England’s largest IRONMAN weekend is back in Bolton from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd July and athletes of all ages and abilities will be hoping for the fantastic support the event is famous for.

There will be loads going on in and around Bolton to make it a great day for supporters and spectators.

Find out more at https://www.visitbolton.com/ironman

IRONMAN events

Night Run, Friday 1st July from 7pm

Over 1,000 people will enjoy a 5k fun run through the town centre, with live music and a fantastic festival finish down the IRONMAN red carpet. People can register here.

IRONKIDS, Saturday 2nd July from 9am

Over 4,000 young athletes will race the town centre course in the largest IRONKIDS event in the world! Despite adding 500 additional places, IRONKIDS is sold out.

IRONMAN UK, Sunday 3rd July from 7am

Over 2,400 athletes from 32 countries will take part in the gruelling swim, bike and run challenge. An updated bike course brings the excitement to even more communities this year – including a tough new section up and down Smithills Dean Road.

Activities and entertainment

There’s plenty to keep children happy with face painting, a climbing wall, fairground games, football, a caving bus, arts and crafts and of course ice cream, all on offer all weekend in the family fun zone in the town centre.

There’s also a festival zone with food, drinks, music, street performers and a bar. And on Sunday 1st July, Queens Park will also host a pop-up music stage with local artists.

Where to see the action

Head to the town centre on July 1st and 2nd to cheer on the Night Runners and IRONKIDS.

And on Sunday 3rd July, you can support the IRONMAN UK athletes all around the course. Le Mans Crescent and Queen’s Park are good spots to cheer from as you can see the athletes multiple times.

Spectator hotspots along the bike course are Smithills Dean Road (with a farm, café, family activities, parking and a footpath for safe viewing), and Egerton village (with local shops, pubs and restaurants at the foot of a long descent).

On the marathon run course, Queen’s Park, Chorley New Road and the incredible town centre finish line are the places to be.

Road closures

To keep athletes safe, temporary road closures will be needed over the weekend. Find out more at the IRONMAN website or email uk@ironmanroadaccess.com or call 03330 11 66 00.