10K race a

Athletes came from as far afield as Reading in Berkshire through Cumbria to a contingent from Ireland.

After the clear warm weather on the Saturday, we awoke to the sound of rain and drizzle. The course had been very thoroughly planned by Nick Howarth and David Flitcroft and therefore setting up the warning posters and sign posts along the route was not too much of a difficult task.

The days events got under way with a 2K Fun Run which in itself was very well attended by local and regional children. At 11.30 the starters gun signalled the beginning of the race and the field poured out of Leverhulme Park behind the leading officials car.

31.30 minutes later Matt Moorhouse from Salford Harriers crossed the line a clear 30 seconds ahead of second placed man (and fellow Salford Harrier) James Jackson. Salford made it a 1,2,3 when a further 41 seconds later Darren Hale crossed the line. No guessing where the individual and three man team prizes were going.

Bolton United Harrier had a strong entry and it was Allan Higginson who led the home runners in. He finished the race in 11th spot in a time of 34.05 but was the first Veteran 40 entrant home.

Prize

The three Bolton athletes who counted towards the team prize included Allan, Chris Iddon and Junior Athlete who was 15th overall in a time of 34.27 and David Shaw who was 17th in 34.31. The above took third place in the team event.

Many other Bolton Harriers finished the course not only in good places but also with good times. While they might not have been high enough placed to get into the individual overall race placings, with the different age categories that are running a number of them picked up age related prizes. Ian Bowles finished first Under 18 runner with Mark Lloyd also getting third in that category. Ian Shakeshaft ended up second Vets 40 runner and Eric Rannicar and David Dowd ended the day as first and second respectively in the Vets 50 class. Brian Court was triumphant in the Vets 65 age group.

In the Women's Race, Bolton United Harriers saw their home athlete, Liz Proctor end up victorious with a superb run of 37.46. S.Dodds from Sparta was not only second in the main race but was first L40 runner home in 37.49 and V.Peacock from Clayton was third and first in the L45 category.

In the team race, Clayton were first, Horwich RMI were second and Bolton United Harriers were third. The Bolton team consisted of the first three Bolton athletes home, these being Liz Proctor, Denise Shakeshaft (42.01 and C. Jones (53.00).

Everyone who took part be they officials, runners or helpers enjoyed a fantastic event and as a club we would like to thank them along with our sponsors, Smith Knight Fay - Audi, Warburtons Bakery, Esporta Health & Fitness Club, Halfords, High 5, Life Care Medical Services and Aspinal & Co Solicitors. Without all of the above's support an event like this would not exist.

Well done one and all. Everyone is welcome for the next Road race Event to be staged at Bolton, The Bolton 5K Road Race. This will take place on Wednesday evening 23rd May and details are available from Bolton United Harriers.

Forward

As a club we are now looking forward to the start of the Track and Field season with our Junior League Team competing in the Premier Division - North at Wigan on Sunday 29th April and the Men's and Women's Senior Teams as well as the McDonalds League Boys Team competing the weekend after.

Good luck to all of those who will be competing.

Anyone interested in joining the areas foremost Athletics Club should contact Bolton United Harriers either at their Headquarters at Leverhulme Athletics Track or contact Sean O'Donnell or Debbie Hales on Bolton 592721 or 521589 respectively. We compete at all age and gender groups in the highest regional leagues. We have a number of Track and Field International representative competitors as well as numerous North of England and County Champions.