Bolton half-marathon and 10k attracts a lot of support

People turned up in their dozens to cheer on runners taking part, of which there were 850.

The Bolton half-marathon and 10k made its debut in town today.

Today’s event winners both coming from the Bolton and East Lancashire area.

But all good sporting events need an adoring and enthusiastic crowd to spur them on, and the half-marathon and 10k was no exception.

Clio Parkinson came out to support her husband, Connor Butterworth, competing in the 10k. 

Clio Parkinson, supporting her husband Connor Butterworth (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “It is the first run event he has ever done, and his first ever 10k. 

“He is hoping for an hour, but we will see how it goes. It is good to see this here.” 

Clio said they came from Chorley for the race, but that they are originally from Westhoughton. 

She added: “He signed up to the Chorley 10k but thought he would do this one first as well.” 

To see the event as it happened, click this link for our live blog: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25896923.live-bolton-half-marathon-takes-place-town-today/

Nicola Harris came out to support her husband, John Harris, but also ran into a former student, Trinity Halliwell, who is competing, as well as some of the children she currently teaches, supporting their families in the race. 

Schoolteacher Nicola Harris, middle, with her pupils and daughter (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “It’s brilliant. I’m glad it is dry, it is ideal running weather and is well-supported by people. 

“Hopefully it will raise a lot of money for Bolton Hospice and any other charities people are running for.” 

Chris Neill, who is in training for the Manchester Marathon himself, was cheering from the sidelines for his girlfriend, Sarah Scales. 

He said: “She is running the 10k with her mate. We are both very much into our running.” 

Louisa and Craig Sedgwick (Image: Newsquest)

He added that, with both of them being from Bolton, the event is a good thing for the town, saying the turnout of 850 competitors is “great for a first event”. 

Louisa and Craig Sedgwick were out on Spa Road, cheering on their family and friend on the half marathon, having come down from Bromley Cross. 

Speaking about having the event on their doorstep, Louisa said: “It’s amazing, it is brilliant, they do Manchester, but it is a faff to get in and get parking, and you don’t see as much. 

“They definitely need to do it more.”