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Northern Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 

A large number of Bolton United Harriers made the trip to Sheffield last weekend to compete at the North of England athletics championships.

Hannah Kelly, who competed for Great Britain at last year’s European Indoor Championships had a point to prove. After an injury hit outdoor season, the clubs premier 400m runner is targeting this years World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March where she once again hopes to pull on a GB vest.

It’s always nerve wracking for athletes competing at the first big championships of the year, but Hannah didn’t disappoint. After dominating her semi-final, she lead the final from gun to tape winning in a time of 53.14, which is a new championship best performance eclipsing the previous best by nearly half a second.

Further Bolton glory came in the form of Jonny Kay who won Gold and Silver over the 800m and 1500m, respectively.

He began with a silver medal in the 1500m on Saturday, however, it was in his lesser experienced event on Sunday that he really shone. Kay was fired up by the previous days heartbreak and used it as fuel to win both his heat and indeed the final in 1:54.29. He closed the last 200m in just 26 seconds with the winning margin a dramatic 0.01 seconds, to become the northern 800m champion, his first regional title over this distance.

Coached by Dave Shaw, Jonny is really looking to focus on the outdoor season this year, and towards retaining his northern 1500m title outdoors, nationals and ultimately, the British Championships.

Bolton’s 3rd gold medal of the weekend came from U17; Cherie Ufuoma, last years English Schools 4th place ran strongly in every round of her 60m and won the final convincingly in a time of 7.70 seconds. She will now go into the EA National Championships full of confidence that she can win a medal.

Senior sprinter, Ben To is pushing hard to gain entry into this years British Championships. He managed to record personal bests in the heat, semi final and final of the senior 60m but was agonisingly just 0.04 of a second outside the qualifying time with 6.89 seconds his best of the day. He has two more races before entry deadline but will continue to work hard to achieve his goal.

Will Tomlinson, a training partner of Kay, who had an eye-catching end to 2023, taking over 90 seconds off his 10k PB at Wilmslow in November to clock 33:00 began his 2024 campaign in similarly impressive fashion. Making his debut over 3000m, and making his first appearance at a major championship, he handled the pressure superbly to clock 9:07 finishing a highly commendable 5th place. Will shall now focus his attention on the Trafford 10k in March.

Isobel Hall, making her 800m championship debut didn’t disappoint. She ran a perfect race in the semi final to smash her PB by 5 seconds and then came a fantastic 5th in the final.

Elsewhere, Mark Lintott and Freya Cash made their respective semi finals in the U20 men’s 200m and the U17 women’s 300m. Mercy Okunade also ran a PB in the U17 Men’s 60m of 7.55 seconds and made the semi-final. Well done to all Bolton athletes who competed.

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2022 Latest News Race Reports

Stunning ‘Sub 3’ in London takes Heather to Berlin

On Sunday 2 October, Bolton Harrier Heather Tomlinson, finished a stunning 69th out of 16,860 female runners at the TCS London Marathon. Her 2 hour 55 minute finishing time was more than enough to qualify her for the 2023 Berlin Marathon too – one of the world’s most prestigious Marathons and indeed where Eliud Kipchoge ran his world record just days before. 

Whilst Heather is soaking up (and recovering from) the result of last weekend’s performance, she understands this is still early days in her Marathon running journey. She only began running with Bolton Harriers 15 months ago and, under the watchful eye of Coach Dave Shaw the unassuming Solicitor is blossoming into a fierce competitor – there is no telling where her upward trajectory could take her. 

Heather never competed in sport at school but since completing Manchester Marathon 12 months ago, has never looked back. Her training plan for London was a gruelling 19 week process, running up to 60 miles per week and never missing a session – Heather had special thanks for her Coach commenting, “Dave has continued to support and believe in me”. Even the trip down to London was meticulously planned as she headed down on the Friday to avoid train strikes. Supported by her Husband Will, parents Jane and Tony and Coach Dave – Heather had the perfect support crew. They ensured Heather was relaxed, hydrated and ready to go by the time she toed the line come Sunday morning. Heather commented “Big love to my support team who made sure I didn’t have to worry about a thing and I could focus solely on the race. Seeing their faces on the side-lines of the course was a massive boost!”.

