THE Lostock 6-mile road race took place with a strong turn-out from Bolton United Harriers.

Optimistically named ‘Six Miles of Smiles’ the freezing, wet, windy conditions spurred the team on to excellent performances with Bolton winning the men’s team competition and Laura Lombard winning the women’s race.

The team coached by Dave Shaw were in high spirits, having watched their team mate Jonny Kay on television the day before powering through to the 1,500m final of the British indoor athletics championships in which he subsequently claimed the bronze medal.

Tommy Harrison, back in the blue vest following a long spell of interrupted training, was first home for Bolton, finishing in fourth position.

He narrowly missed out on a place in the top three but will improve significantly as he returns to full fitness.

Laura Lombard was next home for Bolton, winning the women’s race in a time of 35:07.

Chris Povey ran excellently, finishing second V45 after working really hard along Chorley New Road into a fierce wind. Scott Crompton powered home in 36:08 to ensure victory for the men’s team. Enjoying himself in the blue and yellow vest, Crompton was happy with his performance.

Chris Tye performed well after having limited training and he finished in 36:36. With an increase in miles in his legs he is sure to move quickly up the field in subsequent competitions.

Super marathon man Mark Wolstencroft ran a solid race despite weather conditions not being to his liking. He won his v55 category.

Local PE teacher Dominic Gavin, cheered on by his family, ran consistently to finish in 37th and celebrated his birthday that same day.

Beka Millington and Gary Porteous also put in fine performances to finish in 48:47 and 43:45 respectively.

Impressively, Bolton’s final team mate was David Tomlinson.

Still pulling his running vest on at over 80 years old, he completed the course in 55:11.

Bolton United Harriers would like to thank the race organisers Lostock AC for organising an excellent race.

n The Bolton 10k takes place on Sunday, April 26.Information and details of how to get your entry in are available by visiting

www.bolton10k.org