BURY’S Josh Cole performed well in a strong field in the South West England Cross-Country Championships in Dorset at the weekend.

The Bournemouth-based triathlete ran strongly to take an excellent 21st place in a very strong field.

This follows on from him claiming the Red Rose Cross Country League title at the end of 2021 and confirms his fine form.

On New Year’s Day a number of Bury runners took part in the parkrun at Heaton Park.

Ben Coop was fastest on the day, crossing the line in 17mins 5secs, 20 seconds clear of the runner-up.

Paul Johnston took third in a nippy 17:27 with Matthew Garside in eighth in an excellent 17:52.

Byron Edwards continued his return from injury, placing 13th in 18:46.

Rachel Marshall made it a double victory for Bury as she was the first woman finisher in 18:50, a new personal best for the course.

Harriet Griffiths also set a new course best of 21:05 and was fourth woman finisher. Lucy Dent was first junior girl, stopping the clock at 22:43.

At another parkrun venue, Giles Bennett finished third V55 at Stretford in 20:33.

This weekend will see Bury AC’s athletes competing in the Manchester Indoor meeting at SportCity.