BOLTON and Lancashire are preparing to greet thousands of athletes, their families and visitors for one of the world’s toughest events.
The town is gearing up for the world’s largest Ironkids race this Saturday, July 14 and the Ironman triathlon on Sunday, July 15.
Bolton welcomes Ironman UK for the 10th time in its 14 year history. More than 5,000 people aged three to 70 will be part of the action.
Ironkids will mark the start of the weekend’s racing from 9am on Saturday (July 14). For the last three years, 2,500 children have taken part and this year’s race is even bigger.
The sell-out event will see 3,000 budding stars of the future, aged three to 14, compete in the ‘fun run’ in Bolton’s town centre.
The Ironman UK triathlon gets underway at 6am, on Sunday, with the swim at Pennington Flash, Leigh, before athletes get on their bikes to go through the Lancashire countryside.
The marathon route will take place in and around Bolton town centre and Queens Park, with the finale on Victoria Square, finishing against the backdrop of Bolton town hall.
Revised bike route – changes
This year’s event has been affected by the serious moorland fires that are still burning on Winter Hill, which overlooks part of the usual bike course.
Lancashire Fire Service declared the fire a major incident on Saturday, June 30 and advice from the fire service has ruled out using the original 112 mile course for the safety of athletes - the fire is likely to remain as a significant incident for several weeks to come.
Due to the timescales involved, Ironman has had to put in place a 95 miles revised bike route, which will miss out Belmont and Rivington and go through Anglezarke.
The Ironman UK team, emergency services and local authorities considered all the options to find a full bike route.
Unfortunately, any alternative would impact on access for thousands of residents and businesses and there is not enough time to plan road diversions or inform the public.
Using already closed sections of the route was considered but ruled out for athletes’ safety because the roads are generally open on one side to allow for official vehicles, medical and emergency access.
Ironman UK Race Director, Sam Brawn said: “We have been working closely with our council partners, local authorities and emergency services and are grateful for their continued support in helping us put on the best possible race for our athletes in difficult circumstances.
“We understand the disappointment and are working hard to once again deliver the great experience that so many have come to enjoy in Bolton.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism, and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, added: “Ironman is one of the world’s toughest events and we understand athletes’ upset about the shortened bike course but these really are exceptional circumstances.
“The safety of athletes and the public has to come first and we are now focused on working alongside Ironman to deliver another fantastic event.
“Bolton residents love the amazing spectacle of Ironman and I would also like to wish everyone competing the best of luck – it is a huge feat and I’m looking forward to cheering everybody on.”
Advice for spectators – viewing points and entertainment
Spectators are advised to view the race at the following points on the bike course: Babylon Lane (in Adlington), Hunters Hill (Bannister Lane) and Pepper Lane (Standish).
People coming into Bolton for the run course and finish can park for free (available on weekends) at NCP Topp Way (BL1 2DJ), NCP Octagon (BL1 1TN) and NCP Deane Road (BL3 5DX).
A packed programme of entertainment for families has also been laid on for the weekend.
On Saturday, from 7.30am and Sunday, from 1pm, free sports activities including gymnastics and zorbing will be on offer in in the town centre, on Deansgate, near Marks and Spencer. Boxing will be available in Market Place Shopping Centre from 8.30am to 3pm on Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.
On Sunday, from noon to 7pm, in Queens Park, on Spa Road there will be two live music stages (near the café and next to the play area), with acts playing throughout the day. Giant lawn games and face painting will also be available.
Travel advice - road closures
To facilitate Ironkids, road closures will be in place in the town centre, and a number of road closures will also be in place in and around Bolton, Wigan, Chorley and Lancashire on Ironman UK day.
Marshalls will be present to allow access for emergency services, residents, and businesses. Shoppers are advised that Middlebrook Retail Park will be open as usual 11am to 5pm - please enter from De Havilland Way past Tesco.
For a full list of all road closures, visit the Ironman UK website. For more information contact Ironman UK on 0333 011 6600 or e-mail uk@ironmanroadaccess.com.
Bolton is also due to welcome thousands of fans to the Macron stadium on Friday evening for The Killers, and Little Mix on Saturday evening. For travel information over the weekend, follow @officialTfGM or visit: https://www.tfgm.com/