Visit Bolton

Britain’s best IRONMAN weekend is back in Bolton from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July and people are being encouraged to take part, support the athletes or simply turn up and enjoy the spectacle.

Helping to celebrate the achievements of all the athletes there will be a festival zone, family fun area and music stages.

Find out more in our handy spectator guide.

Night Run, Friday 30th June

Bolton’s NightRun event is the biggest and best in the UK, and whether you are new to running, a steady jogger or a seasoned athlete, there’s a way for people of all abilities to take part.

It’s fun and friendly with great support along the town centre route complete with a fabulous finish in front of the town hall under the iconic Ironman gantry.

Find out more.

 

IRONKIDS, Saturday 1st July

It’s back and bigger than ever, as over 4,000 young athletes race the town centre course in the largest IRONKIDS event in the world! The sold-out run sees children aged 3-15 earn their IRONKIDS finisher medal. Pop down to cheer them on and soak up the atmosphere.

 

IRONMAN UK, Sunday 2nd July

Bolton will host over 2,400 athletes from 32 countries taking part in the gruelling swim, bike and run challenge. An updated bike course brings the excitement to even more communities this year – including a tough new section up and down Smithills Dean Road.

 

The athletes need you!

Head to the town centre on June 30th and July 1st to cheer on the Night Runners and IRONKIDS and enjoy the festival and family fun zones.

And on Sunday 2nd July, you can support the IRONMAN UK athletes all around the course. Le Mans Crescent and Queen’s Park are good spots to cheer from as you can see the athletes multiple times.

Spectator hotspots along the bike course are Smithills Dean Road (with a farm, café, family activities, parking and a footpath for safe viewing), and Egerton village (with local shops, pubs and restaurants at the foot of a long descent).

On the marathon run course, Queen’s Park, Chorley New Road and the incredible town centre finish line are the places to be.

Road closures

Residents and road users are urged to plan ahead because temporary road closures will be needed across the borough to ensure that the events can take place safely.

On Sunday 02 July, the cycle route for this year’s IRONMAN triathlon has changed slightly, meaning fewer road closures in Horwich.

More information on the course and diversions to avoid road closures, including maps and timings, can be found on the IRONMAN website under “Traffic Impact”.

A road access hotline is available now and throughout the race weekend by calling 03330 11 66 00.

Residents can also email uk@ironmanroadaccess.com for more information but this will not be monitored on race day.