Mark Whittington led the huge Burnden Road Runners contingent home in the third race of the Astley Park Race Series.

Burndeners were there to tick off both a club and an off-road championship race and the drizzly weather did nothing to dampen spirits.

Many claimed Vet Cat accolades to match their super times with Whittington crossing the line in a breathtaking 23mins 7secs, claiming first MV50.

He was followed closely by Suleman Badat, in 23:43, and Michael Kermode, in 24:27.

Ladies’ were flying with Gwen Kinloch first BRR lady, in 28:43, and was also crowned first FV60.

Next up was Vicki Hamer, in 28:58, and Marie Parkinson (30:03) and second FV60.

Paul Christie was named first MV70, in 31:14.

Burnden were off on another Club Championship bid as hordes descended on the flat and fast Cheshire 10 Mile and 10K.

Traversing the flat country roads around Hoole Bank, Picton and Wervin offered great PB potential and Burndeners collected some top times.

First home was Badat in 1:02:30, netting third MV45. Minutes later was Lee White, in 1:06:31, and Kermode, who set a new personal-best time, in 1:07:55.

First FV60 and Burnden lady was Kinloch, in 1:14:23, and seconds behind was third FV50, Mumtaz Patel, in 1:14:56 and Hamer, in 1:23:16.

Also appearing with vet accolades were Simon Marland - second MV65 in 1:17:57 - and Philip Glassbrook - first MV75 in 1:37:56.

Collecting PBs for the 10-mile course were Paul Willan (1:14:17), Bernie Jones (1:26:57), Rick Winnard (1:35:09) and Joanna Fielding (1:47:14). Cheryl Dunleavy completed the 10K course and smashed her PB with 1:15:04.

The inaugural Blackrod Scarecrow 10K is a local race which attracted several members to its course this week.

Brand new and full of fun, it is linked to the village’s annual Scarecrow Festival. A beautiful and mixed terrain route, follows four flattish or downhill miles before finishing with a slog of two miles uphill.

Five Burnden members finished, with Ian Pudge first home in 43:28 as second MV50.

He was followed home by Gayle Gerrard (53:51), Craig Philpot (57:18), Kris Worsley (57:21) and Mark Merrick, who took third MV60 in 57:35.

Tim Taylor ran eight miles on Wimbledon Common just a week after completing Ironman 70.3, and finished in 1:11:00.

n If your goal is to become more active then Burnden Road Runners has plenty of sessions on offer.

Chair and coach, Andy Dunleavy, said: “If your goal is being more active our Tuesday 10-11am track session may just be what you are looking for.

“We are based at the Arena (Middlebrook) and this community session is free and suitable for all fitness levels.

“Participants tell us that track sessions take all the worries away from street running and that they are incredibly safe, social and welcoming.

“Our weekly Tuesday 10am sessions last one hour. We get everyone loosened up with a good warm-up moving around the track. In a warm-up there are opportunities for practising good technique, stretching and muscle strengthening and some exercises for the heart and lungs.

“For the next 20-30 minutes we then focus on building fitness/endurance. We sometimes run for a set amount of time or at different speeds with rests between. A time spent at the end includes stretching and relaxing as a group.

“The community track sessions are a firm community and club runner favourite. Track sessions are perfect if you just want to dip your toes into exercise, get back to fitness or perhaps you are getting ready for that 5k, 10k or more.

“Come and join us when you can. All you need is a pair of trainers and comfortable clothes. We thrive on being a friendly, welcoming and inclusive group.

“We get together for refreshments in the Arena cafe after the session.

“Maybe you would just like to come along and find out more? If so please do - you will see lots of us in the Arena cafe area from 11am.”