A NEW running club is celebrating success after 150 people took part in the group's first ever race.

North Bolton Runners only became an affiliated club in January but drafted in Bolton Olympian Stuart Stokes, to help with a 10km race last weekend.

Many of the runners had worked their way through a ‘couch to 5km’ programme before putting their names forward to gather at the Crofters pub on Bradshaw Road for the inaugural Crofters 10K.

The Bolton News:

Olympic star Stokes, who competed in the 3,000 metre steeplechase at the 2012 London Games and at three Commonwealth Games before that, was the official race starter.

Club chairman Chris Reddy said: “It was a very proud moment to be able to put on this community event and make it such a success. The feedback has been amazing and we’re looking to establish this as a regular event in the running calendar for years to come.”

The Bolton News:

Matthew Smith won the men's race with a time of 37:35, with Rachel Bailey taking poll in the women's race with 47:17. To get involved with the club, visit: www.northboltonrunners.co.uk

Matthew Smith won the race in a time of 37:35, nearly a minute and a half ahead of second-placed Dan Morgan in 38:57 with Thomas Grundy third in 39:37.

Rachel Bailey and Amy Critchlow battled it out for top spot in the women’s race with a sprint finish, Bailey edging it in 48:17, four seconds ahead of Critchlow. North Bolton Runners’ Joanna Atherton was third in 50:22.