The race itself was electric, with Heather coming through the first 5k only a few seconds over 20 minutes! That did have Coach Dave Shaw a little worried at the time, but Heather’s reputation for pacing proved to be well founded as she came through the halfway point in 1 hour 27 minutes 29 seconds. Her support crew had seen her come through mile 18 looking tired, but by the time they saw her again at mile 25, Heather was in the zone and was not slowing down – it was almost time to celebrate! The crew excitedly made their way to the finish line knowing that Heather had cracked the renowned ‘sub 3’ barrier that she was so determined to break. As she emerged with her medal and a huge grin, the whole crew swamped her with hugs and kisses, and in true Heather style – a full photoshoot complete with an outfit change and lipstick was to follow.

Heather will now spend a week resting, recovering and basking in her glory! During that time you will find her in the pool doing some swimming but it won’t be long until you see her pounding the pavements of Bolton again or down at Leverhulme Sports Centre tearing up the track! Heather says “I am really hopeful that my running story will inspire some girls to join the club. I love Bolton Harriers like a family but we really need some more girls!” 

For now, Heather will be dreaming about Berlin Marathon and beyond. She is even planning on a high-altitude running camp next year as she looks to take it up to the next level. In the meantime, and on behalf of all her supporters who sent her ‘good luck’ messages and videos – well done Heather, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds and where your running journey may take you next!!

By Will Tomlinson

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2022 Race Reports

THE BOYS FROM THE BLACKLEACH

A fine day saw a six-strong team of Bolton Harrier men head into Blackleach Country Park to take on the 5 mile trail race.

Getting underway at 10 am following an impeccably observed minute’s silence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; the race was a two-lap test around the park, taking in the reservoir and an out and back along the Linnyshaw Loopline, before culminating in a challenging hill finish.

A terrific performance at the sharp end of the race, saw BUH claim four out of the top eight positions. Callum Brooks was once again first back for Bolton, after a neck and neck race throughout with Daniel Bird from Swinton Running Club, which saw Callum pipped on the line to finish in third, with a 5 mile PB time of 28.18.

Closely following Callum were Joe Grisdale (5th/30.17), Scott Sunderland (6th/30.32) and Jordan Brophy (8th/31.21). Joe said, “It was really enjoyable – perfect day for it, on a lovely, fast course!”

Rounding out the results for BUH were Dominic Sohor (26th/35.52) and Mark Garner (35th/37.39). This was Mark’s first time competing for BUH since he and his wife welcomed their baby boy to the world and he said, “My first race since my new son, Maverick arrived, so I was running this with him in mind. Started with a fast first mile, which I paid for in the latter stages. Suffered with the heat as it was very hot. Finished strongly with the incline at the end.”

Next up in the CLGP is the re-arranged Radcliffe 5K where a good turnout from Bolton Harriers will help keep our league position looking strong.

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Debbie Hales Funeral Arrangements

We can now confirm the date for my Mums funeral will be on Friday the 23rd of September.

(12.00pm) Mum will leave the family home of over 45 years and will head down to Leverhulme Park BL2 6EB 

(12.15pm) Once at the park there will be a lap of honour around the running track in honour of the many years Mum was associated with Bolton United Harriers you are welcome to join us to walk behind mum as we take her one last time around the track.

(13.00pm) There will be a service to celebrate Mums life at Christ Church Harwood BL2 4HZ Mums request is to wear bright colours, brighter the better, there will then be a private burial where she will be laid to rest with my Dad.

(2.30pm) After the service and burial we will all then head to the restaurant Baci Harwood BL2 4JB for food, drinks and remembering Mum.

