WITH the Bolton Marathon set to stage its first race since 1981 our archives show that the town has always had the running bug.

Whether its fun runs, cross country, charity jogs or more competitive races, Bolton has always been keen to get its trainers on and dash for the finish line.

The oldest picture here dates from January 1970 and shows English Martyrs pupil Paul Moss taking part in the Bolton schools cross-country competition at Leverhulme.

Strangest of all the pictures here is the one of Belmont man Paul Murray, who, in September 1972, was challenged by his friend, 21-year-old John Iwanio, of Horwich, to a race with the prize being a pint of beer. Not that unusual you might think, until it becomes clear that while Paul was racing in the normal way, John was behind the wheel of his 1600 cc Ford Capri. The friends had a bet on which of them could reach the Black Bull pub first from the Winter Hill TV mast. John went about five miles along the road in his car and Paul ran down the 1,500 feet hill, over the moors for about 1 1/2 miles. Paul is pictured in the pub enjoying a well earned pint.

In October, 1976, Bolton Harriers raced to success in the Bolton Evening News round-the-town road relay. The race had moved from Egerton ad this was the first to be staged in the town centre.

Fast forward to January 2, 1977, and two of the pictures here show Bolton United Harriers’ second ‘run for fun’ at Leverhulme Park. Despite the freezing cold, 231 people completed the 5,000 metres run with Harriers president Jack Haslam pictured giving the competitors some advance at the starting line. The other picture shows overall winner Dave Coleman, of Walkden, being congratulated by Bolton Wanderers stars Steve Taylor, Roy Greaves and Paul Jones.

In October 1985, the Harriers were back in the paper with runner Paul Campbell winning the Warburton 20 mile road race.