News Beat
Bolton Half Marathon to make its debut in March 2026
The inaugural XMiles Bolton Half Marathon and 10k will make its debut on Sunday 1 March 2026, promising a festival of fitness, community spirit and good old Bolton pride.
Starting and finishing in historic Queen’s Park, runners will set off on a route that celebrates the very best of the town, from the hustle of the town centre to the leafy park paths and everything in between.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said the event would be a huge boost for the town: “Events like the Bolton Half Marathon and 10k bring people together, whether they’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the side-lines.
“They inspire healthy lifestyles, boost local participation, and create a real sense of belonging.
“If the half-marathon proves successful – as we believe it will – it could pave the way for a full marathon in the future, bringing back a Bolton tradition that once put the town on the map.”
Along the way, participants will pass some of Bolton’s most iconic landmarks, including the 1866-built Town Hall and the stunning Le Mans Crescent, often dubbed the “Hollywood of the North” thanks to its star turns in Peaky Blinders, It’s a Sin, Fool Me Once, Top Gear, and even Coronation Street.
The Half Marathon will see runners tackle three laps of the course, while the 10k offers one and a half, just enough to take in all the sights without straying too far from the cheers of supporters at Event HQ.
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Both routes are fully UKA licensed and officially measured, with runners receiving electronic timing, feed stations, finish-line drinks, and a custom finisher’s medal to show off their efforts.
There’ll also be free event photos, perfect for capturing that finish-line smile.
Entry fees start from £30, and spots are expected to fill up fast.
Due to road closures, Half Marathon runners must reach Queen’s Park from Park Road by midday, around 10.75 miles into the route, to ensure roads reopen on time.
The event builds on the huge reputation Bolton has as a sporting town, not least hosting the Ironman events.