We would like to thank everyone for their love and support over these past few weeks.

My Mum has requested no flowers please and instead has asked for any donations to be through the Just Giving page below, 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-hales

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2022 Race Reports

FLASH HARRIERS

The Pennington Flash 5 Mile Trail Race on the 28th of August saw a six-strong BUH team take their place on the start line in beautiful sunny conditions. Starting with a lap of the track, and then heading onto the trails before a sprint back onto the track for the finish, the Bolton Harriers all performed solidly.

First blue vest home was the irrepressible Calum Brooks, who took on board coach Dave Shaw’s advice of “Don’t set off like a *******.” He finished third overall in a time of 29.27, after not allowing his bumps and bruises from his recent disagreement with a stone wall at the Horwich Race get the better of him. Calum explained that he really enjoyed this race and deemed it his favourite so far on his first CLGP. His experiment with pinning his race number underneath his armpit seemed to go well, so be on the look out for further innovations from Calum at future races.

The first BUH lady to cross the finish line was Heather Tomlinson, who continued her terrific CLGP form; finishing once again as first lady overall. Ending up in 8th place with a time of 31.40, Heather didn’t hang around to celebrate, and headed straight off after the race for some more marathon training.

Finishing just ahead of Heather was Scott Sunderland, in a time of 31.31. Having raced at the Mid-Cheshire 5k on Friday night, followed by a late night at the airport on Saturday and also eating a McDonald’s breakfast before the race, you might think that “Fast Scott” would be forced to slow down. However, he defied the odds and produced another fantastic performance. Scott said, ” It was my first time around Pennington Flash and I really enjoyed it. It was a great race on a lovely day, I’m looking forward to racing in the rest of the CLGP races coming up.”

Second lady home for the Harriers was Oriel Hardman who had set a goal of a 40 minute finish before the race, so her time of 34.23 (4th lady/20th overall) saw her easily crush her target and Oriel advised that she “surprised myself.”

Completing the results for BUH were Rachel Bailey (6th lady/33rd – 35.56) and Dominic Sohor (34th – 35.59) who finished without having been tempted to switch sports after an unexpected detour across the golf course towards the end of the race. Dominic said, “A wonderful morning in fantastic conditions. Thanks to Leigh Harriers for organising a cracking event. I’m already looking forward to next year!”

Next comes the busy month of September, with 3 CLGP races and it remains to be seen if BUH can build on their great start to the campaign and finish strongly.

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HOW DO YOU CATCH A FLYING STAR

 

On Monday morning Debbie Hales a dearly beloved friend of Bolton United Harrier passed away.   Those privileged to have known Debbie will never forget her bubbly smile, her fun, the twinkle in her eye and boundless energy.  She embodied the spirit of community feeling at the club where friends in need were never alone. The Hales’ clan would descend to help in the event of a flood or just to lay a new laminate floor, nothing was too much.  She could always be relied upon at club events and officiated at athletics events including the commonwealth games in Manchester where she was nearly crushed by Jonathon Edwards while on raking duties.

  With her beloved husband Ian, the dynamic duo were monumental in the development of hundreds if not thousands  of young athletes lives’ in the club. Their energies were not confined to the track but to disciplines including cross country, road and the fells.  Every club event from serving vimto in the club-house at the end of a cold nights training to organising trips to Paderborn or Lille were spearheaded by this wonderful couple. The cross-country course at Bolton through the river under the bridge will never be forgotten by participants.  Those hundreds of young athletes who boarded the red double decker bus driven by Ian to the Blackpool Illuminations meeting and other athletics tracks around the north have the couple to thank.   With their support outstanding Bolton Harriers athletes like Stuart Stokes and Brian Hall raised to national level.

Their children Michael, Jason, Martin, Joanne and Matthew were key members of the club’s teams.  They completed in a full range of events from pole-vault and Hammer throwing to the roads and fells.  Jason was honoured in gaining a junior vest for England on the fells together with club mates Stuart Stokes and Chris Caldwell.

