Entries opening next week for world’s largest Ironkids

Entries for the world’s largest Ironkids event, to be held in Bolton next summer, will open on Wednesday (October 24).

The race, on July 13, has become a key annual fixture on Bolton’s sporting calendar following its introduction six years ago.

Last year, 3,000 children took part and the 2019 event will once again be the largest global Ironkids event.

The race takes place in the town centre and the main Ironman event – a gruelling 140.6mile triathlon – takes place in and around Bolton the following day.

Ironkids registration opens from 1pm on Wednesday, October 24 – to enter, complete an entry form at www.ironman.com/uk. Fee is £3.50 per child.

Three thousand places will once again be available, and organisers are warning that places sell out very quickly.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Youth and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “Set your clocks because the demand for this race is phenomenal.

“Last year the race sold out in under six hours, which is a testament to how popular the event is and we would urge people to sign up quickly. Once the places are gone – they’re gone.

“Our event continues to lead the way as the world’s largest, run only Ironkids event. Children love it and I think in the next few years we will definitely see some graduates from Ironkids competing in Ironman.”

The race is open to children aged three to 14 with different distances depending on the school year of the child.

Each child will receive an Ironkids t-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing their run.

Ironman UK Race Director, Sam Brawn, added: “Ironkids UK has grown into one of the true highlights of the Ironman UK event weekend and it is an event we as organisers look forward to each year.

“We are proud that our Bolton-based event has grown into the largest of its kind in the world, once again demonstrating just how enthusiastically the Bolton community embraces the event weekend not only on Ironman UK race day.

“Ironkids is all about encouraging children towards an active lifestyle with the key emphasis on participation and every participant is a winner.”

For more information call Ironman UK on 01235 433 550 or visit www.ironman.com/uk.