Super Fast 1-2-3 At Heaton parkrun

22 FEB2011

There were only a handful of sub-16 minute times across the 14 north of England parkruns on Saturday remarkably three of them were posted at Heaton Park where GB internationalist Andi Jones led a team of Salford Harriers to a 1-2-3. Andi finished in 15:20 just 2 seconds ahead of Joe Bailey with Ben Riddell third in 15:41. First woman at Heaton Park was Anna Weaver in 18:02.

Other notable parkrun performances saw Elswick Harrier Alison Dargie run a PB of 18:11 at Newcastle - she placed fifth overall. First man was also fast - Ian Harding in 15:37.

Of course parkrun is much more about participation and enjoyment for the 'everyday' runner than elite performance however it must be gratifying for race organisers that their events are highly regarded by some of the country's best runners.

Another performance worth noting was Sale Harrier Ted Howarth's run at a busy Bramhall Park. 70something Ted finished 128th of 273 runners in 25:50, well outside his PB but still a respectable outing for the veteran.

Weather affected turnouts at Saturday's north of England parkrun events however with spring around the corner expect increasing attendances in the coming weeks.