 Debbie’s life took an horrendous turn on Good Friday 2003 when a tragic accident resulted in Ian’s death and life threatening injuries to Debbie. The work of the lifeboat crew in strenuously attempting to save their lives resulted in her boundless energies being diverted to supporting the Blackpool lifeboat station. Undeterred by  heart surgery and endless tests and treatment for cancer she fought on to fund raise many thousands of pounds to support the group. In her honour the flag at the lifeboat station was lowered to half mast.

Debbie , you have a special place in our hearts and all those past and present in Bolton Harriers that you have touched with your love and devotion.  God Bless.

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NATIONAL SUCCESS FOR HANNAH

Three of Bolton’s talented young athletes travelled to Bedford to compete in the 2022 England Athletics National U20/U23 championships.

U23 athletes Hannah Kelly and Olivia Kimbowa competed in the 400m. Hannah won this event last year and as defending champion had a lot to live up to. Despite a slight injury to her hamstring suffered 10 days earlier She was still extremely confident of competing well. She breezed through her heat to make the final as the fastest qualifier.

Medical student Olivia who was busy studying for an exam between races was drawn in the same heat as Hannah. She ran a valiant race finishing 5th just outside her outdoors seasons best.

Last up was Rebecca Weekes also competing in a one lap race but with the added problem of 10 hurdles to negotiate. 400m hurdles is an incredibly technical event and Rebecca didn’t hit the first hurdle as she wanted to and it threw her off her rhythm. However she battled right to the end of the race and came a creditable 6th in her first U20 championship.

The Sunday dawned even hotter than the previous day so rehydration and conserving energy was the order of the day. Hannah lined up in the final in lane 4 with her main rival, Natasha Harrison, one lane outside her. Hannah used all of her 200m speed to power through the first half of the race to be leading going into the second bend. She continued her momentum and was comfortably ahead coming into the straight. The win was never in doubt and it was a very proud moment for Hannah to retain her title and be crowned EA U23 national champion for the second year in a row.

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CHERIE BLOSSOMS

This years English Schools national championships took place at a sunny Sportcity in Manchester 9-11TH July. This event is the pinnacle of any young athletes competition calendar and is the largest junior athletics championships in the world. To be selected for your county is difficult enough but then to compete against the best athletes in your age group is a massive challenge.

Cherie Ufuoma was Bolton Harriers sole competitor this year where she was selected for the Junior girls 100m. The Year 9 Sharples School pupil qualified after winning the Greater Manchester county schools championships and with a top 15 UK ranking had high hopes of performing well.

She was drawn in the unfavoured lane 1 in her heat but despite this Cherie had no issues progressing through to the semi final easily winning her race in 12.58 seconds. Later in the day she was drawn in lane 5 in the second semi final with the UK’s 2nd ranked athlete to her left. She ran a very assured race to finish second and book her place in the final the following day.

Cherie knew preparation was everything so took on lots of fuel that night, had an ice bath to help her legs recover and an early night. More sunshine followed on the Saturday and Cherie duly lined up in the final with family, friends, her coach and her PE teachers cheering her on.

Nerves were jangling in the final and the athlete at the side of her twitched when in the set position and Cherie uncharacteristically made a false start. There were a few nervous moments hoping she wasn’t disqualified but the officials deemed it a faulty start and so she lived to fight another day. When the gun went a second time Cherie hesitated and didn’t get her usual blistering start. Despite running her hardest she finished an agonising 4th to just miss out on a medal.

It wasn’t all disappointment though, Cherie ran 12.48 seconds in the final which was not only a PB but also broke the Bolton Harriers club record. Cherie and her coach Les Hall are incredibly grateful to the PE staff at Sharples school who went above and beyond to enable her to compete in the qualifying event.

Next up are the Northern championships where Cherie hopes to bring home a medal.

