With Ironman 70.3 looming in Bolton, it was a relatively quiet week for athletes from Burnden Road Runners as many gave their legs a rest in preparation for the big event.

Training nights have been busy as usual, however, and the club has a new addition to the schedule - a Wellbeing Walk organised by Burnden coach and chair, Andy Dunleavy.

This walk takes place each Monday at 7pm and is perfect for those who are returning to running, need a lower-impact option or just fancy a social stroll in beautiful surroundings.

On to this week’s activities and Steven Walton took on an unbelievable 12-hour endurance run in the Lake District.

Organised by Greener Miles Running and named ‘The Whopper’, the challenge is to complete as many full laps as possible in under 12 hours around Whinlatter Forest and Whinlatter Pass, in Keswick.

Walton managed an impressive 11 laps in 11hrs 20mins - a total of 46 miles.

Each lap distance was 4.2 miles with an ascent of 1,000 feet.

He described it as the toughest run he’s ever done, yet achieved position seventh out of 24.

Walton’s wife, and fellow Burndener, Sarah Walton, also deserves a shout out for supporting for those 11 hours and 20 minutes in the pouring rain.

Swim coach and Burndener, Steve Riddle, was in the water again this week as he prepares for his Ironman Tri next week.

This watery adventure was the first of the Triple Crown series - Lake Coniston End to End.

Supported by wife Julie, he smashed it - completing 5.2 miles in 2:26:00.

Riddle was awarded third in his age group and claimed an overall position of 57th out of 839, and 42nd male out of 402.

Hee is all set for his Ironman test now and is taking on the triple challenge in memory of his dear friend, Steve White, and for his family.

White was a member of Holcombe Harriers who had been training for his first Ironman in 2020 when he lost his life in a road traffic accident. He was a supporter of cancer charities and the donations from Riddle’s challenge will benefit Cancer Research UK.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting the JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-riddle-1710008451032

In parkrun, Burndener Andrew Crawford notched his 100th run at Bolton last weekend, finishing in 22:21.