AN annual race will continue its return to the forefront of the Bolton running calendar a week on Sunday.

The Lostock 6 has enjoyed a stunning revival in the last four years since its existence was in doubt due to a low number of entries.

That has not been a problem since as organisers responded to the threat by working hard to get numbers back up to previous levels.

Entries are invited for the 36th staging in nine days' time when a figure akin to last year's 305 runners will be expected.

Lostock hope one day the event could return to attracting in excess of 500 as it did when it was first held in 1982 as part of the British Aerospace National Championships.

That would be far removed from the 50 or so who entered in 2013 after which organisers admitted it could be the six-mile race's last staging unless there was a big increase in entries.

Club chairman John Smith said at the time: "With decreasing numbers, greater problems with marshalling, managing ever-stricter regulations and safety requirements the future of the event is uncertain.

“After a run of 31 years it is likely that this will be the last time this very popular race will be on."

Hard work and success in getting the message out to the local running scene and general community saw a rise in entries the following year and continued high numbers since.

This year's race will begin at 10am and the undulating course will start from the Barnstormers public house on Lostock Lane, winding its way along Wingates Lane up to the A6, returning through Chew Moor and Lostock before heading along Chorley New Road to the finish adjacent to the start.

Popular with runners of all abilities the race this year has seen a high number of entries from first timers to the event.

Medals and free race photographs will be provided to all finishers.

Race director Mark Smith said: "The event will be very well attended this year and will be chipped timed.

"We would encourage all runners to attend early to collect numbers and shoes chips."

Anyone interested in taking part can visit www.lostockac.co.uk where they will be able enter online.