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KELLY’S EYE ON UK RANKINGS

The British Championships were held at a windy and cold Sportcity last weekend. The Championships also double up as the qualifying event for selection to the World Athletics Championship to be held in Oregon, USA late July.

Bolton Harrier Hannah Kelly was lining up against the elite female athletes in the country over 400m with less thought about selection for the World Championships but more about cementing her place towards the top of the UK rankings.

Conditions were tough and the wind in the home straight was gusting up to + 5.5m/s which meant the 400m runners had a big headwind on the back straight. It was unlikely that athletes would run PB’s in those conditions so placing was all important. Hannah ran a very controlled race, hit her split times at 200m and 300m and finished her heat in 3rd place.

Qualifying for the final was the winner of each of the 4 heats plus the 4 fastest losers and after heat 3 Hannah was lying in 4th fastest loser spot. Unfortunately a place in the final wasn’t to be as Hannah finished 9th quickest of the athletes and missed out on a final spot by 0.25 seconds.

Although initially disappointed Hannah realises that to finish 9th in these championships is a huge achievement against older and more experienced runners. Hannah next competes at the England Athletics U23 championships where she is defending champion.

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SUPER SUNDAY

 membership at Bolton Harriers with regular attendance to training sessions can equip anyone with a good  core fitness to then attempt all manner of events.

That was proven on Sunday 12th June when Endurance Group members travelled up and down the country .

The ‘Pot Noodle Club’ in the form of Lee Petch. Scott Bracey and Mark Garner took to the fells again in the Knowl Hill Fell Race. Our intrepid guys conquered six miles and 1300 feet of ascent.

After 2 years of postponement Mary Cheung finally got to run the Edgworth 10K. A well organised race with plenty of supporters and marshalls round the beautiful Enwistle and Wayoh reservoirs was Mary’s description. She said “I had almost forgotten how tough the route was made even tougher by an uphill finish. Great to have finally got that race done” !

Rachel Bailey decided that one race wasn’t enough and travelled to The Wirral for the Port Sunlight 5k/10k and took to the starting line in both races.  In warm but windy conditions Rachel completed the 1 lap of the village 5k in 20 mins 29 secs for 4th Female and managed a top 10 Female spot in the 2 lap 10k in a time of 40 mins 20 secs.

Then the tri-athletes chipped in. Kirsty Taylor and Chris Byrne successfully completed the AJ Bell World Series Leeds Standard Tri. Chris described the swim as pleasant apart from the ‘washing machine’ start, bike ride lumpy but no huge climbs and the run having 3 brutal climbs. He completed in a time of 2 hours 46 mins. Kirsty was not far behind in a time of 2 hours 57 mins. She was delighted and said “This was my best time so far and was only aiming for 3:15. Really pleased with the sub 3 hours and with a lot of pros taking part I found it a really exciting and enjoyable event”.

Not to be outdone Endurance Group Leader Aidie Costello navigated the Royal Windsor Tri. Described as a prestigious triathlon in a picturesque location with the backdrop of Windsor Castle and a great event village atmosphere. Aidie successfully completed a swim in the River Thames, a bike route through the streets of Windsor and surrounding countryside and a run through Windsor Great Park.

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BROOKS ON ADRENALINE

Wednesday 8th June saw the latest round of the CLGP in the form of the Haigh Hall 4 Miler with a lower turnout than usual from Bolton United Harriers.

Eight Blue Vests made it to the start line in good conditions for an evening dash.

Callum Brooks made a blistering start on the tail of the eventual winner but settled for 4th place at the finish in an excellent time of 22 mins 25 secs. He said later “the race went well and was more hilly than I had envisaged never having raced there. Like other competitors I started a little too fast but then managed to settle into a rhythm after the first mile. I am still learning in these races and I will definitely take some pointers from this one. I will be back working hard in training next week to be ready for the next series race – the Horwich 5 Miler. I am really looking forward to that one”.

