On the roads, Jo McManus and Rachel Stevens competed in the Race to the Castle 10k in Manchester.
This is a beautiful 10k in which competitors run along the River Lune towards Lancaster Castle. The route is mostly flat but the hill up to the castle is extremely steep with most participants opting to walk up the hill (and steps) to save their energy for the run back down the hill.
It was a beautiful sunny spring day but there was still the remnants of storm Kathleen. This made so of the flatter parts of the race tough with participants running in to the wind.
Despite recovering from illness Jo had a fantastic run completing the 10k in 50:15 and achieving 2nd in her age category. Rachel followed in 55:08.

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