Race report by Jo:
Today we headed to Worden Parkrun for our 7th round of the Championships. For our new members, points are awarded based on your age grading, and if you get a parkrun PB (your overall parkrun PB, not a course PB) you’ll earn bonus points at the end of the Championships, you can only claim those once.
Worden is a completely different course in summer compared to winter. Last time we were splashing through mud in knee‑high wellies, today was a road‑shoe special. The change in conditions showed too, 15 Lostockers ran course PBs, proving just how much quicker Worden is when it dries out.
The 2 lap route winds around the park and gives you a bit of everything, tarmac, trail, grass, gravel and a stretch through the woods.
24 Lostockers took it on, and although it felt cooler while we were stood around beforehand, it soon warmed up once we got moving. The course is flat and fast, and Lostock certainly made the most of it.
Paul Edwards was first home for the club, with Antony Sutton right behind him. That battle is shaping up to be a very close one as we edge towards the end of the Championships. First female home for Lostock was Janet Rhodes, taking 3rd female overall.
Top age grading of the entire parkrun went to Mary White with an incredible 89.21%, just shy of world class level, which won’t surprise anyone who knows Mary. We also had age category wins from Janet, Luke, Jo, Sally and Mary, with Sheila and Brian taking 2nd in theirs.
Parkrun PBs were flying too, with new bests for Greg, Janet, Luke, Jo, Lee, Calum and Rachel Walker, and a special shoutout to Calum and Rachel, both new members of the club.
Brilliant running from everyone today. The next parkrun in the Championships is on 1st August at Pennington Flash.
