Bolton Ironman weekend kicks off with Night Run event

The Night Run got underway and this year those taking part could choose to do a 5km or 10km - all finishing on the iconic Ironman red carpet.

The event has grown over the years, with athletes running alongside those who wanted to be part of one of the biggest weekends of the year in Bolton.

Runners set off from Le Mans Crescent on a route around the town centre and part of Queen's Park, with some participating in the 5k race and others taking on the longer 10k.

Rain failed to dampen the high spirits of runners and supporters.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub, blew the airhorn as hundreds of runners got going.

The 5k winner of Night Run Bolton was Danny Adams with a time of 15.46, second was Jonathan Kearsley from Wigan Warriors at 16.32 and third was Ian Mayes from Leigh Harriers in 17.23.

For the women, first over the line was Laura Lombard with a time of 18.53, second was Jessica from Bolton Tri Run with a time of 19.53 and third Rachel Sidebotham from Wigan Harriers 19.58.

Mayor of Bolton Mohammed Ayub with spectators ready to set off (Image: Newquest)

Cllr Ayub said: "It is wonderful to have such an event. It is so amazing, there are so many people taking part.

"I think we should have these events more often because it's lovely to see people enjoying taking part in it.

"Even the rain doesn't bother people and the still enjoy it - young and old, all ages."

The mayor added: "We're having Ironkids tomorrow morning and everyone should come out and support these people and see what is going on. 

Here is the moment when @Ironman_UK Bolton kicked off earlier this evening! @TheBoltonNews pic.twitter.com/ZPyaJWb1JR

— Zach Harrison (@zachhjourno) June 30, 2023

"We should all support it."

Danny travelled from Norwich to take part in the Night Run. He came first, with an impressive 5km time of 15 minutes and 46 seconds.

The 19-year-old said: "My dad is doing the Ironman run so I thought I'd enter this.

"I'm feeling pretty good, I didn't really know the competition when I got here.

"He (Danny's dad) is hoping for a good time, it will be good to see how he does." 

Danny Adams winning the night run (Image: Newsquest)

Christopher Hill, from Bolton, spoke about the fancy dress he and his friends wore as they took part in the race.

He said: "We are team Squid Hats. We are a group of 166 people and we all wear squid hats to events. 

"I normally focus on obstacle course racing like Tough Mudder. 

"It's just for fun, we go around and yell 'SQUID' at the top of our voices so when we come around again, everyone yells it back at us."

Volunteers from The local Rotary Clubs helped marshall the race and encourage on the runners - all 1,200 of them.

Ironman UK weekend continues with Ironkids tomorrow and the big event will take place on Sunday.

Road closure information can be found here