It was all about the celebration of achievement this week as Burndeners gathered for the annual presentation evening at Little Lever Cricket Clubs. Members hardly recognised each other all dressed up in their glam wear – used to seeing trainers, sweat and sports kit on their fellow runners. Eagerly anticipated as an opportunity to recognise contributions to the club as well as a social event, the soiree was complete with pasties, drinks and a fantastic Madame of Ceremonies, Jennifer Entwistle.
The Presentation Evening is eagerly anticipated as an opportunity to recognise members’ contributions to the Club as well those who have excelled in their running and took part in any of the Club Championships.
Chair Andy Dunleavy, who has led the Club successfully through a second thrilling year took a moment to reflect on how much everyone has achieved and how the Club is thriving with an increase in membership, exciting developments in the field of Triathlon, the Bolton 10K in collaboration with Bolton Wanderers in the Community, the Burnden Beginners’ Group, excellent media coverage via the Bolton News and the award from England Athletics for North West Club of the Year as well as brilliant performances in Road and Off-Road, Cross Country and Fell races.
Andy gave the coveted Chair’s Award to the man who brought Triathlon to the Burnden masses – Captain Mike Caine. Mike has been instrumental in creating this extra string to Burnden’s bow and is a fantastic triathlete himself.
Andy teased the crowds with clues about his winner before revealing Mike’s identity. Summing the winner up in three words, he chose support, determination and achieve, He credited Mike for playing a major part in Burnden’s 2024 success before listing his many racing achievements and his consistent PBs.
Andy later teased us again with the winner of the Members’ Member award – a special award given to a Burndener who has received the most votes from Club members for making a difference. 2024’s winner was Michael Kermode. Andy mentioned Michael’s outstanding running performances – knocking 9 minutes from his parkrun time, 3 minutes from his 10K and 8 minutes from his half marathon as well as his loyalty, dedication and contribution to the club through leading run sessions and strength and conditioning classes.
Men’s Captain, Gareth Doherty, has done a superb job in his second season and congratulated all runners for their efforts.
He awarded 25 men with Club Championship trophies to recognise their performances and congratulated Mark Whittington who achieved first place in the Club and Off Road Championships.
Gareth had a special Captain’s Award to give out and awarded this to the deserving Ian Mann. Ian completed his first half marathon this year, raising funds for charity, and is also instrumental in keeping the cogs turning in the club, off road and virtual championships by meticulously calculating all results. Gareth also credited Ian for his support of others during races.
Linda Doherty has had a brilliant first year as Ladies Captain and paid tribute to all ladies for their performances and the 27 ladies who were awarded a Club Championship trophy. The winner of the Club Championship is the ever-speedy Gwen Kinloch and the Ladies Vet Champion is Lyndsay Darbyshire.
Linda was awarded the Ann Oliver award by Chair Andy. This award is given to the best performing lady over 50. The Club has paid tribute to Ann Oliver, who has since passed away, and thoughts are with Ann’s family and friends.
Linda’s Captain’s Award went to the deserving Sarah Brown for her great year of running, dedication to supporting and her contribution to the club.
Sarah has achieved her first sub-30 5K, a 10K PB and also completed the Chester Triple. She also is a great supporter of others and contributes to the club through her role as secretary and by leading the New Starters group with Jen Entwistle.
Tony Fulop and Paul Duke have had a brilliant year as Off-Road Captains and Paul as Cross Country Captain. Paul commented that because of the nature of the season, members were racing once a weekend – sometimes twice.
Tony commented “I am really pleased that over 90 ladies and gentlemen engaged in at least 1 off-road race, as we accept that off-road is not for everyone!”
Mark Whittington was awarded 1st place in the Off-Road Championship and Lyndsay Darbyshire won 1st place for the Ladies. Gwen Kinloch was awarded 1st place in the Ladies’ Cross Country and Paul Duke was 1st for the Men’s.
The Virtual Championship is a super-inclusive way of reaching all members of the Club – whether they’re near or far away from us.
It was another fantastic year of challenges on the Virtual Championship. With 61 members participating in one or more challenges throughout the year. Here’s the VC 2024 summary:
• 31 members qualified for the VC completing at least five challenge badges
• 10 members completed all eleven challenges with varying distances from 1k to 8k, a mix of terrain including road, track, trail, fell, and a whole lot of fun thrown in from Strava Art to Photo competition.
• The ‘Pleasure Cruiser’ had some tough competition this year with many members opting to walk the challenges to compete for the win jointly awarded to Nia Bell and Carolyn Edwards, both earning this badge in all eleven challenges through the year.
• Queen of the hills Carolyn Edwards retained the ‘Elevation Eagle’ from last year as she came in the top three for seeking the hilliest route on an amazing ten out of eleven challenges.
• Nobody could get near our female contender in the ‘Flying Feet’ this year as Vicki Hamer earned the crown ten out of eleven challenges, with only Jackie Oakes getting near on one challenge occasion.
• In contrast Michael Kermode, our male contender, had some tough competition to steal the ‘Flying Feet’ crown. Earning five out of eleven challenges he had Tom Stratton and Andrew Crawford hot on his heals.
• Beating her own best effort for ten out of the eleven challenges Natasha Clarke was the winner of the ‘100 Club’ – what an amazing achievement.
• Not content with one bonus badge, Michael Kermode achieved by receiving all four badges at some point over the year, earning him the Jackpot!
• Outside of the bonus badges we have the Virtual Championship league where members best five effort scores are combined.
o In third place Joc Chadderton stole the bronze medal with 535 points, having worked hard in the season to stay ahead of Ian Mann and Sarah Brown not far behind.
o In second place Michael Kermode stole the silver medal with 545 points. It was very close at the top of the table right up to the very last challenge but the Winner of the BRR VC 2024 is …..
o In first place Natasha Clarke taking the GOLD medal and the sought after Emoji Trophy with 546 points. Well done Tasha and everyone – a great VC season.
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