Entries are open for next summer’s iconic IRONMAN challenge and organisers are expecting a big jump in numbers as the revamped event shifts to a shorter course.
At 70.3 miles, the route is still a significant challenge. But it is much more manageable for keen amateur athletes than the gruelling 140.6 miles of the full IRONMAN.
Anyone who is up for the challenge can even take part in a team. Three people can compete together over the event’s three legs, with one doing the swim, another doing the bike ride and another the run.
IRONMAN will keep its traditional Sunday slot, while the Friday and Saturday will see expanded versions of the ever-popular NightRun and IRONKIDS events, giving even more people the chance to cross the iconic finish line in front of the town hall.
Plus, there will be all the usual fun and entertainment of music, street performers and children’s activities creating a festival atmosphere in the town centre.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Executive Member for Culture, said: “I hope that next year’s exciting Ironman weekend will inspire more people than ever to get more active, more often.
“A shorter course and options to compete as a team will open Ironman to much more people than in the past and I encourage anyone who is thinking about the challenge to find out more.
“Last year we added a 10k course to NightRun to give people more options and it proved a huge success, so we’ll be doing it again in 2024.
“Bolton’s Ironkids is already the biggest in the world and will be even larger next year.
“So there are lots of options for people of all ages and abilities to get involved and I’m sure everyone taking part and all the supporters will have a fabulous weekend.”
IRONMAN takes place on Sunday, June 30 and details are available on the Bolton page of the IRONMAN website.
Entries for NightRun and IRONKIDS go on sale in the coming months and will be announced by the council.