THE winning margins in the Bolton 10k race were the largest for some time last weekend.

In the men's race, Leigh’s Neil Pendlebury clocked 34mins 2secs to cross the line at the head of the 514-strong field – over three-and-a-half minutes in front of Horwich’s Tom Grundy, while the 40:45 by Jenny Evans of Sale Harriers Manchester, saw her finish nearly two minutes in front of Rebecca Lovegrove.

Dom Gavin was the first Blue Vest in seventh, swiftly followed by junior Lewis Aldred, dipping under 40 minutes for the first time over 10k.

M55 James Rideout and the ever-improving Scott Bracey completed the winning men’s team, while Rachel Bailey, Zoe Gibson and Mary Cheung made it a double team victory with the women’s prize.

Notable mentions also go to junior Molly Philbin, dipping under 50 minutes on her debut at the distance, while younger sister Lily had earlier crossed the line ahead of nearly 100 entrants in the One Mile Fun Run, held at 9am before the 10k.

Gail Harrison, race organiser for the first time, said: “The rain dampened nobody’s spirits, with positive feedback from all the participants. Many thanks to all the volunteers, especially Nicky Cartridge and Frazer Jardine on the organising committee – we’re already looking forward to 2019’s event.”

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

BUH&AC times: Dominic Gavin 38:55, Lewis Aldred 39:39, James Rideout 43:01, Scott Bracey 45:32, Tony Warham 46:55, Paul Rossington 47:19, Rachel Bailey 47:29, Zoe Gibson 47:36, Mary Cheung 48:36, Molly Philbin 49:36, Michelle Philbin 52:35, David Jones 53:29, Gerard Tucker 65:51.