‘BRUTAL’ FELL FOR OFF ROAD CHAMPS

Calves and quads were under pressure this weekend as quaking soles tackled the infamous Rivington Pike Fell Race on Easter Saturday. Short but hellish, it attracted a hardy group of Burnden runners attempting to conquer the lung-busting hills in a bid to knock a race from the Off-Road Championship list.

Hotly contended, this race attracts many a mountain goat from a variety of running clubs. First Burndener to cross the line was Mark Whittington – victorious in 23:39. Next home was Paul Duke in 24:26 followed by Ed Ashton in 25:36. First Burnden lady was Anne Ferguson in an impressive 28:42 followed by Vicki Hamer in 29:17 and Jane Forrest in 30:16.

Other results from the Burnden crew - Steve Nolan – 25:50, Andy Staveley – 26:03, Stephen Horsman – 26:16, Andrew Crawford – 27:31, Paul Drew – 28:20, Marcus Hamer – 28:39, Gareth Lowe – 29:07, Gregg Beardwell – 29:22, Jake Quinn – 30:06, Verity Harrison – 31:14, Colm O’Brien – 32:07, Marie Parkinson – 32:31, Katie Walsh – 33:44, Elaine Roper – 34:20, Louise Righini – 34:44, Kathryn Baron – 35:03, Lyndsay Darbyshire – 35:14, Steve Holt – 35:44, Jenni Partington – 36:39, Ged Turner – 37:26, Justin Bones – 38:31, Anthony Fulop – 48:24.

ULTRA PAIR TACKLE THE BIG ONE

Emma Walker and Ravi Patel both brought home well deserved bling for Easter as they cracked the tough feat of running from Manchester to Liverpool in a race organised by GB Ultras.

Celebrating a decade this year, the M2L Ultra is a unique 50-mile event, well supported, and following the Trans-Pennine Trail, the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey from Manchester to Liverpool. Runners start at Media City Piazza located on the Manchester Ship Canal waterfront in the heart of the city.

Emma and Ravi managed to catch the obligatory start line photo together before they both set off for their individual challenges. Ravi was first of the pair – bringing home a gold medal with his finish time of 7:53:49. Emma crossed the line in 11:39:32 and picked up a bronze medal to commemorate the day.

Emma commented, “I loved it and am still buzzing. Great support, amazing food stations, enjoyable route and lots of amazing people to chat to!”

NORMANS IN CORNWALL

Andy and Rachel Norman are no strangers to travelling some distance to run and this week was no exception as they headed down to Cornwall. The beautiful county offered the Fowey Tunnel 10K – a race that has been on the Norman’s bucket list for years. Held on a closed and private road, it includes the longest tunnel in Cornwall. Despite the torrential rain, the couple loved it and finished in identical times of 1:01:53.