IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton smashes records with spectacular weekend of sport

Bolton once again proved itself a powerhouse for major events, hosting an unforgettable weekend of elite and community sport as Night Run Bolton UK, IRONKIDS Bolton and IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton welcomed more than 10,000 athletes, breaking the previous record of 8,000.

The action got underway on Friday evening as Night Run Bolton UK lit up the town’s streets, offering 5K and 10K routes for runners of all abilities.

The vibrant atmosphere set the tone for a weekend packed with energy and community pride.

Saturday saw IRONKIDS Bolton take centre stage, attracting a record-breaking 6,000 children and young people.

As the largest event of its kind in the world, it once again showcased Bolton’s ability to deliver inclusive, family-friendly sport on a global scale.

Throughout the day, young participants of all ages and abilities demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and talent, underlining the accessibility and community spirit at the heart of Bolton’s events programme.

There was also plenty to keep the whole family entertained before and after the event, with arts and crafts, face painting, Bikability, crazy golf and a climbing wall on offer at the Family Zone in Elizabeth Park and Cheadle Square.

The Albert Bar opened across the weekend with a special menu to ensure that athletes and spectators could purchase hot and cold food and a range of drinks.

The weekend culminated on Sunday with the flagship IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton, drawing athletes from across the globe to test their endurance and compete for the coveted title.

Competitors began with a 1.2-mile swim at Pennington Flash Country Park, before tackling a challenging 56-mile bike course, cheered on by crowds lining Chorley New Road.

The event concluded with a 13.1-mile run through Bolton town centre, Queen’s Park and Chorley New Road, finishing at the iconic Town Hall where supporters created a rousing atmosphere for athletes crossing the line.

In the elite races, Levin Veale claimed the men’s title in an impressive 3:59:22, while Katie Walker secured back-to-back victories in the women’s race, finishing in 4:31:39.

Cllr Debbie Newall, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“IRONMAN weekend continues to raise the bar year after year, and 2026 has been nothing short of exceptional.

“To see over 10,000 athletes taking part, from first-time runners and young children to world-class competitors, is a powerful reminder of what makes Bolton born to perform.

“Events of this scale don’t just showcase Bolton on the international stage, they deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses, boosting footfall, supporting local trade so we’re incredibly proud to continue to host such a prestigious event.”