Bolton Ironman: Entries to open in just days for the June race

The race returns next year on Sunday, June 30 with hopeful participants registering from 2pm on August 30.

Ironman UK becomes Ironman 70.3 Bolton, meaning the race will still follow the swim-bike-run format but will be half the distance across all disciplines.

The rebrand is a reference to the number of miles the triathlon consists of after halving it – a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle and a 13.1-mile run.

Donna Cooper, of Astley Bridge, has taken part in three full Ironmans and three half Ironmans since taking up the sport in 2016, and has warned residents not to 'underestimate' the challenge.

“It's not an easy feat, I know its half the distance but it is also half the time,” the 50-year-old said.

“I’ve taken part in Bolton’s Ironman three times, the first in 2017, then again in 2021, and I’ve just done this year’s with my son, which was really tough because the wind made it difficult – swimming Pennington Flash was like swimming in the sea rather than a lake.

“With it being a half Ironman there’s the option to do it as part of a relay, if you can’t swim you can join up with friends, family or other keen athletes and do the bike ride or run.”

The full Ironman race does not currently offer the chance for participants to take part in just part of a full race, but its 70.3 courses do, which will come as a boost for Bolton residents who may not be ready to take on all three disciplines.

The course will begin with a swim through the waters of Pennington Flash Nature Reserve, where participants must finish within the 1hr 10mins.

Next, after a flat 200m run through the 'crowds of supporters' they will tackle the gruelling bike ride, facing 'punchy climbs' and 'spectacular scenery'.

Finally, participants will complete a half marathon around Bolton’s 'picturesque Queen’s Park' and through the town centre until they reach the red-carpet finish line situated outside the town hall, by 8hrs 30mins.

Only 12 per cent of women make up the competitors and Donna hopes the change will see more lace up their boots for the 'more achievable' and life-changing challenge.

Donna Cooper. Picture by Henry Lisowski

She continued: “I would encourage people to join a club – I joined Tri-Rivington in 2016, and that’s how my life changed. These people have changed my life, this is my social life now and I’ve got a lot of friends in the sport.

“I started off as a runner and did a few marathons, I realised that I didn’t want to do ultra-marathons and my brothers both have previously done Ironman so I thought I would give that a go.

Tom Rigby. Picture by Phil Taylor

“Doing an Ironman never crossed my mind and I remember one of the guys at the club said to me that I will do it one day – I’ve never laughed so much in all my life!”

Donna, who works in the mayor’s office, added: “The way to do it is by doing the half Ironman first, the appetite will be there for a full one next time – and hopefully they will bring a full one back to Bolton again in the future.”

Ironkids will also feature next year, offering children aged three to 15 to take part in a run only event.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Bolton Council’s deputy leader, said: "“Bolton’s Ironman weekend is all about creating a festival atmosphere in the town centre, inspiring residents to get active, and making great memories for runners of all ages and fitness levels.

“None of this will change when we welcome in Ironman 70.3 in 2024, and I am sure the crowds will be out in force supporting both the competitors and our local businesses.

“In fact, next year will be even better than ever with our expanded Ironkids and NightRun events giving even more people the chance to cross the iconic finish line in front of the town hall.

“The Ironman 70.3 is a serious endurance test which will require a great deal of preparation and training from everyone taking part.

“We are sure athletes will be keen to take on the famous Bolton course across 70.3 miles, either as a challenge in its own right or as a step towards completing a full Ironman in the future.”

Both Night Run, which is affiliated to England Athletics, and the ever-popular Ironkids, will continue with an increased capacity to allow even more participants and young people to enjoy the runs in Bolton.