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 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
Lostock 6 2026 Race Information:
Run Events Race Licence Number: #30443
Date: 22 February 2026
Time: 10am
Entries are currently open but close on 18 February 2026 at 11:45 – https://www.madbullevents.com/events-1/lostock-6-road-race-2026
There are no entries on the day.
The registration will open from 8.30am at the Lostock gazebo, Lostock Lane, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4BL.
Please collect your number and timing chip. Please ensure that your timing chip is attached to your trainers. It will be removed by Trail Blazing Events following the race.
Parking
Parking is free and has kindly been permitted by Scan and Heritage Trade Frames on Cranfield Road, Lostock Industrial estate. Please follow instructions by marshals. Please do not park on the local housing estates and car share if possible.
Toilets:
Toilets will be situated in the car park on the corner of Lostock Lane – race registration.
Bag Drop:
Please be aware we do not have a bag drop.
Warm up and race briefing
The race briefing and warm-up will be at the junction of Lynstock Way, at 9.40am. Please ensure that you attend. We will all walk to the start line of the race together.
Race rules:
Please be aware this is a left turn course, fully marshalled but it is not traffic free. Please follow the Highway Code and instructions provided by marshals. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.
Please note that only bone conducting headphones will be permitted. As this is not a closed road race it is important that you can hear instructions.
A map of the route can be found below.
Social Media and photos
Please also note that we will be taking photographs at the event and they will be available after event on the Lostock 6 Facebook page. Please note that photos will be used on the Lostock AC’s website and social media.
Thank you to the fantastic Henry Lisowski for taking photos.
Please don’t forget to tag us in your post #Lostock6 #6milesofsmiles
Water:
There will be water available for all runners at the end of the race. we do not have water on the course so please ensure you carry water if this is required.
Refreshments:
The Pendle Grill will be available before and after the race. They will be providing coffees and breakfasts. Card payment is available.
Goodies:
There will be a pair of running socks for all finishers that will be distributed at the end of the race. They have kindly been sponsored by Kohort Recruitment (Homepage – Kohort).
Athletic Brewing Company have also provided us with samples of their non-alcoholic lager, pale ale and IPA. Please follow them on social media @athleticbrewing and share your photos.
Prizes:
The prize giving will take place at 11.10 at race registration. The prizes have kindly been sponsored by Hispec (@Hispec.electrical).
There are prizes for the first 3 male and female finishers, plus first under 20 male and female. There are category prizes for 1st vet 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80+ male and 1st vet 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80+ female.
There is also a male and female team prize 3 to count decided on overall time.
In addition there is a £150 prize for breaking the male or female course record, sponsored by Thrive Sports Massage (@thrive_sports_massage)
which currently stand at-
Harry Wakefield 29:04
Sophie Wood, Sale Harriers. 33:17
For more information, photographs and updates, please follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lostock6.
We look forward to cheering you around the course
