IRONMAN's Night Run returns to Bolton as registration opens

This year those taking part have the chance to run a 5k or 10k - with all finishing in Victoria Square on the same finish line as the IRONMAN UK athletes.

Registration for the IRONMAN Night Run in June is now open.

The nightrun takes place on Friday June 30 and is billed as a family-friendly race that last year saw over 1,000 athletes take to the start line.

This year, will be the first time a 10k race will take place alongside the usual 5k route.

The Robin Park Runners at last year's Night Run (Image: Newsquest)

Organisers say that every year people enjoy the atmosphere of nightrun by taking part in groups with friends and colleagues.

It’s a great way to get into the fun of the event and of course a good excuse to add to the fun by running in fancy dress.

The event will also see official chip timing for the first time, providing race results for competitive runners, and a record of progress for those new to taking on 5k or 10k events.

A new, flatter course will help those results as runners aim for a personal best on closed roads and the lower sections of Queens Park.

Dean Smith, IRONMAN UK Race Director, said: "Night Run has become firmly established as a popular part of the IRONMAN UK weekend.

"I’m really pleased to be able to raise the standard even further with the faster course, chip timing and official results.

"The entertainment and IRONMAN atmosphere will again be on show as always!”

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hillary Fairclough, said: “Bolton is proud to host the UK’s largest IRONMAN weekend and Night Run is always a massively popular part of it.

“The atmosphere in the town centre will be fun and family-friendly, and with the addition of the 10k course and timings for every runner, both new for this year, Night Run will be even more popular than usual.

Runners at the start line of last year's Night Run (Image: Newsquest)

“And of course, signing up for a run is a great way to get fit in the New Year. Don’t miss out.”

The event also sees many IRONMAN athletes using the run as a warm-up, and a chance to run with supporters, family and friends.

The 5k race is open to anyone aged 11 and above, while the 10k welcomes runners aged 15 or over.

The IRONMAN UK festival will have IRONKIDS UK taking centre stage the following day as 4,000 children get the opportunity to run on the Ironman red carpet.

The weekend is concluded on the Sunday with 2,500 IRONMAN UK athletes taking on a 2.4m swim, 112m bike and 26.2m run.

Registration opened today, January 11, at www.ironman.com/im-uk and those entering before Wednesday, 25 January, will gain the early bird discount.