Ironman back in Bolton again
9:05am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News
IRONMAN will be back in Bolton again next year.
The news that the popular event will once again put Bolton firmly on the map was met with a chorus of approval in the town.
Bolton Council bosses had vowed to “do whatever we can” to enable the competition to come back in 2013 and have been successful in securing its return.
Former Marine Paul Hawkins, from Walkden , was the highest ever local finisher in the Ironman, crossing the line in third place and he welcomed the announcement.
The 31-year-old father of three said: “I am absolutely delighted. It’s great for the North West and it’s great for Bolton.”
It also means the IronKids event — which was held for the first time in the UK — will be taking place in the town again.
This year’s event for children attracted more than 1,000 youngsters. Organisers World Endurance UK said they were “delighted to confirm that Ironman UK 2013 will return to Bolton for the fifth year running, on Sunday August 4, 2013”, and opened entries to the public today.
More than 2,000 athletes are already pre-registered for next year’s event and indications are that it will be a sell-out in record time, with a maximum of only 1,600 places available.
Kevin Stewart, managing director of Ironman UK and Ireland, said: “Ironman UK 2012 saw the largest number of entries in Bolton to date and the tens of thousands of spectators who lined the course helped create an incredible atmosphere.
“We are very excited about the event returning to Bolton as we feel that the course offers a real test for the athletes.”
Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council , said: “It’s fantastic news. Each year Ironman gets better.
“We’re very pleased that Ironman and IronKids will both be returning, providing a welcome boost for local businesses.”
Competitors take part in a gruelling test of strength and endurance by completing a 2.4 swim in Pennington Flash, Leigh, and a 112 mile cycle ride through the picturesque local scenery of Rivington, Chorley and Adlington .
Then they finished with a 26.2 mile marathon in and around Bolton town centre as thousands of spectators cheer them all the way to the finish line in Victoria Square.
Comments(9)
Phil from Smithills
says...
3:57pm Wed 12 Sep 12
.
I do hope the organisers try and get one of the commercial TV stations to cover the event live. ie ITV 4.
paulj48
says...
9:15am Thu 13 Sep 12
Phil from Smithills wrote:Ironman is very protective over its 'brand' and this is the reason there will be limited coverage on the TV.
Fantastic news, this puts Bolton and our part of Lancashire on the sporting map. Unfortunatelly as on previous occassions, the local TV news channels will probably ignore the event. . I do hope the organisers try and get one of the commercial TV stations to cover the event live. ie ITV 4.
William2701
says...
10:32am Thu 13 Sep 12
elimeleumas wrote:I am a local resident and voiced concerns both here and with the local authority. No response received from the LA as yet!
Great news for Bolton once again. This years event was the best yet and I'm sure next year can top it. Well done to the council and event organisers for continuing to work so well together. I hope that some local residents concerns (voiced on here) have been heard and the event goes off well. As for me, I've already entered having been inspired by previous years and this years Olympics. See you on the 4th August!
William2701
says...
10:35am Thu 13 Sep 12
paulj48 wrote:There was tv coverage on either Channel 4 or 5 early the following Sunday morning. You also have to bear in mind that the event is up to 18 hours long so is not geared towards live coverage, that is why the Olympic Triathlon format with its 1500m swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run gains more publicity.
Phil from Smithills wrote: Fantastic news, this puts Bolton and our part of Lancashire on the sporting map. Unfortunatelly as on previous occassions, the local TV news channels will probably ignore the event. . I do hope the organisers try and get one of the commercial TV stations to cover the event live. ie ITV 4.Ironman is very protective over its 'brand' and this is the reason there will be limited coverage on the TV.
paulj48
says...
4:20pm Thu 13 Sep 12
William2701 wrote:Yes it was shown on channel 4 as they have the rights this season, you'll notice though it was absent from any of channel 4's catch up services.
paulj48 wrote:There was tv coverage on either Channel 4 or 5 early the following Sunday morning. You also have to bear in mind that the event is up to 18 hours long so is not geared towards live coverage, that is why the Olympic Triathlon format with its 1500m swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run gains more publicity.Phil from Smithills wrote: Fantastic news, this puts Bolton and our part of Lancashire on the sporting map. Unfortunatelly as on previous occassions, the local TV news channels will probably ignore the event. . I do hope the organisers try and get one of the commercial TV stations to cover the event live. ie ITV 4.Ironman is very protective over its 'brand' and this is the reason there will be limited coverage on the TV.
BWFC71
says...
5:21pm Thu 13 Sep 12
If Ironman want to strengthen their brand then ITV4 would be an ideal choice to be fair, as it is a predominantly sport channel that shows minority sports - thas if ITV ever bid for the sport.
But IF Bolton Council want to make it as popular as possible and bring out as many spectators as possible then they should look towards what Almere City did last weekend when they hosted the Holland Triathlon event. Live music stages around town with live local and national bands, full big screen coverage in certain areas of the town, extra market stalls at selected areas and ofg course fun for children as well. Basically they made it an event for the event!
BWFC71
says...
5:21pm Thu 13 Sep 12
If Ironman want to strengthen their brand then ITV4 would be an ideal choice to be fair, as it is a predominantly sport channel that shows minority sports - thas if ITV ever bid for the sport.
But IF Bolton Council want to make it as popular as possible and bring out as many spectators as possible then they should look towards what Almere City did last weekend when they hosted the Holland Triathlon event. Live music stages around town with live local and national bands, full big screen coverage in certain areas of the town, extra market stalls at selected areas and ofg course fun for children as well. Basically they made it an event for the event!
elimeleumas
says...
1:21pm Sat 15 Sep 12
BWFC71 wrote:Think this is a great idea. Bolton is fast becoming a focal point for event based weekends like the food&drink festival and now this. I think an 'event for the event' makes a lot of sense. I hope someone in a position to do something is listening ,,,
Funnily enough I saw a full 60 minutes worth on Setanta!!!
If Ironman want to strengthen their brand then ITV4 would be an ideal choice to be fair, as it is a predominantly sport channel that shows minority sports - thas if ITV ever bid for the sport.
But IF Bolton Council want to make it as popular as possible and bring out as many spectators as possible then they should look towards what Almere City did last weekend when they hosted the Holland Triathlon event. Live music stages around town with live local and national bands, full big screen coverage in certain areas of the town, extra market stalls at selected areas and ofg course fun for children as well. Basically they made it an event for the event!
elimeleumas says...
2:27pm Wed 12 Sep 12