The ever improving Scott Sunderland was second Harrier back in another excellent time of 25 mins 13 secs. This young man very rarely misses training and is reaping the rewards with his race results this year.

Heather Tomlinson (nee Brown) is back in business after her wedding and honeymoon in America. Heather and husband Will went on several trail runs on their honeymoon and she showed she is still in great shape with a gender 2nd finish in a time of 25 mins 20 secs. She said “Haigh Hall was my first race as newly wed Mrs Tomlinson. Felt good to be back racing again after a few weeks off with my wedding and holidays. It was a tough course and pleased with a 2nd place finish. The race was part of my London Marathon training plan which is the next big race on my agenda, as well as the CLGP races”.

Gary Porteous has his sights on a series age category medal. He is another in great shape this year and a regular training attendee. He came back with another top 5 age category finish.

Still fighting his way back to his best after setbacks galore Dave Chrystal as 5th harrier back in a time of 27 mins 49 secs. Fingers crossed this well respected Harriers committee member can get back to full fitness.

Two young Harriers, who often go on training runs together, were next home in the form of Rachel Bailey and Thomas Gore, 28 mins 8 secs and 28 mins 13 secs respectively.

Most weeks involve a race of some description for Mark Garner and this week was no exception with a Haigh Hall time of 30mins 13 secs.

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2022 Race Reports

HARRIERS BACK ON THE FELLS

Sunday 5th June saw bog and rock hopping duo Lee Petch and Mark Garner turn their attention to the Edenfield Fell Race.

This 6.4 mile and 477 metre of ascent race starts with a long climb up to Cowpe Lowe, then a downhill section to the Pennine Bridleway and up again past Waugh’s Well. After the Well runners ascend yet again, to Whittle Pike cross. From there a tussocky descent takes competitors through a boggy section before a final calf-burning scramble, swiftly followed by a mile and a half steep downhill plummet to the finish on Edenfield Cricket Club pitch.

Both ‘Pot Noodle Club’ members were glad to see some flat ground at the cricket club with Mark clocking 1 hour 10 mins and Lee 1 hour 14 min

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HARRIERS HOST THE YDL

Saturday May 21st saw the YDL Round 2 at Levehulme Athletics Track hosted by Bolton United Harriers.

The club would like to thank all our officials, team managers, coaches, parents and of course the following athletes for their efforts: Summer Eden, Jennifer Ekiugbo, Alice Yoxall, Isobel Oxley, Mia Makin, Jessica Swales, Scarlett Thompson, Alfie Dodds, George Worcester, Finley Gibson, Ralphie Shore, Nathaniel Knowles, Marcus Valentine, Jamie Greenhalgh, Joshua Grundy, Benjamin Davies, Jack Hughes, Oliver Hilton, Harry Brown, Alex Preston, Max Preston, Jacob Kelly, Curtis Hornsey, Allyssia May, Matilda Hall, Ellie Deavall, Iris Beca, Princess Iwelu, Chloe Medard, Mollie Wood, Eva Blaney, Cerys Jones, Emilay Wood and Eloisa Dodds.

Many great performances on the day with the team finishing in 2nd spot and the results are attached.

Team manager Daran Makin had this to say “thanks to the athletes, thanks to the officials and thanks to every single person who helped out today. In my mind the event ran like clockwork and that only happens when you have a great team. I didn’t hear a single negative word from anyone today and Bolton were complimented quite a few times within my earshot. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

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MARK ON THE EDGE

Wednesday evening  May 18th saw the Blackstone Edge Fell Race in the South-West Pennines. Part of the FRA 50@50 Series, Blackstone Edge is a category AS Fell Race, covering 5.6k with 366m climb.

One intrepid Blue Vest took to the start line in the form of Mark Garner. Not fazed by any type of race Mark is a regular attendee at all manner of events. He said “Blackstone Edge is only a short fell race but the incline to the top is 20 percent. Most of time you are  pushing off your legs to maintain a steady pace to reach the top. The ground was boggy in parts and I had a few falls. The beauty of fell running ! I managed to pass a fair few on the downhill section and came in at 49mins in 130th place. I know I still have some improvement in me and aim to show it on the next one.”

