Ironkids race sees thousands of children dash through Bolton

Despite the damp weather and grey skies, the kids showed up in their thousands, with a record-breaking number of participants in the event.

Organisers said around 5,500 children took part this year in the Bolton race, which is the largest Ironkids event in the world.

The kids sprinted across the finish line in Victoria Square (Image: Newsquest)

The children were split up into 12 age groups, from Year 10 and 11 all the way down to nursery, and starting from oldest to youngest, the age groups set off at different times throughout the day.

Starting at 9am in very wet conditions and continuing throughout the day, children of all ages dashed frantically through the streets of Bolton before crossing the finish line in Victoria Square, where they were rewarded with a medal.

The Ironkids in Bolton is the biggest of its kind in the world (Image: Newsquest)

James Roberts, 35, whose son Sam took part in the Year Two age group, said: "It's a great event for all the kids and parents too.

"It's brilliant to see so many kids out doing exercise and having a great time while doing it."

The town centre was flooded with children wearing their medals (Image: Newsquest)

The route was surrounded by people of all ages, from infant siblings to grandparents, who had come out to support the children taking part.

Lisa Miller, 33, who watched her daughter Sarah take part in the Year Three race, said: "It's great fun seeing all the kids running about and taking part in the event.

Finishers were handed medals by Mayor of Bolton Andrew Morgan (Image: Newsquest)

Bolton Council's Chief Executive, Sue Johnson, said: "Every summer it's always great to see Bolton embrace the arrival of Ironman 70.3 weekend and it's no wonder the athletes know us as a friendly and welcoming place."

(Image: UGC)

Ms Johnson added that the Ironkids event was important as it "encourages our young people to be active and enjoy exercise".

Children of all ages took part in the event (Image: Newsquest)

It will be the turn tomorrow of the main event with Ironman 70.3 set to return with a new shorter triathlon for 2024 onwards.

We will, as always, be bringing live updates from the race throughout the day.