Lostock 6 2026 Race report:
The Lostock 6 returned for its 43rd year on Sunday 22 February 2026. The race was another sell out and from 8.30am runners started to gather on the car park on the corner of Lockstock Lane. In a change from previous years, the weather was perfect for racing. It was a glorious 9° and the sun was shining down on us.
photo by Henry Lisowski
This was Rachel Stevens, our new Race Director’s first time in charge and following weeks of preparation with her team consisting of Gareth Pratt, Jo McManus, Paul Lacey and Mark Smith, the day was set to be the best Lostock 6 yet!
The race is a favourite of run clubs as is a fast race on pavements around Lostock and Westhoughton. The toughest part of the run is the climb along Regents Road, but participants are rewarded with a fast run along Chorley New Road to the finish on Hall Lane. It was also the first race in this year’s Central Lancs Grand Prix.
The atmosphere was hotting up and runners got ready to race with a warm-up from ‘Mel the Motivator’ it was then a short walk to the start.
The race was started by Lostock AC life President, John Smith and to the sound of an air horn, 429 runners took to the streets of Bolton. Photo by Henry Lisowski.
As they crossed the finish line, runners were rewarded with a pair of running socks sponsored by Kohort Recruitment. We are excited to see everyone wearing these on their next run and would ask us to tag you in your social media posts (@lostock_6_). Runners also receive a can of non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewery and could sample Elemental Bars fantastic running energy bars.
The first male runner to cross the finish line Matt Crichton of Swinton Running Club who finished in an epic time of 30:09. In second place was Chris Benjamin of Leigh Harriers in 33:02 (1 minute faster than his result in 2025) and third runner was Tommy Harrison of Bolton Harriers in 33:15.
The first female was Laura Hesketh of Clayton Le Moors Harriers in a fantastic 34:01, missing out on the course record by just 40 seconds. This years course record was sponsored by Thrive Sports Massage. Hesketh was followed by Grace McGarvey in 36:18 and Sarah Hudak of Trafford AC in 37:31.
The winners of the first male team were Horwich RMI Harriers and the champions of the first female team was Burnden Road Runners. This year’s prizes were kindly sponsored by Hispec Electrical.
The 4th female was our very own Janet Rhodes in an epic 42:17. Rhodes was shortly followed by Andy Kerks and Daniel Woods who both crossed the finish line in 44:00. Other results include Sam Smith 45:06, Chris Baker 47:09, Sean Penney 48:58, Brian Halton, 49:05, Jo McManus 49:12, Jenna Wood 53:48, George Iveson 56:33, Ian Burns 57:33, Emma Chadwick 58:50, Gill Baker 58:59, Dougie Ainsworth 59:01 and Gill Caldwell 1:05:32. The final Lostockers to cross the line were out Tail Runners Matt Carney and Rachel Hancock in 1:1:23.
Thank yous also go to Chorley Angels who provided first aid safety cover for the race, the team at Trail Blazing Events and Mad Bull Events for chip timing and results service, Scan and Heritage Frames for the use of their numerous car parks and The Pendle Grill for providing hot sandwiches and drinks.
Huge thank you to Henry Lisowski for all the fantastic photos.
Finally, thank you to all the runners whose enthusiasm and commitment make this race so special, your kind post-race messages make it all worthwhile for all of us who volunteer to help ensure you cross the finish line.
See you all on the start line next year, Sunday 28 February 2027 for another 6miles of smiles!
Results can be located here: https://www.trailblazingevents.co.uk/calendars/timed-events/results
Please follow our Facebook page for photographs of the race: https://www.facebook.com/lostock6
