Athletes smash the all-new Bolton half-marathon

The Bolton half-marathon and 10k made its debut today, March 1, bringing a large-scale run event to brighten up everyone’s winter.

Competitors were on the start line at Queen’s Park for 9am, with all manner of skills and ages being eagerly cheered on by the crowds, who lined the paths of the park and the streets of the town centre and past the town hall.

The run, which was organised by Epic Events, was thought in the lead-up to be harder than other half-marathons, such as their recent Southport one, with Bolton being much hillier.

But while the best time at Southport was 1:14:57, the hills proved no issue for our half-marathon winner Jonathan Sangster, aged 41.

Jonathan Sangster, 41, the half-marathon winner, with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Oliver (Image: Newsquest)

He completed his half in 1:17:38, not bad going for a much hillier course – and was even seen overtaking the lead bike at one point!

Jonathan, who is Bolton “born and bred”, said: “It was challenging, but it was great. It is a great event. 

“It is great to see this in Bolton. Obviously we had the potential return of the marathon a few years ago but it didn’t happen, but this has been a big event and to have it on home soil is perfect. 

“It is good training for the Ironman as well.” 

To see how events unfolded, here is our live blog: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25896923.updates-bolton-half-marathon-coming-town-today/

Tom Race, 10k winner (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile Tom Race, aged 24, not only has the best name a runner could have, but breezed the 10k in the fastest time of 36 minutes and 18 seconds.

The Rawtenstall man said: “It is not my fastest time, but this is a difficult course, there are a lot of ups and downs and corners, so it is hard to keep a rhythm. 

“I think it is a great thing, everyone should have this on their doorstep. 

“It is great for your mental wellbeing, and it is not even 10am and I’ve already done something good with my day, and have the rest of it to go. 

“It is such a buzz when you finish.” 

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, ready to hand out medals (Image: Newsquest)

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, was on hand to give out the medals to competitors. 

He said: “I think it is fantastic, I have seen so many people this morning, male and female, it is absolutely great. 

“I hope it will be an annual event.” 

He also had his own personal connection, with his son, Matthew Chadwick, taking part in the 10k.