Ironman weekend - still time for all ages to get involved in the sporting weekend

Yahoo

07-02-2025

More than 2,000 athletes are set to compete in Ironman 70.3 Bolton in June, with tickets sold out in record time.
But young and old can still be part of the sporting weekend through Night Run and Ironkids.
The gruelling event, which involves swimming, cycling, and running, has attracted participants from Spain, Poland, and Italy, will join the race, who will join with the majority competing on home soil.
Up to 87 per cent of the competitors are first-timers, with 70 per cent tackling their inaugural Ironman 70.3 race.
Ironman 70.3 in New Zealand 2024 (Image:)
The demanding course begins with a one-loop, 1.2-mile swim at Pennington Flash Country Park.
Athletes will navigate two left turns before heading back to exit the water, cheered on by the lively crowds on the lake's bank.
This is followed by a 56-mile bike ride, starting with two loops through Lowton, Abram, and Bickershaw, before heading north towards Bolton.
Ironman 70.3 in New Zealand 2024 (Image:) The second half of the course includes two loops of Horwich and Bolton, with significant spectator support expected along Chorley New Road.
The main climb of the day is an out-and-back section on Victoria Road and Old Kiln Road, with a total ascent of 840m.
The bike course concludes at Queens Park, after a second loop of central Bolton.
Ironman 70.3 in New Zealand (Image: Graeme Murray)
To finish the race, athletes will tackle a two-loop, 13.1-mile run around Bolton town centre, before ascending through Queen's Park onto Chorley New Road.
After descending back through Queen's Park, athletes will then return to the crowds and historic buildings of central Bolton, finishing in front of Bolton Town Hall.
Lewis Peacock, race director for Ironman 70.3 Bolton, said: "We are thrilled to have sold out general entries for Ironman 70.3 Bolton 2025 in record time, as over 2,000 athletes are set to take to the start line this year.
"It's a testament to not only the race, but the incredible host town of Bolton.
"We can't wait to go racing again."
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton council's executive cabinet member for culture, said: "Our Ironman 70.3 event is the jewel in the crown of a wonderful weekend of sport and activities that gets bigger and better every year.
"So, I'm delighted that the event has sold out but not surprised.
"I'm especially pleased to see that a higher proportion of women than ever before will be taking part, and I wish all the athletes good luck with their training.
"What sets Bolton's Ironman 70.3 apart is the fabulous support the athletes get along the way, and I know that Boltonians will be out in force to cheer them on."
The Ironman 70.3 Bolton race on Sunday June 8, is the highlight of a weekend of events starting on Friday June 6, including the Night Run Bolton UK and Ironkids Bolton.
READ MORE > Tears of joy as Ironman Night Run returns to Bolton for 2024
READ MORE > Ironkids race sees thousands of children dash through Boltonhttps://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24420100.ironkids-race-sees-thousands-children-dash-bolton/
Night Run Bolton UK allows athletes to take on either a 5km or 10km run through the town centre, culminating on the red carpet finish.
Both races can be entered at Both races are available to enter below: Night Run Bolton UK: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-bolton/night-run IRONKIDS Bolton: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-bolton/ironkids
Ironkids then welcomes thousands of children to experience that finish line feeling for themselves.
If you missed out on a place at Ironman 70.3 Bolton and still want to take part, you can enter with a Nirvana Enhanced Athlete Experience Package.
For more information, visit ironman.com/im703-bolton.