A RUNNER has completed the cancelled Bolton Community Half Marathon course as a tribute to his late father with dozens of others who had signed up for the event.

Mark Sutton was left devastated when the run was pulled at the 11th hour denying him the chance to compete in memory of dad, Tony, who died of lung cancer in July.

But the 46-year-old, from Little Lever, was delighted to be joined by a group of about 40 other fellow competitors on Sunday morning to tackle the 13.1 mile course.

Video of course created by race runner, Ashley Lee

The runners gathered in Le Mans Cresecent before setting off on the route intended for the cancelled event.

Mr Sutton finished the run in one hour and 57 minutes and said completing the course had meant a lot to him

He said: “It was emotional when we finished, but I’m so glad everybody has enjoyed it.

“I was emotional for the whole time running it but there was great camaraderie from everybody, everyone was helping one another along - and the weather held off for us as well, I was glad about that.”

The tanker driver was raising money for Bolton Hospice, which cared for his father during his illness and said his memory was never far away.

He said: “I did feel I did my dad proud, there were a few emotional moments out there, especially the part of the run that goes past Deane Golf Course, where he had been a member for 56 years. It was emotional running past the course where I have spent so much time with him, as I used to be a member as well.”

The race was called off just two weeks ago, with organiser Mad Bull Events blaming escalating costs for the decision.

But Stewart Jones from the company turned up to hand out medals to those who took part on Sunday.

Mr Sutton said: “ That was a nice touch from him, a lot of people were gutted that the event was cancelled in the first place. It’s a shame a town as big as Bolton that nobody came in to save the day and pay for the race.

“You have got little villages and towns dotted everywhere that have their own half marathons and even half marathons.

“You can see from today and the show of force from people who’ve turned up and feel strongly about it.”