Greater Manchester Police specialist officers will be patrolling the Bolton Ironman 70.3 to ensure public safety.

Bolton’s Ironman returns this year on June 28 to 30 with a new schedule and event plan, shortening the length to make it accessible to more people.

Starting with a Night Run, it will be followed by Ironkids, a race involving 6,000 children and young people.

The Ironman race itself will take place on the Sunday.

Bolton Council said that specialist officers in uniform would be in attendance at the event weekend to ensure public safety.

Earlier this week officers were in Victoria Square and Queens Park to speak with the public and provide advice.

Officers from GMP's Mounted unit were also in attendance, proving a key attraction to the public.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

Sergeant Lee Keefe, from GMP’s Project Servator, said: “We are working with our partners to ensure that the Ironman event in Bolton is an enjoyable day for everyone.

“This event promises to be a great day for our town, and we want to ensure everyone enjoys themselves and stays safe whilst having fun.

“Our specialist officers in Project Servator will be out and about across Bolton, and like similar sporting events, this is no different to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

Police manned the event last year and will be on the ground in the days leading up the event.

Sgt Keefe said: “In the lead up to the event we will have highly visible uniformed officers out on the ground and patrolling the area, if you see us come and say hello, these officers are here for you and will listen to any concerns you may have.

“We work closely with partner agencies, businesses in the area, and members of the public and we are looking forward to building on the work we have already done at previous

"Ironman events in the last couple of years and will continue to work closely with organisers and the local authority to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe day.

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“If you're attending the event, remember to remain vigilant and if you see anything that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts.

“Report online in confidence at: https://act.campaign.gov.uk/ “ The Ironman 70.3 event will get under way when athletes line up at Pennington Flash before taking on the one-loop 1.2-mile swim course.

Next will come the 56-mile bike course which takes in towns around Wigan before heading north towards Bolton.

The event will be rounded off with a two-loop 13.1-mile run course around Bolton town centre before hitting the finish line in front of the town hall.