THE Bolton 10K’s near-700 field saw Bolton United Harriers host another slick event with racing drama unfolding in both the men’s and women’s race.

Sporting a suitably alliterative club name to match his own, Guildford and Godalming AC’s Gilbert Grundy led from the off.

The American, who now lives down south and was up north for a friend’s wedding, proceeded to demolish the course record by 15 seconds with a classy run.

Bolton’s own Karl Darcy, who set a new 10K personal best just over a week ago, bided his time by giving Notts AC’s Matty Williams a couple of metres before powering by towards the completion of the first lap – both finished on the podium.

Junior Declan Toomey showed his improvement in 12 months by being nearly two minutes quicker (and fifth overall), while Rhys Francis’ top-10 position and M50 winner Mark Wolstencroft gave Bolton the team victory (36 points) over Salford (50).

In the women’s race, Blackburn’s former England international Pauline Powell’s barnstorming run lowered the course record by 14 seconds on her way to gold and ninth overall.

Becky Concannon also went sub-40 minutes for silver, while Bury AC’s junior star Sophie Whittaker won a sprint finish by one second for bronze, despite running 37 seconds quicker than her victory run last year.

Mary Cheung, Rachel Bailey and Cath Jones formed Bolton’s race team that was edged into silver, nine points adrift of Burnden Road Runners (90).

For Bolton, that 16 runners completed was incredible given the commitment to put on the race – over 40 otherwise regular runners assisted with notable mentions going to Blue Vest debutant Jack Heggie and Lewis Aldred who claimed 44th position while being the youngest in the race.

Race organiser Steve Houghton said: “Leverhulme Park witnessed hot racing in both senses – two course records and glorious weather.

"Feedback has been incredibly positive again, and tribute has to be paid to all the volunteers for enabling the best side of the club to be on show again.”

Full results and links are available via the Bolton 10K website at www.bolton10k.org.

BUH&AC times: Karl Darcy 33:35, Declan Toomey 35:45, Rhys Francis 36:43, Mark Wolstencroft 40:06, Craig Kenny 41:02, David Chrystal 41:18, Lewis Aldred 41:27, James Rideout 42:23, Jack Heggie 44:45, Mary Cheung 49:16, Paul Rossington 50:01, Rachel Bailey 50:13, David Morrison 51:25, Catherine Jones 53:58, John Grimshaw 55:01, Georgia Greenhalgh 59:25, Ged Tucker 64:25.

The One Mile Fun Run, held at 9am before the 10K, saw nearly 100 entrants ranging in age from four years old to 61.

Junior Blue Vests formed over a quarter of the field, with some great performances to match the attendance.

In the open under-15s, Ben Pickford, aged 13, claimed gold with 5:42 (16 seconds quicker than last year), while Horwich’s Isabella Merritt, aged 11, was second overall and first-placed girl (6:12) around the one-lap course and Bolton’s Lily Philbin was second. 

BUH&AC times: Ben Pickford 5:42, Harvey Kenny 6:10, Toby Coop 6:31, Herbie Kay 6:38, Lily Philbin 6:43, Marcus Valentine 7:05, Evan Wickham 7:16, Sam Philbin 7:16, Charlotte Vickers 7:24, Emily Petch 7:27, Luke Greenhalgh 7:30, Hannah Swales 7:34, Erin Wickham 7:53, Alfie Dodds 7:59, Mia Makin 8:31, Joseph Rossington 8:31, Jamie Greenhalgh 8:32, Finn Coop 8:38, Alfie Byrne 9:04, Jack Green 9:14, Lucy Kingdon 9:16, Cerys Jones 9:57, Jessica Swales 10:10, Ben Povey 11:02, Jasmine Greenhalgh 18:50.

Elsewhere, three Blue Vests completed the ‘other’ big race of the weekend – the London Marathon.

Congratulations to Craig Renshaw (3:09:30, 2,970th), Lesley Heyes (4:00:15, 13,448th) and Cecilia Woods (4:22:39, 18,692nd).