Race report by Karen:
Yesterday I completed the London marathon, albeit very slowly! My training hadn’t gone anywhere near as well as it could, so I knew I wouldn’t be anywhere close to my marathon pb, but with the addition of the very hot weather it took even longer than I’d hoped and I finally crossed the line in a time of 6:02:14.
I set off just after 11am and it was already very hot. I knew it was going to be a long day but just wanted to complete the course and try to enjoy the experience. The spectator support the whole length of the course was incredible, fantastic bands, music blasting out, so many people with signs and handing out sweets, constant cheers, it was so loud the whole way round. Chris and the girls did an amazing job of getting around the course and managed to see me 5 times which really kept me going when I needed it most. There were frequent showers on the course which I took full advantage of to try to cool down and I high fived many, many children and tapped a lot of power up signs!
It was an amazing experience and I feel lucky to have been part of it; after I’d finished yesterday I said there was no way I’d consider doing it again – but that was yesterday 😉
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