BOLTON United Harrier Tom Carson maintained his scintillating return to form with victory in the Trotters 5 Mile Race, hosted by Burnden Roadrunners.

He stormed away at the start, building a 250m lead by the two-mile marker and eventually romped home in 27.23, more than a minute ahead of ex-Bolton Harrier Mark Shakeshaft, who runs for Bury AC.

Carson’s back-to-back race victories – the Trotters win followed up his success in the previous week’s Lostock 6 – matched Marc Tillotson’s feat of last year and his sights are now set on the Bolton 10K on April 22.

Shay Walker (28.51) was next home for Bolton, finishing fifth overall and first M40, smashing his personal best by 31seconds.

After taking up running only two years ago, he is building a reputation as a talented runner who is improving every month.

Mark Swannell, who narrowly beat Walker in the CLGP 5K a fortnight ago, was eighth and final counter for Bolton, who won the men’s team award by 14 points from Astley and Tyldesley.

Consistent performers Ian Selby and James Rideout finished 13th and 28th, respectively, to ensure they remain top of the CLGP rankings.

Following a cat-andmouse game over the two circuits, Gary Jones finished 40th, just edging out team-mate Nathan Lee – both finishing in 34.14.

Another Bolton entrant, Ian Gregory, was six seconds behind, holding off Chris Povey, who finished 43rd.

Andrew Doyle led the Bolton B for whom Ken Fowker finished second M55 and featured personal bests for Jon Gettinby and Dunc Rankin.

Leigh Harrier Louisa Thompson won the women’s race in 31.34.

Sarah Saxon (39.49) starred for the Bolton women’s team, which included Lindsay Warburton, Catherine Jones and Joanne McClarence, who took bronze.

John Knowles was first home of the host club’s entrants, finishing 10th overall with Steve Nolan finishing first V50 as the Roadrunners took third in the men’s team event and second in the vets.

Kirsty Normanton was first of the Burnden women home with teammate Isaline Kneale first L45 and Lesley Fisher first L50.

The host club, whose vets team finished second overall, also did well in the junior categories, with Rob Short first junior male and Emma Holden first L17.

Burnden men’s team finished third and the men’s vets team were second.

Burnden ladies’ vets were second overall.