Whittington leads Burndeners home at 13 Arches event

Mark Whittington was speeding on his arches at the weekend as he led Burnden Road Runners home from a half-marathon in a sub one-and-a-half hour time and took the crown for first MV50 at the 13 Arches race.

Quickest lady for Burnden was Gwen Kinloch, who took the title of first FV60 in 1hr 46mins 34secs.

The 13 Arches Trail Marathon is a glorious tour of the trails with an evil climb to finish - the aptly-named ‘Heartbreak Hill’.

Runners visit parts of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, the former Outwood colliery in Radcliffe, Outwood Trail, Philips Park and Prestwich Clough.

The 13 Arches of the title is the listed 13 Arches viaduct at the centre of Philips Park.

Part of the Burnden Off-Road Championship, the race attracted lots of members, some of whom came top of their vet categories.

Special mention went to Phil McCardle and Paul Holt, who made their debuts for Burnden in times of 1:44:33 and 2:14:35, respectively.

Second home for Road Runners, following Whittington, was Michael Kermode, in 1:35:13.

Top of their categories were Stephen Horsman (first MV60 in 1:46:11), Lyndsay Darbyshire (first FV55 in 1:49:33), Linda Doherty (first FV50 in 1:58:38).

Second MV45 was Gareth Doherty, in 1:37:15, and second MV60 was Ed Ashton, in 1:47:03. Second MV65 was Marcus Hamer (1:54:04).

Other results: Andrew Norman 1:44:33, Neil Counsell 1:59:05, Vicki Hamer 2:05:26, Andy Warburton 2:12:45, Louise Righini 2:16:46, Ryan Moore 2:18:10, Emma Walker 2:36:48, Carolyn Edwards 2:36:48, Kathryn Baron 2:36:48, Tony Fulop 2:53:10.