Ian Bowles made a welcome return to form ahead of the Bolton Harriers home league match on Sunday at Levehulme Park. The 23 year-old steeplechase specialist contested the Lytham 5k road race last Sunday and finished in a creditable time of 16:03 for fifth place. The inaugural staging of this race attracted a strong field, with Great Britain Marathon runner Thomas Abyu winning in 14:54 on a day when times were not fast. Bowles held back from the ferocious early pace set by Abyu and local runner Jon Prowse of Blackpool, and came through strongly to overhaul a number of fast-starting rivals, including clubmate Anthony Valentine, who placed 6th in 16:18.
Bowles has been working on the endurance to go with his natural speed, 'I always finish quickly but sometimes lack staying-power' said the former Northern Junior Steeplechase Champion.
He will now contest the 1500m and his specialist event the 3000m Steepelchase as Harriers chase a hat-trick of wins in the Northern Leauge on Sunday. With only one more fixture after Sunday, victory would guarantee the club's participation in the Promotion match in September.
Other action in the last week included a fine win for Carl Hardman in a 3000m race at Stretford on Tuesday night. His time of 8:24 was a big personal best and he will start as firm favourite for the 5000m on Sunday. Mark Swannell continued his good form to finish 6th in the Preston 10k in 35:15.

The action at Leverhulme Park begins at 1pm on Sunday and concludes with the relays just after 5pm.

By Andy Parker