Race report by Gareth:
“Oh no” I can hear everyone thinking, not another bloody Astley Park race series report…”when will it ever end”…?
Well, it has, and it was a joyous evening of celebrating all things Lostock as 14 of us (out of a smallish field of 113) toed the line for the final of the 3 races on another dry, sunny & warmish evening, perfect for racing.
The fact that prizes were on the line for the series gave this one an extra edge & certainly kept everyone on their toes as we all catapulted down the grassy bank in the usual crazy start.
Janet, made it a clean sweep of FV50 age category wins and an incredible 2nd place female overall across the series. If these amazing performances continue she’s going to have to start declaring a second income 🤣😜, amazing stuff, well done Janet 👏👏👏.
Philip, was super strong and consistent as ever with another great time & big shout out to Anthony for performing so well in his first race in club colours 👊👊. Hazel put her demons to bed from her DNF (CBA lol) in race 1 to claim an impressive age category victory & Johanna underlined her current form by winning the FV40 across the series! Amazing stuff 💚🖤.
Chris & myself battled it out for a few miles as usual and I think we both recorded best times for the series this year! It was so good to see Greg get one on the board in this series and he looked comfortable taking it easy out there. Tony looked his usual strong & consistent self and there were tremendous sprint finishes from Rachel & Lynda who really powered up the final hill! As did Katie & Sheila who both finished with big smiles (or grimaces lol).
Only sad note was Karen, who sensibly called it quits when she felt a niggle but still took time to take some great race pics, hope it’s nothing serious 🤞. Great support & photography on course from Mike, thanks pal, it’s much appreciated.
Also many congratulations to Abbi & Luke for their performances in the junior race, they were rewarded with a bar of chocolate on crossing the line 😊.
Lovely stuff all round, well done to all Lostockers who have taken part 👏👏💚🖤.

Bolton Parkrun Jay Smith 28:30 Rachel Hancock 36:29 Haigh Woodland Park Antony Sutton 24:37 (2nd in age category) Chris Baker 25:13 Sally McCoy 27:07 (5th female and 1st in age category) Matt Carney 28:40 Lee Burns 29:22 Ian Burns 31:07 (3rd in age category) Jeanette Brandon 31:41 (2nd in age category) Gillian Baker 33:43 Katie ... Gill’s 50th Parkrun – 7 February 2026
Bev was in action at the Murcia Half Marathon in Spain, enjoying perfect racing conditions of sunshine and 18 degrees. Atherton-McKenna completed the race in an amazing 2:01:26, describing the event as a relaxed and enjoyable run filled with smiles and great atmosphere, including memorable entertainment from singing paratroopers.
Bolton Parkrun Rachel Hancock 29:54 Chester Parkrun Carol Ensor 30:20 Haigh Woodland Parkrun (Route B) Andy Laycock 26:26 Chris Baker 29:08 Sally McCoy 29:08 (2nd in age category) Rachel Stevens 29:08 (2nd in age category) Matt Carney 29:52 Jeanette Brandon 30:36 (3rd in age category) Markus Stevens 36:17 Karen Taylor 41:01 Paarl (South Africa) Sheila ... Parkrun Results 31 January 2026