Race report by Gareth:
There are 3 things certain in life: death, taxes & a hot sunny evening for the annual Haigh 4 miler. It’s always a belter of a night for this great local race for some reason and it has become a firm favourite on the club calendar.
The start is absolutely crackers, think a cross between the Grand National and a massive game of British bulldog 🤪. Nobody can hear the race director, the countdown to the start or anything, all of a sudden everyone just takes off & the best part of 300 runners go hurtling down the main drive at Haigh Hall like a herd of migrating wilder beast, all in the beautiful setting of Haigh Country Park.
Starting in front of the Hall itself this is a petty quick 4 mile course. It’s 2 lapper, down the main drive for half a mile, sharp left into the woods & onto a gradually uphill trail section, back out onto New Road for my favourite bit, a long ever so gradual uphill stretch. Turn left onto Copperas Lane, up another short hill then through the gates back into the country park & fly down past the Hall again and repeat!
There are too many people to mention (and quite frankly I’m too tired lol) but HUGE shout out to Janet, who, despite running a 32 mile ultra on Saturday stormed home again as first Lostocker, 6th female overall & of course another age cat win. Different class 👏👏👏. Another brilliant performance was from Heather, storming home in her age category, that’s some going in a high quality field, massive well done 👏👏👏.
Special mention to new members Shona & George racing in club colours so soon after joining our happy family 💚🖤. Welcome again guys and well done.
Great on course support, bag holding & photography from Paul, Andy, Greg & James, thanks guys, you know how much it’s appreciated 👍.
Here are the Lostock results, well done everyone 💚🖤.

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