Search
shop

New bike course for IRONMAN UK 2020

Changes have just been announced for the 2020 edition of IRONMAN UK. Here is the news...
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Changes are coming to Bolton this July, for the 2020 edition of IRONMAN UK. A new bike course, with a 650 feet reduction in total climbing versus the tough course set 12 months ago.

Here are the first details just in.


IRONMAN UK has introduced an updated bike course, giving athletes an exciting new challenge at the iconic Bolton-based race taking place 12 July 2020.

The IRONMAN UK 2019 bike course was seen as a new challenge to those athletes who raced it. The event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride finishing with a marathon into Bolton town centre.

This year’s route takes athletes through the Northern countryside, starting with a point-to-point from Pennington Flash to Bolton for the first few miles. This will then become a 3-lap bike course to and from an experiential perspective, the route is slightly faster with 650 feet reduction in climbing.

IRONMAN UK is delighted to continue to work with Blackburn and Darwen for this year’s race, as there will be a few technical descents through Edgworth, Turton and Chapeltown at the north end of the course with a short stint on the A666. This will then lead into the descent through Egerton and Belmont. The 2020 bike course will no longer be using Pickup Bank, Eccleshill, Hoddlesden or Blacksnape Road towards Edgworth.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader, Mohammed Khan, said:

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming IRONMAN UK back to Blackburn with Darwen and extra excited to see if Brian can do the borough proud and retain his crown.”

“We’ve worked with Bolton Council and IRONMAN to help make this happen and map out the new route for 2020 with a view to making it the best ever.”

Brian Fogarty / IRONMAN UK - Photo: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN
Brian Fogarty – Photo: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

One of the most memorable partS of the IRONMAN UK 2019 bike course remains, and athletes will climb past Black Dog Pub in Belmont and onto Sheephouse Lane before heading back towards Bolton. From here competitors will continue east towards Bury and continue the 3-lap bike course.

IRONMAN UK has also removed the undulating climbs through Ramsbottom, Helmshore and Hoddlesden and as well as the long technical climbs and descents through Eccleshill and Blacksnape.

“Year after year we continue to be inspired by every athlete that has taken on the IRONMAN UK race. We want to make sure our athletes have the best experience possible and because of this, we have decided to make some changes the 2020 bike course,” said Sam Brawn, IRONMAN UK Race Director.

“As we always do, we wanted to make sure that the athletes experience was a focal point when planning the 2020 race. We are excited that this year athletes will get to experience more of the iconic IRONMAN UK spectators support, as their families and friends will get to cheer them on multiple times!”

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, added: “We are really pleased that the Ironman UK team has listened to feedback from athletes.

“The new route means that we will get even more chance to cheer on athletes and support them on their journey.

“I know local communities will once again be out in force, as they were for Tour of Britain.

“I would also like to thank neighbouring authorities for their support which allows us to put on this great event, attracting thousands to our region.”

The changes to the IRONMAN UK 2020 bike course will bring more spectator support to race, as spectators will get to cheer on their athlete’s multiple times.

This year’s event will see a full, three-day festival weekend in Bolton with the addition of the Night Run on Friday 10 July followed by the world’s biggest IRONKIDS race on Saturday 11 July and the main event, IRONMAN UK on Sunday 12 July.

For more information on the new bike course and to register, visit https://www.ironman.com/im-uk

Written by
Press Release
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...