LOSTOCK AC’s Leo Pollard Memorial Race saw almost 150 runners take part at Rivington.

It was the second ever hosting of the event after being cancelled in the last two years due to covid and having its name changed from Henderson’s End in tribute to the club’s former honorary life president, Leo Pollard who passed away in 2018 after a short illness.

The race, sponsored by inov-8, is a fast and tough seven miles which starts at Rivington Barn - with thanks to the Salmon family - and begins with a steep climb up to the Pigeon Tower before a further climb up to Rivington Pike.

From there is a fast descent down and along Georges Lane to Rivington Pike Cottage where the next climb awaits up to Two Lads.

Then it’s a loop around Smithills Moor before reaching the mast at Winter Hill and the run across the moor before the final climb back up Rivington Pike.

It is then all downhill and a race to the finish line.

First runner home was Luke Foley, from Horwich RMI Harriers, in 50mins 30secs, followed by Sean Greenwood (51:40) and John Horrocks (51:49).

First lady, and third overall, was Martha Tibbot from Saddleworth Runners Club in 51:45.

Second lady was Finty Royale (55:35) and third lady was Joanna Goorney in 1:02:24.

It was a great run by all competitors with both first male and female receiving a £100 inov-8 voucher.

Not only did Tibbot finish in third place, but she also achieved a new female course record taking over three minutes off the previous record time of 55:23 set in the first Leo Pollard Memorial Fell race in 2019.

As well as organising the race, Lostock AC also had several members taking part with newcomer Paul Edwards finishing in a brilliant 10th place in 54:31.

Lostock AC donates all proceeds from the Leo Pollard Memorial race to Bolton Mountain Rescue (BMR), who provide safety cover for the event and this year, thanks to United Utilities and the Woodland Trust who kindly waived fees for the race, the club were delighted to present BMR with a cheque for £600.

Elsewhere, on Saturday, Jocelyn Chadderton celebrated with club mates after completing her 100th parkrun at Bolton Parkrun.