ALMOST 350 runners took part in the club's annual Lostock 6 road race last Sunday with the highlight a new women's course record of 34mins 16secs for Laura Hesketh of Clayton Le Moors Harriers.

Now in its 36th year, the Lostock 6 has established itself as an early-season classic in the road racing calendar, attracting the best amateur runners from the North West and beyond.

Bolton West MP Chris Green got the runners under way and raced the event himself, while the Mayor of Horwich Councillor Steven Rock was in attendance to present medals and prizes to the winners.

The first Lostocker home, and showing the kind of running form that led to his selection for the Great Britain triathlon team in 2017, was Colin Gregory in a time of 36:32 and 18th place.

Gregory was followed home by Jonathan Cosgrove (38:59), Stuart Hatton (42:10), Adam Lowe (42:28) and Brian Halton (44:35).

Kerry Varden was the first Lostock woman home in a time of 50:41, Ian Burns posted a time of 51:03, Jocelyn Chadderton clocked 53:36 and, in her first road race, Heather Mills-Marlow finished in 73:33.

Away from the Lostock 6, Adrian Hope continued his recovery from illness that saw him miss the entire 2017 season, to post a time of 40:12 at the Mr Sparkles Dark Un midweek, night-time fell race.

Starting in Tockles and covering 8k with 214m of climbing, Hope's time saw him finish 11th overall and ninth in his age group.

Competing in the same race, Matt Withers posted an equally strong time of 47:28.

Haigh Hall parkrun saw Andy Laycock turn in a time of 23:11 for second in his age group.

Matt Withers finished in 23:34, David Wilcock in 27:15, Alan Mather clocked 28:29 and Joanna Parncutt came in with a time of 30:35.