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GREAT SCOTT !

Sunday May 22nd saw the Greater Manchester Half Marathon and 10k with 2 Blue Vests participating in the form of Scott Sunderland and Linzi Jones.

Scott has been a regular attendee and ‘flying’ in training recently. He has also  been putting in lots of long distance runs in his own time around Farnworth and Bolton. The young Land Rover Design Engineer is shrinking PB’s faster than his waistline, and is running better than the cars he helps to produce ! He absolutely obliterated his best ever Half Marathon by 23 minutes with a new PB of 1 hour 30 minutes. He was aiming for a sub 1:40.

A delighted Scott said “after the recent Manchester Marathon I was looking for another big race to participate in. The Greater Manchester Run is one I’ve wanted to do for a while and I really enjoyed the experience. I started slowly but I soon hit my stride and felt comfortable throughout. I upped my pace in the last 5k and had enough left for a sprint finish. Loved it !”

Linzi is a volunteer and coach at Bolton Harriers helping run the Falcons kids group along with her dad Gwylim Jones.  This also involves giving up time at the weekends attending athletics events. She is a busy mum with 2 daughters and works as a swimming teacher. Basically she is Bolton Harriers answer to Superwoman ! She has recently joined the Endurance Group to help with her own running.  She has made a solid start with just under 55 mins in the 10 k and said after the event “it was my first 10k in 13 years. I didn’t expect to get a good time. It was a great experience and I enjoyed the atmosphere with a big crowd cheering all the runners on.”

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HANNAH BACK ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Hannah ran at the Loughborough International on Sunday. She competed for the National Athletics League in the 400m coming third in 54.1secs. She then changed teams and ran for England in the first leg of the 4×400. England lead from gun to tape and ended up winning by 40m. Teams were England, Scotland, Wales, GB U20’s, Loughborough University  and the National Athletics League.

Everyone at Bolton Harriers sends their congratulations to Hannah.

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2022 Race Reports

THE PIES THE LIMIT

Three adventurous Bolton Harriers journeyed to the Wigan Trail 10k held at Amberswood Nature Reserve on the morning of the 15th of May.

All debutants at this race; this intrepid trio were tempted across the border by the prospect of a flat scenic course, and also rumours of free pie and peas in the clubhouse afterwards. Clearly, while this is not generally part of an athlete’s strict training diet, they agreed to force it down so as not to appear rude.

The race got underway at 10.30 in the sunshine with the runners heading away from the sports club and into the depths of the woodland trails before emerging to head twice round the lake and then back for a finish on the grass next to the rugby pitch.

First back for BUH was Gary Porteous, who continued his excellent form, finishing in 23rd position in a time of 43 minutes flat. Gary said “this was a really enjoyable and well-organised race. The mixed terrain made it tough at times but I was pleased with my effort on the day which was a PB for a trail 10k”. Another PB for Gary, who has put his injury problems behind him and is putting in performances as dazzling as his luminous running shoes.

Second home for the Harriers was Dominic Sohor with a time of 44.02 in 38th position. Dominic described the event as “a cracking race in a lovely location. I will definitely be back next year as long as I can come up with another excuse for not being able to keep up with Gary”.

Completing the results for Bolton was Nigel Brodrick who put in a muscular performance crossing the line bang on 45 minutes (44th position). Nigel has really stepped things up of late, now that he has remembered how to get to Leverhulme Park for training and is producing some fine performances in races. Nigel described the post-race sustenance as “definitely worth running 6 miles for”.

All three agreed that they are hoping to be back at this race next year, no doubt accompanied by a few more hungry Bolton Harriers.

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2022 Race Reports

RACHEL BAGS THE GOODIES ON THE QT

The New Balance Hierro Trail Race  was held at Hurst Green in Blackburn on Saturday 7th May. A single lap traffic free race from the golf course through Sandrock and Greengore.

