Race report by Gareth:
Saturday saw the 4th instalment of this years road/trail champs…Preston Parkrun.
Another fantastic turnout of 19 Lostockers out of a whopping 506 park runners took to the start line on what is a very picturesque three lapper set in Avenham & Millar Parks on the banks of the River Ribble.
Some great performances on what is a pretty fast, tarmac parkrun course. Just one shortish sharp incline just after the start and then you’re pretty much either flat or downhill the rest of the lap..then repeat it twice more lol.
David again showed he’s in great form by cruising past Hazel & myself on the first time up the hill and stretching away out of sight. It was like he was on an escalator and we were all taking the stairs 🤣. A fellow parkrunner said to Hazel & me “bloody hell, look at him go!” or words to that effect 🤣.
Excellent runs from Hazel & Jo to be first & second VW40 & both in the top ten women finishers. Andy confirmed his dislike of tarmac afterwards but still managed to finish 3rd in his age cat and was closely followed by a fast finishing Brian, who’s determined to catch him one day!
Tony Maxwell & Rachel Susan Hancock always seem to finish close together and Saturday was no exception with Rachel coming a fantastic 2nd VW50. Paul was right with them despite having the Manchester Marathon the day after! Chris continues his injury come back with a big smile on his face & Rachel Stevens backed up her Media City 5K on Thursday & Friday track session to get within 2 seconds of a parkrun pb!
Terri & Katie continue to run stronger and stronger and both finished with new parkrun pb’s, well done guys 👏👏. Ian & Lynda were both well under 30 mins with excellent performances & it was great to see Jeanette running back with us and enjoying herself.
Biggest kudos of the day goes to Sheila for winning her age category 👏👏☀️ & to Mark Checkley for cycling there and back and managing a sprint finish and dive for the line reminiscent of Chariots of Fire 🤣.
Well done everyone 💚🖤
43 Dave Wilkes 22:30 (second in age category)
53 Gareth Pratt 23:09
64 Hazel Hatfield 23:29 (6th female and 1st in age category)
76 Jo McManus 23:50 (9th female and second in age category)
80 Andy Laycock 23:54 (third in age group)
87 Brian Halton 24:13
92 Luke Baker 24:19 (third in age category)
114 Tony Maxwell 25:03
121 Rachel Hancock 25:13 (second in age category)
122 Paul Lacey 25:14
127 Chris Baker 25:22
146 Rachel Stevens 25:54
172 Terri Aldred 26:50
187 Katie Edern 27:15 (new PB)
197 Ian Burns 27:47
239 Lynda Hardman 28:50
277 Sheila Garewal 29:53 (first in age category)
291 Mark Checkley 30:12
344 Jeanette Brandon 32:16
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