BOLTON’S lead in the Central League Grand Prix A and B team standings increased after a 24-strong squad of Blue Vests competed in the fourth round in Wednesday’s warm conditions.

Tom Carson (20:13), working his way back to fitness and ahead of the Wilmslow Tri this weekend, led the team with silver at Haigh Hall, just behind Leigh’s Neil Pendlebury (19:45). The course, previously used for Wigan Phoenix’s relay races some years ago, was in use due to building works on the usual four-mile route. Its 3.7 miles was a ‘reverse Rivi Pike’ – descent for 1.7 miles with an uphill return after a flattish loop that included 200m of mud dodging. The profile suited John Knowles, always strong on the hills, who filled the other spot on podium (and was first M40) and Nicky Cartridge (25:12), who collected gold in the women’s race to maintain her lead in the series.

Both the men’s (26 points) and women’s (40 points) race teams were eked into second by Leigh Harriers (23) and Burnden RR (16) respectively. The top 20 also featured Simon Dally (first M45 and eighth overall), a resurgent Chris Povey and Dom Gavin. Ken Fowler, the first M60, led the B team as Dean Johnson held off Paul Mills by a second.

The pendulum that is Bolton’s junior female battle this season swung again, as Olivia Kearney edged out Rachel Bailey by nine seconds, but also F50 winner Cathy Flitcroft. Also of note was Paul Trainor’s debut, returning 23rd of the 229 field was of note, Hannah Darby representing for the first time this decade, Steve Houghton wearing the colours for the first time in nine months and Abigail Johnson appearing in the CLGP for the first time this year.

BUH&AC times: Tom Carson 20:13; John Knowles 20:57; Simon Dally 21:36; Chris Povey 23:09; Dominic Gavin 23:23; Paul Trainor 24:26; Peter Kearney 24:46; Nicola Cartridge 25:12; Stewart Brierley 25:24; Peter Walker 25:29; Ken Fowler 25:47; Dean Johnson 26:05; Paul Mills 26:06; Andrew Gallagher 27:17; Adrian Costello 27:23; Steve Houghton 27:38; Olivia Kearney 28:53; Cathy Flitcroft 28:58; Rachel Bailey 29:02; Simon Thorne 30:01; Hannah Darby 32:51; Abigail Johnson 34:21; Deborah Flitcroft 35:20; Gerard Tucker 39:22

There were Blue Vests on the podium in both the men’s and women’s Last Drop Loop fell race on Saturday. The fourth edition of the race hosted by Bolton United Harriers was a three-horse race for the men all the way round, as Horwich’s M40 Gareth Booth led from clubmate Dave Jackson (M45) and Bolton’s John Knowles, passing 6km in 27 minutes.

The good footing of the return section saw Booth stretch ahead, taking the line in 37:48. Less than 20 seconds later, John Knowles claimed his second bronze in four days (following the Haigh Hall 3.7M in the CLGP), as Jackson held off a last-ditch challenge. His time was an incredible three minutes quicker than his 2014 completion and as first Blue Vest, Knowles also claimed the Brian Mawdsley Trophy.

Nicky Cartridge was yet again in the mix, though Laura Lombard built up a 60m lead on the first steep climb to Cheetham Close hill that was not relinquished. In claiming silver, Cartridge improved her time for the third year in a row – by nearly 40 seconds to go sub-46. Dave Morrison demonstrated his recent improvement, posting a time five minutes quicker than last year to go under the hour over the 5.7 miles. As ever, a safe and slick event was only possible due to the dedication of the marshals and volunteers at Registration and finish area. Race Organisers' special thanks went to Jayne Dickinson, Keith Mallinder, Andrew Doyle, Pete Kearney and Nick Howarth.

Bolton’s growing strength in the multi-event discipline was underscored when seven Blue Vests completed the Wilmslow Triathlon. The Sprint distance of a 400m swim, 24.2km cycle and 6.3km run was completed first by Tom Carson, whose run of 22:19 was customarily the quickest of all 492 competitors. His 1:12:51 was eighth overall and second in age group. Not far behind in 24th, Shaun O’Dwyer won his 35-39 age category following a strong cycle. Nick Howarth’s run, unsurprising for the experienced Harrier, was second quickest of his age group after a tractor held up his charge on the bike by around two minutes. Stuart Parsonson’s legs closely matched Howarth, the difference being transitions and a slightly slower jog. Julie Lomax was 26th of the 152 women with good consistency throughout, Alex Donnelly had a barnstorming swim and Gail Harrison continues to progress well after only trying the sport for the first time 10 months ago.

BUH&AC times: Tom Carson 1:12:51, Shaun O'Dwyer 1:17:59; Nick Howarth 1:25:28; Stuart Parsonson 1:28:03;Julie Lomax 1:37:41; Alex Donnelly 1:39:19; Gail Harrison 1:54:17

Elsewhere, Karl Darcy clocked 23:23 to win the Milltown to Moors race over the not-oft-competed distance of 7K, fresh after becoming Greater Manchester champion over 3000m on the track. Ged Tucker also finished strongly, clocking 45.47 on a warm day.