Runners face uphill struggle as marathon makes return
BOLTON Marathon is being resurrected after 32 years and organisers have revealed their ambitious plans.
The race is due to return to the borough for the first time since 1987 next year on Sunday, May 17.
It will see runners take on a one-lap circuit around the borough. The course will also include a gruelling 2.1mile uphill stretch of Plodder Lane in Farnworth, which was a notorious part of the original marathon.
Runners will start and finish in Queens Park and run in a clockwise loop around the town, taking in areas such as Smithills, Sharples, Bromley Cross, Harwood, Darcy Lever, Little Lever and Farnworth.
Race director Richard Smith has billed the race ‘a true test of running ability.’ He added: “We’re really proud of the route. We think it’s all encompassing and involves many different communities across Bolton so that as many local people as possible can get involved in it however they like.
“Everyone who watched or took part in it in the 1980s remembers what a challenge the Plodder Lane section was and we wanted to make sure that was included in the new route.”
Meanwhile, there will also be a 10km race and a family fun run, with the action based around an athlete’s village in Queens Park.
A keen runner himself, Mr Smith says he hopes the event will eventually become as big as its Manchester and London counterparts. He added: “We will have a limit of 4,000 runners. We are aiming for this to be the best organised road marathon in the UK - we want to make the experience superb for everyone.”
Bolton Marathon was first held in 1981 and attracted thousands of runners. It continued for another six years before being cancelled due to dwindling numbers.
To get involved as a volunteer, runner or sponsor, sign up at www.boltonmarathon.com.