Weekend Roundup - Saturday 6 June 2026

🏃 Parkrun

18 of us were out at parkruns on Saturday morning, spread across 7 venues.

Tracy Wroe had a great run at Bolton, putting in a solid effort on what's a well-known testing course.

Paula Crosland and Stephen Crowe had a brilliant morning at Clarence. Paula ran to a course PB and finished first in her age category - a lovely double achievement. Stephen deserves an extra mention too - he'd only the night before been out on the closed streets of Bolton for the Ironman Night Run (more below), making it quite the weekend double!

7 of us were out at Heaton this week. Laura Tomkins led the way for the group with a fantastic run - knocking over a minute off her previous best for a new PB, and finishing 2nd in her age group into the bargain. Paul Cox, Dale Richards, Paul Heathcote, Chris Grayshon, Paul Jenkinson and Ros Dines all put in great runs across the field.

Angela Pradena headed to Kingsway Park in Urmston for a well-earned parkwalk - and having been out running under the Ironman arch in Bolton the previous evening, it was a fine way to keep the legs moving on Saturday morning!

A strong group of 4 made the trip to Peel on Saturday. Aaron Stones was first back for the group and had an outstanding morning, running to a new personal best. Andrew Whitehead also had plenty to celebrate with a course PB. Christopher Kinsey and Alison Whitehead rounded out a fine showing from the group.

Kath Biddle made the trip to Southport for a run around the lovely Hesketh Park - a 3-lap course on tarmac paths weaving around a lake and past the park's observatory, with gentle undulations to keep things interesting. She had a fine run too, finishing 3rd in her age group.

Fiona and Derek Case had a great morning together at Stretford, tackling the course in fine style.

🏅 Races

Friday 5 June

The Bolton Ironman Night Run is one of the most exciting events in the local calendar - a flat, fast 5k or 10k along closed roads through Bolton town centre as part of the IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton weekend, finishing under the iconic Ironman arch. We had 5 members take it on Friday evening. Chris Mihalyi, Angela Pradena and Stephen Crowe tackled the 5k, while Lucie Tighe and Mark Taylor stepped up for the 10k. A brilliant night out!

Saturday 6 June

Ken Smith took on the Green Man Trail 15k in the Forest of Bowland - a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire, with the route winding through forest and open countryside from the village of Inglewhite. A proper trail adventure and a fantastic effort from Ken!

Barbara Fortune achieved something truly remarkable this weekend - completing the Lake District Ultra Challenge 100km walk. Starting from Kendal, the route takes in the Garburn Pass, the shores of Lake Windermere, Ambleside and stretches of forest and moorland, packing in 2,500m of elevation - all within 24 hours. An incredible achievement, Barbara!

Sunday 7 June

Jane Grantham took on the Lakeland Trails Marathon in Coniston - described by Runners' World as the most scenic trail marathon in Britain. The route circuits the full length of Coniston Water along footpaths and bridleways, taking in the beautiful Tarn Hows and Beacon Tarn with sweeping views of the Old Man of Coniston and surrounding peaks. A stunning and demanding course - brilliant running from Jane!

Michael Aiken and Andy Gorman both took on the IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton - a gruelling half-iron distance triathlon consisting of a 1.2-mile open water swim, a 56-mile bike leg and a half marathon run. With the Pennines as a backdrop and thousands of spectators lining the Bolton streets, it's one of the biggest triathlon events in the UK calendar. Massive achievements from both of them - what a weekend to be part of!

What a weekend - from town centre night runs and forest trails to 100 kilometres through the Lakes, with parkrun holding it all together on Saturday morning. Brilliant stuff from everyone!