The Ironman Triathlon is recognised world wide as one of the greatest tests of sporting endurance. It is a competition where participants have to prove their ability across three different sporting activities. It is a race that tests competitors running, swimming and cycling ability. Importantly, these competitions take place in the course of one day. Therefore, it is a test not just of sporting ability, but of physical stamina as well.

Competitors cover vast distances during the Triathlon. In total, around 140 miles will be covered by competitors, of which around 112 miles will covered during the bicycle race and the running part of the competition covers a course of 26 miles. On top of that competitors have to contend with a challenging outdoor swimming competition.

This years Ironman UK Triathlon consists of the following:-

Running – Runners will have to complete a 3 loop course along Chorley New Road, Bolton which finishes outside Bolton Town Hall or the Reebok Stadium, Lostock, Bolton. (to be confirmed).

Swimming – Swimmers will be required to compete over two loops of Rivington Reservoir, in Horwich, Bolton

Cycling – The Ironman cycling competition consists of a three loop course through the Lancashire countryside, where each loop is just over 37 miles long.

This is the first time the IronmanUK Triathalon has been held in the North of England.

Around 1,500 professional and amateur athletes, are expected to compete for one of 30 qualifying places for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, later in the year.

It is expected that this event will be very popular. Last year, tens of thousands of spectators watched the IronmanUK Triathalon in Dorset.

For more information about the Triathalon and for up to date information about the event in Bolton visit the IronmanUK Triathalon website.

Bolton is the name given to the Bolton metropolitan area as well as the town of Bolton itself. The Bolton metropolitan area is home to around 260,000 people. It is made up of at least eight distinct areas – Bolton, Horwich, Farnworth Kearsley, Blackrod, Westhoughton, South Turton and Little Lever. The area is a mix of dense urban areas as well as wonderful countryside to the north and west of the metropolitan area.

There are many interesting tourist attractions in the Bolton Metropolitan area and here are a small selection.

Smithills Hall is a fine example of a well preserved manor house set in its own gardens. In 2008 Smithills Hall was named as Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the annual Manchester Tourism Awards.

Bolton has a vibrant theatre scene and the area is home to a number of theatres. There is The Octagon Theatre in Bolton town centre which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008. The Albert Halls is located within Bolton Town Hall and offers a range of concerts and pantomimes. The Bolton Little Theatre, is located in Hanover Street, just outside the town centre. Further afield, Farnworth Little Theatre is located in Cross Street, Farnworth.

Horwich Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving Horwich’s rich heritage and has a number of displays depicting different aspects of life in Horwich.

Bolton is home to football team Bolton Wanderers, who are based at the very impressive looking Reebok Stadium. This 28,000 seater venue is located in Middlebrook in Lostock, Horwich.

Hall i’th’ Wood is a 16th century restored wooden-framed Tudor manor house.

Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium is located in Bolton town centre and is situated adjacent to Bolton Town Hall, on Le Mans Crescent. It is one of Bolton and Greater Manchester’s most popular attractions. The museum contains a range of items linked with Bolton’s industrial and social heritage. The museum includes a well respected Egyptology collection.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the area. There is a traditional indoor market which includes a food market. The Market Place indoor shopping centre is one of Bolton’s most exciting indoor shopping malls and Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park offers more than 50 shops, restaurants, a cinema and bowling alley.

This is just a small sample of the many things Bolton has to offer visitors. There are loads and loads more great things that there is not enough space to mention. Bolton really does have something to offer everyone.