BURY AC’s Anna Gisbourne clinched gold at the Northern Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield last weekend.

The teenager was Bury’s sole representative at the event and competed in the Under-17 women’s 800m in her first year in the age group.

Having comfortably qualified for the final by winning her heat in 2mins 20.69secs, Gisbourne was set up for a good run in the final.

Having recently reduced her 600m best to 1:32 there was no doubt she had the speed in her legs to perform well.

In the final, Gisbourne deployed her usual front-running tactics and a group of four broke away from the field. Her superior speed endurance paid off and at the bell the group dropped to two before she eased away on the final bend to cross the line first in 2:13.91.

This is Gisbourne’s first regional title and it sets the foundations for another excellent year for the young Bury star.

Ben Coop also travelled to Yorkshire to compete in the Brass Monkey Half Marathon and was delighted with his performance following on from a recent spell of injury.

He crossed the line in 22nd place in a very nippy 1:11:56. and reflected on his preparation for the event comprising of just a couple of parkruns which made his race all that more satisfying.

Personal trainer Luke Harreld yet again proved himself to be an excellent role model for his clients when he was first finisher in the South Manchester Parkrun.

He had intended to run at the notoriously fast Stretford course but the organisers cancelled the event due to ice on the track and at the last minute Harreld had to drive over to Platt Fields.

Being unfamiliar with the course he set off with the leading group and as the finish line approached he used his natural speed to kick away and win in 16:28.

There was a good turnout from Bury AC members at the parkrun at Heaton Park.

Conor Wilkinson took third place in a new personal best of 17:26, followed closely by Paul Johnston in fourth with 17:28.

Men’s team captain, Byron Edwards, continues his return from injury and took fifth in 17:59.

Bury’s women dominated the top placings with Freya Potts first finisher in a new best of 18:42, followed by Rachel Marshall in second (19:02), Caitlyn Johnston in third (19:51PB) and Katie Geelan in fourth (19:51).

Matt Garside did some pacemaking and crossed the line in 20:15, with the daughter and father duo of Sarah and Brian Thomas recording 20:32 and 21:03 respectively.