LOSTOCK AC will stage the 33rd annual six-mile road race on Sunday, February 22.

The Lostock 6 route has been improved following feedback from last year's successful race to improve runners' safety.

The race is a regular fixture on the town's athletics calendar and has enjoyed renewed success in recent years after almost going out of existence due to dwindling attendance numbers.

The start is now near the railway bridge on Lostock Lane. On race day runners will gather on Lynstock Way just off Lostock Lane for pre-race announcements.

The runners will then be walked out to the start line ready for the official start. From here the route is up to Lostock Junction, as in previous years.

Just after the Lostock Junction Station the race route turns left along Regents Road which provides a safer route back to Chorley New Road with the footpath on the left side of the road.

The approach to the finish of the race has been extended by continuing along Chorley New Road, passing Ox Hey Lane then turning left down Cambridge Road, right along Crescent Rd then left down Alexandra Road before taking the next left and following the track and turning right onto Ox Hey Lane before the final run on Hall Lane.

Last year's race attracted 230 runners. Ben Riddell from Salford Harriers won the men’s race in 31mins 26secs, and Catherine O'Dwyer of Bolton Harriers won the ladies’ race in 36:28.

To enter the race, which is sponsored by Southern’s Interiors, Cranfield Road, or to get more information visit www.lostockac.co.uk or enter on the day at The Barnstormers, Lostock Lane. Registration opens at 8am with the race starting at 10am.

For more information visit www.lostockac.co.uk or call Clive Worthington on 07789 510908.