Ironman have announced that the full 226km distance Ironman UK will remain in Bolton, Greater Manchester, until 2022. Bolton will also continue to host the world’s biggest Ironkids event, with 2,500 children participating annually.
The announcement comes off the back of a 2017 event, won by Lucy Gossage and Cyril Viennot, which saw over 2,000 athletes finish the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run finishing in the Bolton town centre. Since moving to Bolton in 2009, the race has grown from 1,500 athletes to over 2,500 each year.
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“Having just completed another fantastic event in Bolton, we’re delighted to announce that Bolton will remain the home of Ironman UK for the next five years,” said Ironman UK Race Director, Sam Brawn. “This year was just another reminder of why this race and destination has become such a popular choice amongst athletes from all over the UK and the world. The course offers a real challenge and the support from the people of Bolton and surrounding areas is simply incredible.”
The boisterous local support has become a major feature of the race and that’s been recognised by the athletes. In 2016, triathletes voted the Ironman UK bike course as one of the top 10 in the world and fourth best in Europe with the spectator support playing a big part in the ranking.
Ironman UK 2018 will take place Sunday 15 July, general entries will be available online from 31 July 2017 on www.ironman.com/uk
