Weekend Roundup - Saturday 23 May 2026
Chris Grayshon's 100th parkrun, four PBs at Heaton, and a Curly Wurly adventure in Somerset.
🏃 Parkrun
A wonderful Saturday morning for the group, with 21 of us out at 8 parkrun venues, and some brilliant achievements to celebrate.
Blackpool parkrun
Alison and Andrew Whitehead made the trip to Stanley Park for a lovely morning at this popular Blackpool venue, taking on its tree-lined paths, boating lake and mix of gravel and trail surfaces.
Bolton parkrun
Kate Myers headed over to Bolton and put in a great run, turning in a strong performance on this popular course.
Chadderton Hall parkrun
Julie Smith was out at Chadderton Hall, putting in a solid effort and flying the flag at this friendly local event.
Clarence parkrun
Stephen Crowe had a fine Saturday morning at Clarence, representing the group well on home turf.
Heaton parkrun
A big group of 12 of us descended on Heaton Park this week, and what a morning it turned out to be.
Michael Aiken led the way for the group, finishing in the top 25 overall in a very strong run. Lewis Moore was right behind him with a brilliant double achievement: a brand new PB and 3rd place in his SM30-34 age category out of 54 finishers. Aaron Stones was also in excellent shape, running to a new PB of his own.
Laura Tomkins had a fantastic run at Heaton, coming home with a shiny new PB - brilliant running, Laura. And Paula Crosland delivered a great performance: not only a new PB, but knocking a remarkable 27 seconds off the personal best she had set just 2 weeks ago. That kind of back-to-back improvement takes real fitness and commitment - huge congratulations, Paula.
Dale Richards and Nicholas Coleman both put in solid efforts at their regular Heaton stomping ground, and Paul Cox and Paul Jenkinson both had a good morning out in the park.
The headline of the week though belongs to Chris Grayshon, who completed his 100th parkrun at Heaton today - a massive milestone and a brilliant achievement. Well done Chris, welcome to the century club!
Jane Marsh and Chris rounded off the morning with a lovely parkwalk around the park.
Peel parkrun
Tracy Wroe had a great run at Peel, tackling this popular Greater Manchester course in fine style.
Somerdale Pavilion parkrun
Kath Biddle made the trip all the way down to Keynsham in Somerset for a first visit to Somerdale Pavilion - a course with real character, set on the historic grounds of the former Fry's Chocolate factory between Bristol and Bath. The highlight is the famous "Curly Wurly" - a dizzying spiral section where runners wind clockwise into the centre then exit anti-clockwise, completed 3 times, with runners passing each other in both directions. Named after one of the factory's most beloved creations, it's as chaotic and brilliant as it sounds. What a place for a first visit, Kath!
South Manchester parkrun
Derek and Fiona Case had a great morning together at South Manchester, enjoying this lovely Didsbury course.
A brilliant Saturday all round - from a century milestone at Heaton to a Curly Wurly adventure in Somerset, the group was out in force.