The annual IRONMAN 70.3 event in Bolton is often one of the most exciting and entertaining days in the borough’s calendar, and this year’s race on Sunday (June 7) did not disappoint.
Pennington Flash in Leigh saw thousands of people in wetsuits and red swimming hats congregate on its shores at 6am before taking the brave plunge into the freezing waters to carry out a 1.9km swim.
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Spirits were high as thumping music and an MC got the energy levels high before the competitors began their swim, with the first person exiting the water in under 25 minutes.
(Image: Jack Schofield/Ironman)
From there, it was on to the bikes, with the athletes taking on a 56-mile bike ride through Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Horwich, and Bolton.
Despite it still being early in the morning, many people lined the streets to cheer on those taking part, with creative signs, bells, and screams of support to push on the athletes.
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(Image: Henry Lisowski)
After the gruelling bike ride came the half-marathon run in Bolton, with the Ironmen and Ironwomen running through the town centre, Queen’s Park, and Chorley New Road.
Levin Veale, who was the first competitor to cross the finish line, said he found the run tough, saying: “Running in the park is pretty horrible.
(Image: Henry Lisowski)
“Running up some of them ridiculously steep hils, that blew me.”
Nonetheless, Levin was able to speed through the course, recording a sub-four-hour time as he was cheered on by the ever-supportive spectators.
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(Image: Phil Taylor)
While the town centre was quiet as the first runners made their way through the streets, the crowds grew and so did the noise, with friends, families, and locals coming out in large numbers to create a fantastic atmosphere.
Katie Walker, who was the first female to cross the line for the second consecutive year, was full of praise for the Bolton crowds, saying: “The support here is always incredible, there’s nothing like it, not in any other race.”
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(Image: Phil Taylor)
This was showcased outside Bolton Town Hall, as runners crossed the finish line to loud cheers from all sides as they completed their stunning feats.
The thrilling race closed the curtain on a remarkable weekend, which saw a record-breaking 10,000 people compete in the Night Run, IRONKIDS and IRONMAN 70.3 events.
With the record-setting number of competitors and the brilliant crowds lining the streets, it’s clear that IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton is one of the best dates in the competition’s calendar as well as the town’s.
