Iconic IRONMAN UK events back in Bolton this weekend

Iconic IRONMAN UK events back in Bolton this weekend

IRONKIDS takes place on Saturday September 25 and IRONMAN 70.3 takes place on Sunday September 26.

Bolton’s IRONKIDS is the largest in the global IRONKIDS series and will see 3,000 young athletes run through the streets of Bolton town centre and lap around Bolton Town Hall, before finishing under the iconic IRONMAN finish gantry.

Due to the pandemic, last year’s IRONKIDS was cancelled but any child registered for 2020 automatically has a place in this year’s race.

Children can enjoy entertainment around Victoria Square and the town centre on Saturday with fairground rides, a climbing wall, cave bus, football area, face painting and more, starting from 9am.

As the emphasis is on fun and participation, every child is a winner and all participants will receive an IRONKIDS shirt and finisher medal.

On Sunday, IRONMAN 70.3 covers half the distance of the full IRONMAM triathlon. The gruelling course sees athletes start with a 1.2-mile swim at Pennington Flash before taking on a 56-mile bike ride followed by a half marathon that ends in Bolton’s Victoria Square.

It’s the first time that Bolton has hosted IRONMAN events twice in the same year, following the Night Run and triathlon in July.

Centre Manager, Paula Wood said "It's fantastic to see Ironman returning to Bolton again and that IRONKIDS is back again, it will bring another boost to the town centre, we are as always looking forward to welcoming all the children, athletes and their families to the town centre and experiencing the fantastic atmosphere the events bring. 

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox said: “Following the success of IRONMAN in the summer, we’re delighted to host IROMMAN and IRONKIDS this month. 

“The two-day event promises to be a fantastic family weekend and always brings a special atmosphere to Bolton.

“I hope all the athletes and children racing have a great time.” 

IRONMAN Race Director, Rachel Jackson, said: “We are delighted to be back for this weekend of sport. To have the biggest IRONKIDS event here in the UK is an honour and always so much fun with kids getting a taste of what it feels like to become an IRONMAN!

“It’s a brilliant day out for families and showcases the positive impact triathlon has on a community.

“On Sunday, the only ever edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton takes place, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that athletes have an incredible race experience. We value the incredible support of local institutions and suppliers, as well as participants, sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible.”

Registration

Before race day, parents and carers should go to IRONKIDS registration to register their child and collect their race pack. Children who were registered for the 2020 event automatically have a place this year.

Registration is at Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1R on the following days:

Thursday September 23, 15:00 – 19:00, and Friday September 24, 09:00 – 19:00.

Parents and carers should have received the child’s start time via email. This email can be used as the confirmation email. Anyone who has not received this email by Wednesday September 22, should email bolton70.3@ironman.com

IRONMAN 70.3 registration is available online at Register - IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton

COVID-19

Everyone who wants to enjoy the event and show their support is being encouraged to take a COVID-19 lateral flow test before heading to the event. This will allow you to confirm that your result is negative and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. If your test is positive, you should stay at home and self-isolate, following the government guidance.

COVID tests are available from Bolton Council.         

Road closures

There will be some road closures in and around the event please see Course - IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton for more details.

Residents are advised to plan their travel ahead of time and minimise any impact the road closures may have on their own plans, which may involve using alternative routes or adjusting journey times to avoid delays.