YOUNGSTERS have another chance to take part in the world’s largest Ironkids event — after organisers revealed they are releasing an extra 500 places for next year's race.

All 2,500 initial places were snapped up in a record time of less than six hours when they were released in October, leaving many families disappointed.

But entries for additional slots will open next Wednesday, December 13, at 6pm, making the 2018 event bigger than ever.

The race, on July 14, has become a key annual fixture on Bolton’s events calendar following its introduction five years ago.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Youth and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “The event has become a hugely popular attraction in its own right and the response last time was staggering.

“We know that there were disappointed parents last time round and we are really pleased that we have found a way to accommodate more children.”

The race takes place in the town centre and the main Ironman event — a gruelling 140-mile triathlon — is held in and around Bolton the following day.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Ironman race hub is moving from the Macron Stadium to Queens Park next year.

Ironkids is open to children aged three to 14 with different distances depending on the school year of the child.

To enter, complete a form at ironman.com/ironkidsuk. The fee is £3.50 per child.

Each child will receive an Ironkids T-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing their run.

Ironkids UK Race Director, Abi Jones, added: “The response to the Ironkids UK opening in October was phenomenal.

"Such was the demand for places that we have been working on increasing the capacity of the event to allow more children the opportunity to be part of the fun and excitement in Bolton.

“We are therefore pleased to say that the changes to the Ironman UK venue have now enabled us to include the additional places and welcome even more participants to the Ironkids family.”