Tom Lancashire was back in the national vest at the European X-Country Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria.

His time 34:02 was 27th overall and there was improvement from the nationals - his fifth in qualification was turned into third counter of 6 for the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team that finished fifth (76 points). It seems there is an improvement with each passing month and long may it continue.

On home turf, despite Bolton United Harriers’ enjoying a Festive celebration on Saturday evening, Karl Darcy was unaffected by the dancing cheer as he romped to his maiden victory in the Londridge 7 Miler the following morning.

His time of 41:21, best of the 244 runners, was more than three minutes ahead of Wesham’s Lee Barlow.

After celebrating the winning of three of the four Central Lancashire Grand Prix titles, the winner of the 2014 Steve Kenyon Endurance Challenge Trophy was announced too.

The competition lasts 11 months and covers the eleven CLGP races, a relay race, five fell races and all four Red Rose Cross-Country mud-baths.

Using the WAVA technique to compare results accounting for age and gender, a ‘level’ playing field is created, with the best scores from any 8 races counting, though at least one FR and XC terrain must be included.

Cue the good-natured intra-club battle, as the Speedy Gonzales come under pressure from the junior Whippersnappers and ‘experienced’ Veterans.

This year heralds the first female winner of the trophy, as Catherine O’Dwyer’s 644.64 points was comfortably the best in the club.

The F35 runner has had a stupendous year, particularly in the first half, setting new Personal Bests at the classic 5K, 10K and HM distances, not to mention the 5M and 6M events.

On the track, the 1500m and 3000m barriers on also fell, with the Bolton 10K course record also victim in April. Congratulations!

Just behind, it was the closest of close battles for the podium positions. In the end, M45 vet Andrew Doyle’s 606.80 points just pipped the in-form Karl Darcy (606.66) and M50 vet Nick Howarth (597.37).

Bolton United Harriers & AC is proud to present their annual Bolton 10K race on Sunday, 26th April 2015 at 10am.

The challenging course incorporates the undulating roads around and within Leverhulme Park. Entry is £12 for non-club runners, with all finishers receiving a sporty technical T-shirt and other goodies.

A One Mile Fun Run will also take place at the earlier time of 9am, which is ideal for juniors aged 6 to 14 and is priced £4 for pre-entrants. Full details can be found at the dedicated website www.bolton10k.org