THE final race of the Bolton Primary Schools’ Cross Country Series was held at Moss Bank Park on October 13 with over 250 boys and 200 girls from across Bolton competing.

The series has run on consecutive Tuesdays since September 22 and has been supported by the new Bolton Sports Alliance with staff from Bolton School, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bolton United Harriers and Horwich Harriers pitching in to help run the events.

The event has been hailed a success with almost 2,000 young people have run over the series.

Anthony Turner, School Games Organiser for Thornleigh Salesian College and Brian Richardson, School Games Organiser for St Joseph’s RCHS have supported and programmed the events on behalf of Bolton with support from the key Bolton Sports’ Alliance Partners.

Turner said: “This series has been fantastic testimony to the dedication of Bolton schools, teachers and parents in giving children experience in what I believe is one of the largest and most successful series of sporting events for this age group anywhere.

"Particular thanks must go to Maryon O’Donnell from Bolton United Harriers in preparing the courses and making the races run smoothly.

"Clearly school sport in Bolton is on a good footing and it can only grow from here”.

The Primary Schools’ Cross Country will recommence on March 8, 2016 with the Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 Fun Run at Moss Bank Park and the Bolton Championships on March 15, 2016.

Ian Southern, head teacher of St Saviours School Ringley, said: “The Bolton Primary Cross Country League has grown over the last two years and is probably the biggest mass participation event in Bolton if not the region.

"The beauty of it is that children of all abilities can participate, compete and enjoy at whatever level they can".