Bolton Ironman brings in millions for town economy

The weekend which started on Friday with the Night Run and ended with the triathalon brought thousands of athletes and spectators to the town.

Alongside the six thousand people of all ages and abilities who took part in three  events -including Ironkids - over three days, Bolton’s economy was also a winner.

Mayor of Bolton  Cllr Muhammad Ayub said: “Events like this put money into the town and brings people here.

“I would love to see more events being put on in Bolton on a big scale like this.

“It helps the local economy and gives back to the community who needs it.”

On Friday, even the rain couldn’t dampen the turn out for Bolton’s biggest ever NightRun.

The addition of official timings and a 10k route alongside the 5k helped boost the number of people who signed up to over 1,200.

More than 4,000 children and young people signed up to take part in the biggest IRONKIDS in the world.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Culture, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who came out to support the people taking part in all three events. You do such a fantastic job and help make the weekend special.

“Thanks also to the many volunteers who do such sterling work and without whom the weekend would be impossible.

“Lastly, thanks to our residents and visitors. The council recognises that the weekend causes some traffic disruption and we really do appreciate people’s patience in helping the events to go ahead safely.”

Sunday brought the amazing IRONMAN competitors to town.

Starting at 6.00 in the morning at Pennington Flash they swam, cycled and ran their way through a staggering 140.6 miles (226.3km).

Winner Tom Rigby crossed the finish line in just nine hours and thirty-eight minutes. Erica Booth was the first female finisher, in a superb time of 11 hours and seven minutes.

Councillor Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council, said: “Ironman is always such a fantastic weekend for Bolton and I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part.

“From children as young as three doing their first Ironkids to the experienced athletes amazing us all with their performances in Ironman, everyone should feel a huge sense of achievement.

“Our long-standing partnership with Ironman is a huge boost for the town and we should all be proud.”

Conservative Cllr James Moller was a VIP Guest with his business Superior Cycles, and along with Cllr Leslie Webb.

He said: “It’s great for the community and it’s just one weekend of the year.

“I know some people struggle with the traffic but it’s just the one day.

“It brought people together to the town and put Bolton on the map.

“The team on hospitality were fantastic, and it was nice to see it from the town hall side.

“I have always loved watching it and it was an amazing weekend.”

The council says it will issue an update on next year’s Ironman, including the goal of building on the success of Ironkids and Night Run by making them bigger and better.