 57:57, Steve Holt 58:22, Sarah Brown 58:50, Tess Riley 59:32, David Allen 1:00:25, Finlay Coyne 1:00:37, Carol Richardson 1:01:04, Emma Walker 1:01:10, Sandra Caine 1:01:26, Gillian Morris 1:02:12, Amy Smith 1:02:40, Todd Cameron 1:03:15, Jay Attwood 1:04:56, Julie Riddle 1:05:05, Nicola Ingle 1:08:11, Sue Marland 1:08:33, Susan Wood 1:10:45, Debra Hennessey 1:10:45, Michelle Livesey 1:12:21, Tony Fulop 1:12:26, Robert Bell 1:12:51, Jen Forkin 1:17:45, Cheryl Dunleavy 1:17:50.
Elsewhere, Wigan Phoenix Running Club held their annual 10K race, the Standish Hall Trail, and Paul Duke flew the flag for Burnden.
Held completely off road on bridle paths and woodland trails with a free pie at the finish, it attracts a good crowd and Duke finished ready for his pie in a stand-up time of 44:55.
A special mention this week goes to Cheryl Dunleavy, who completed her 250th parkrun at Bolton this week - resplendent in a tutu to mark the 22nd day of the second month! She crossed the line in 38:28.
Burnden’s baby, the Trotters 5 Mile, is tomorrow and promises to be a cracking event with post-race prizes and refreshments as well as a charity cake sale.
For those unfamiliar with the route, it is a challenging venture around Smithills Farm and Hall and venturing through woodland on to road.
Special Burnden buffs are on offer for all participants and the course is well-marshalled and definitely one to try, with on-the-day entries available.
For more information, visit www.burndenroadrunners.co.uk.