Rachel Bailey had obviously been doing her research and what was not to like about a free race to enter with loads of goodies on offer. Obviously half of Bolton Harriers would have been there if they knew so best to keep this one quiet !

She duly romped home to 2nd placed female in a time of 33 mins 33 secs and glad she didn’t have a car full with her so enough space for all the goodies.

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2022 Race Reports

SUNDERLAND POINTS TO A PB

Sunday 8th May saw the Chorley 10k. Endurance Group members Scott Sunderland and Mark Garner made their way to the two lap course, starting and finishing in Market Street and taking in Astley Park and the historic Astley Hall along the way.

The new slimline Sunderland stormed home to a 40 mins 54 secs PB and a top 40 finish. He said after the event “it was a great morning out on a hilly course. The first section was downhill and I managed to keep my pace and not get drawn into matching the fast starters. I managed then to pick my way through them by the end of the first lap. The second lap I became quite isolated and struggled on the hills. The excellent training I have received since joining the Harriers helped me through. It was worth it though with a Pb in the bag and a free Chorley Cake !

Mark made it home in a very respectable 47 mins 37 secs to finish 13th in his age category. A great effort from this busy athlete who is a regular attendee and who has been working  so hard in training.

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KIDS KICK OFF YDL IN STYLE

Sunday May 8th saw the first round of UK Athletics Youth Development League and a super team win for Bolton United Harriers.

Coach Les Hall said “we had many great achievements on the day but the highlight had to be the U 13 Girls equalling the club record in the 4 x 100m relay. I would like to congratulate Princess Iwelu, Chloe Medard, Tilly Hall and Allyssia May on a fantastic effort and winning their race by over 4 seconds”.

Harriers really excelled in the relays. Nathaniel Knowles, Ike Iwelu, Finley Gibson and Marcus Valentine were runners up in the U 15 Boys 4 x 300m in a time of 3 mins 4 secs. Isobel Oxley, Alice Yoxall, Mia Makin and Jennifer Ekiugbo won the U15 Girls 4 x 300m in a time of 3 mins 3 secs. Joshua Grundy, Benjamin Davies, Christopher Frank and Alex Preston won the U 13 Boys 4 x 100m in a time of 58.4 secs.

The club also  had many individual successes. George Worcester won the U 15 Boys B 100m in 14.7 secs. Ike Iwelu won the U 15 Boys B 200m in 27.2 secs. Jamie Greenhalgh won the U15 Boys A Discus emphatically with a throw of 25.59m and the Hammer B with 17.26m. Alfie Dodds had thrown the Hammer 23.14m in the A group for runners up spot. Cherie Ufuoma won the U 15 Girls A 100m in 12.8 and was runner up in the Girls High Jump A with 1.45m. To cap off an all action day Cherie threw the discus 18.85m in the Girls A event. Summer Eden won the U15 Girls Discus B with a throw of 15.07m.

Bolton Harriers would like to thank the Coaches in attendance Gwylim Jones, Les Hall and Ian Jakeway, Team Managers Daran Makin and John May, and the following athletes for their efforts: Alfie Dodds, George Worcester, Finley Gibson, Ike Iwelu, Nathaniel Knowles, Brajan Kaczmarowski, Marcus Valentine, Jamie Greenhalgh, Cherie Ufuoma, Jennifer Ekiugbo, Alice Yoxall, Mia Makin, Isobel Oxley, Jessica Swales, Scarlett Thompson, Summer Eden, Isobel Hall, Joshua Grundy, Benjamin Davies, Christopher Frank, Harry Brown, Alex Preston, Max Preston, Allyssia May, Ellie Deavall, Matilda Hall,  Iris Beca, Princess Iwelu, Cerys Jones, Mollie Wood, Eve Blaney, Eloisa Dodds and Chloe Medard.