Weekend Roundup - Saturday 27 June 2026

🏃 Parkrun

What a weekend to be out running. 26 of us made it to parkrun on Saturday across 7 venues - with a truly special morning at Heaton the highlight of them all - and there were races on both Saturday and Sunday to celebrate too.

Fiona Case led the way for the group at Alexandra in Moss Side, with Derek Case and Tracy Wroe both having a fine morning on the lively Moss Side course. Great to see 3 of us making the trip!

Paul Heathcote had a parkrun to remember at Blackpool. Stanley Park was marking a brilliant occasion - 100 days to go until the 100th anniversary of the park itself - and the local MP was on hand to present a special commemorative medal to every finisher. Blackpool parkrun winds its way through the beautiful grounds of this iconic Victorian parkland, and it sounds like a very special morning to have been part of. What a souvenir, Paul!

Stephen Crowe was back at his regular Clarence stomping ground for another Saturday morning run and put in a fine effort out there. Great stuff, Steve!

Paul Stevens made the trip down to London for his Saturday run, taking on the Greenwich Peninsula parkrun - a flat, scenic course along the bank of the Thames with the O2 Arena as a spectacular backdrop. Great to see him flying the flag all the way down south!

Heaton was very much the centre of the action this week. Not only did 17 of us turn out, it was also Heaton parkrun's 17th birthday - a brilliant milestone for one of our most-visited venues. And on top of all that, this particular Saturday had something even more special in store.

John Bradford was first back for the group and ran a brilliant personal best in the process. Aaron Stones also had a great run, recording a course PB of his own. Laura Tomkins put in a strong effort, as did Josh Young, Christopher Mihalyi and Christopher Kinsey. Mark Taylor, Paul Cox and Andrew Whitehead were all in good form, with Lucie Tighe running well alongside them. Nick Coleman, Lewis Moore, Paul Jenkinson and Steve Sweeney all had solid outings, and Alison Whitehead had a great run too. Chris Grayshon enjoyed a lovely parkwalk to round off the group.

But the moment of the morning belonged to our very own Dale Richards, who was presented with the annual Peter Malone Award 💜. This honour is given each year by Heaton parkrun to someone who truly embodies the spirit of parkrun - and it is named in memory of Peter Malone, an incredibly kind man who was known for chatting to and cheering on every single runner. Peter passed away a few years ago and this award keeps his memory alive in the most meaningful way. Dale is a hugely worthy recipient: not only does he run-lead with us, he also leads at Runtogether Heaton and Whitefield, and volunteers most Saturdays at Heaton parkrun. Congratulations Dale - a very special recognition for a very special person.

Kath Biddle had a brilliant run at the brand new Kingsway Park event in Urmston - one of parkrun's newest venues, already drawing impressive numbers. More from Kath in the races section below...

Rachael Fiske and Julie Smith were both out at Oldham for a fine Saturday morning together on the local course. Great to see them both out there!

🏅 Races

Saturday 27 June

Delphine Bugarel and Clive Koffman took on the Carsington Water Half Marathon in the Derbyshire Dales - an undulating trail route that follows the shoreline of the Carsington Water reservoir through open countryside, with epic views across the surrounding hills. A brilliant challenge and a great effort from both of them!

Sunday 28 June

Kath Biddle completed a wonderful double running weekend - parkrun on Saturday, then the Ramathon in Derby on Sunday! One of Derbyshire's most established and best-loved half marathons, the Ramathon takes runners through Derby city centre, past Pride Park Stadium and out to the beautiful grounds of Elvaston Castle Country Park. A fantastic effort, Kath - what a weekend!

Stephen Crowe made it a big weekend too - parkrun at Clarence on Saturday, then the Northwich 10k on Sunday. The race takes in the tranquil paths of Marbury Country Park and the green spaces of Carey Park on a rewarding undulating course right on the doorstep. Great running, Steve!

Ros Dines took on the Ullswater Epicman Triathlon - a stunning standard distance event set in the heart of the Lake District. That means a 1500m swim in Ullswater itself, a 44k bike ride through the surrounding fells, and a 10k run along the shores of the lake to finish. A breathtaking setting and a brilliant achievement, Ros - what a way to spend a Sunday!

What a couple of days - parkrun birthdays, a very special award, commemorative medals in Blackpool, Derbyshire trails, Derby streets, a Cheshire 10k and a Lake District triathlon. Brilliant stuff from everyone 💜🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️