VINCE Ashton, who became a ‘parkrun tourist’ after being diagnosed with MS, has bagged his 90th different location.

The Radcliffe AC member notched up the milestone where he clocked 29mins 14secs at Woodhouse Moor parkrun in Leeds, the world’s fourth oldest.

After starting local at Bolton, Heaton Park and Worsley Woods parkruns, he decided to try his luck further afield.

Since then he has clocked up 90 different locations – even travelling to the USA.

Ashton was diagnosed with MS in November 2011 and in 2018, started having seizures that affects around five per cent of sufferers.

No longer able to drive, he relies on lifts and public transport to get to parkruns.

He said: “I pulled out of racing as it was maybe causing too much stress so I started parkruns in November 2013.

“I have met up with loads of friends at each one and when my body is not feeling able to run, I volunteer and marshal.”

He added: “The goal of getting to at least 100 different venues before my legs give way totally gives me the sense of accomplishment in something.”

While Ashton says the Boston is the most beautiful parkrun, the most enjoyable is a lot nearer to home – Rochdale.

“The hardest ones have been Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District – which is one of the toughest in the UK – and Woolacombe Dunes, running through sand dunes on the south coast,” he said.

“The parkrun at Jamaica Pond in Boston was the most beautiful one but the one I’ve enjoyed the most is actually Watergrove near Rochdale.”

He added: “Each time I run I have a guide with me to ensure they know if I’m a bit out of sorts with my balance and my condition. I’m also an ambassador for invisible conditions when running as people do not know what pain and comfort others may be in.

“I will keep going until my body says to stop.”

Several Radcliffe runners made the most of Saturday’s calm weather before the arrival of Storm Ciara.

Despite its name, nine had calm conditions for the nine-mile Windy Hill Fell which had 1,280ft of climbing from Littleborough.

David McGrath ran 1hr11min 49secs; John Wrigley 1:19:10; Andy Haines 1:19:18; Dave Rushton 1:20:29; Paul Swyers 1:27:18; Lee Turner 1:26:59: John McNicoll 1:36:31; Hayley Winder 1:43:05 and Mark Wolfenden 1:49:21.

Sheila McNulty and Kath Davies also had good weather for the 46th Anglezarke Amble.

Organised by the Long Distance Walkers Association, runners and walkers could opt for either a 17 or 25-mile course which started in Rivington. The pair completed the shorter option, which include Rivington Pike, Winter Hill and Great Hill, in 4hrs 17mins.

Olivia Whittaker set another pb of 24:45 when she was first JW10 at Heaton parkrun. Also running were Mark Garner who finished in 21:16; Sheila Jones 23:40; Nick Barnes 24:25; Alison Howarth 25:38; Sarah Jackson 31:32; Bev Quinton 35:09; Iain Harris 35:22 and Katie Davies 36:11.

At Bolton parkrun Mark Williams ran 22:51, Elaine Bailey 29:57 while Tracy Wroe set a pb of 32:02.