KARL Darcy set a new personal best in crossing the line first at Saturday's parkrun.

The Bolton United Harrier slashed 13 seconds off his previous best time in recording 16mins 57secs.

It was the seventh time he had finished first in 15 parkruns at Bolton, his the sixth in his last seven attempts.

This week there were 251 runners, of whom 26 were first timers and 45 recorded new personal bests and representatives of 17 different athletics clubs took part.

Tommy Harrison (Bolton United Harriers & AC) was second over the line in 17:24 – one position back from the previous week – and Scott Crompton (also Bolton United Harriers & AC), was third in 18:35.

Female placings: Paula Pilling (Burnden Road Runners), was first (21st overall) in 21:47 – 17th time in 46 appearances. Isabella Merritt (Bolton United Harriers & AC), was second (28th overall) in 22:37, Helen Winstanley was third (31st overall) in 22:46.

The following runners recorded the best age grade scores: Isabella Merritt (77.60 per cent) for the time 22:37, Karl Darcy (76.70 per cent) for 16:57 and Cian Healy (76.25 per cent) for 20:42.

Runner of the week: Liam Allison. The junior runner completed his 10th parkrun this week, and got a PB.