HUNDREDS of runners are expected to pay tribute to a Bolton athlete killed in a jet-ski accident in Blackpool.

They will take part in a race in memory of Ian Hales on the anniversary of his death.

The father-of-five died when a high-powered jet ski he was driving crashed into one of the supports of Blackpool's North Pier last April.

His wife, Debbie, a passenger, was seriously hurt. She suffered facial and internal injuries and was in intensive care for several days.

Mr Hales' family have organised this year's Bolton 10 kilometre race, which will be known as the Smith Knight Fay Audi Bolton 10k. Mr Hales' son, Jason, works for the car dealership in Stockport.

The race will be held at Leverhulme Park, the home of Bolton Harriers, with whom Mr Hales, of Stockdale Grove, Breightmet, had been involved for almost 20 years.

The annual race was the last event Mr Hales took part in before the tragic accident. It coincidentally falls on the same day as the first anniversary of his death.

The Hales family, all of whom are involved in athletics, have set up a trust fund to help underprivileged athletes in Bolton. Proceeds from the race will go to the Trust.

They have handed out more than 5,000 leaflets for the race and have had more than 300 entries returned so far. It is expected that an extra 500 runners will turn up to enter on the day.

Jason will enter the race alongside brothers Martin and Michael and his partner Claire.

Jason, aged 27, said: "The Bolton 10k is my dad's local race which he entered every year since it started nine years ago.

"And it was the last race my father and I competed in together, just five days before the accident.

Money raised from the event will also help to pay for a fitness trail at the Leverhulme park track.

Mr Hales' employer, Vibroplant, has contributed £800 to have a silver trophy made for the race winner.

It will be the first in a series of events over the year in memory of Mr Hales, which will help to raise money for the Hales Trust Fund, Blackpool's Victoria Hospital, and the RNLI, both of whom were involved in the rescue attempt.

The race will be held on April 18 - with a fun run for children at 10am, and the main race beginning at 11am.