2 weeks Ago
Lostocker Rachel Stevens completed the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10k in fine style. The race is organised by Blackburn Road Runners and starts on the running track at Witton Park - the route route completing a loop around the park. It starts with a lap of the track before heading out of the park on to Buncer Lane.
This is a steep and tough hill and the race continues to climb along Billinge End Road. The steep assent slowed runners to a walk but then they were rewarded with a steep downhill stretch to make up the time lost by walking. At 5k runners were able to grab a bottle of water then head along Woodcock Hill Road.
The marshals on the course were friendly and encouraging and reassured runners the worst assents had now passed and it was (predominantly) downhill to the finish. Participants headed along Old Hall Lane and then back into the park with a short stretch across the grass between the football field. The final 450 metres of the run was a lap and a bit around the track.
This gave runners the opportunity for a fast sprint finish. The course was undulating with a high elevation gain of 500 feet. Stevens had a fantastic run, enjoying the route and the support.
She finished in 56mins 22secs, as the 60th female out of 217 and third out of 28 in her age category. Parkrun results: Bolton - Rachel Hancock 30:42, Stephen Davies 36:47; Haigh Woodland - Chris Baker 23:42 (third in age category), Andy Laycock 24:53, Jo McManus 25:15 (sixth female and first in age category), Brian Halton 25:24, Matt and Gráinne Carney 27:06, Luke Baker 27:07 (third in age category), Rachel Stevens 27:44 (third in age category), Matt Withers 28:25, Ian Burns 29:52 (second in age category), Gill Caldwell 32:13 (first in age category)..
