Four Axe Valley Runners (AVRs) travelled north to take part in the increasingly popular Manchester marathon.

The UK’s flattest marathon, the 26.1 mile route starts near the famous Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.

Runners then head into the city centre, out to Altrincham before weaving their way back to the finish right by the stadium.

First AVR home was Matt Frost in an excellent 2:52.55, just outside his PB, in 445th place.

Ian Kinnersley finished in a very impressive 3:38.58 taking more than three minutes off his PB; 30th M60 and 4053rd.

Jason Potter was next to finish in 6494th in 3:48.08, a huge PB.

Vicki Wraight was 12314th in 4:17.06, just outside her PB although delighted nonetheless.

More than 32,000 took part in the event, now the UK’s second biggest marathon.

Midweek Herald: A busy weekend for the AVRs!

Now on to the Sid Valley Ring Half Marathon on Saturday, conditions were good.

It’s a tough but scenic course around the marked walking route with just over 2000 feet of elevation.

Surprisingly, Adele Girdwood was the only AVR, coming in at 2:50:54, 56th from the 96 finishers.

Over in Seaton, there was another big turnout with 260 finishers.

AVR’s Joel Seward was first finisher in 17:41 with Luke Reed third finisher in 17:56.

Out on the tourist trail, Debbie Whiston was first female finisher at Lloyd parkrun in Croydon in 21:28, while Tony Smith ended up pacing at Barnsley parkrun expertly finishing in 22:50.

Bec and Simon Davey secured the U for the alphabet challenge at Upton House parkrun near Poole.

It was Alexandra parkrun, Moss Side, pre-marathon for Vicki Wraight while Matt Frost completed Longrun Meadow on route to Manchester along with Diane Newton.

Craig Tiley took part in Penrose parkrun and Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley enjoyed the promenade of Burnham and Highbridge.