ON the 31st March, as a warm up for the forthcoming Northern 12 Stage Road Relay race in Leeds on Sunday 7th April, members of Bolton United Harriers, entered the Salford 5K race held in Heaton Park.

On a day that was marred weather wise by heavy showers, Dave Shaw was the first Bolton athlete home in a time of 16.35 minutes. He finished in 31st overall place behind an ex-Bolton Harrier, Great Britain Steeplechase Runner, Stuart Stokes.

Superb

The next one home for Bolton in 17.42 minutes, also won the Men's Over 50 category. Eric Ranicar ran a superb race to end up 60th overall. He was closely followed by Jonathan Allwood (17.53), Ian Selby (17.58) and Tony Finnigan (18.00).

The course through Heaton Park was understandably hilly and certainly represented quite a challenge to all competitors.

The current Foot and Mouth Crisis may be having a devastating effect on the Fell running and Cross Country running scenes but it is not having much effect on the Track and Field season which is about to get underway.

Bolton United Harriers are holding a Winter Open Meeting as a warm up for the new season at Leverhulme Park on Sunday 8 April at 11.00AM.

A wide range of events are planned (for Under 11 athletes through to Seniors) and we extend a warm welcome to any current or aspiring athletes who would like to come and try the events.

The full programme of events includes all Throwing events (Cricket Ball, Javelin, Hammer, Shot and Discus) most of the Jumping Events (Long and Triple Jump) and Running Events from 75m to 3,000m - all depending on different age limitations. Entry is £2 for two events with each extra event at £1 each.

All are welcome and we look forward to meeting you on Sunday. If more details are needed, please contact Shaun O'Donnel on Bolton 592721 or contact him on ShaunODON@aol.com.