THREE adventurous Bolton Harriers journeyed to the Wigan Trail 10k held at Amberswood Nature Reserve last weekend and did themselves proud.

All debutants at this race, the 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 to organisers!

The race got under way at 10.30am 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 Harriers was Gary Porteous, who continued his excellent form, finishing in 23rd position in a time of 43mins flat.

He 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.”

It was another PB for Porteous, 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.

He said: “It was 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 45:00 for 44th position.

Brodrick has really stepped things up of late and is producing some fine performances in races.

He described the post-race sustenance as “definitely worth running six miles for” and he was unlikely to have been alone with those sentiments.