Bolton will once again host the world’s biggest IRONKIDS event in 2023, with general registrations opening on Thursday, 27 October 2022 at 2pm.
Bolton will once again host IRONKIDS UK, the biggest event of its kind in the world where thousands of children will go through their paces through the town square for a chance to finish under the iconic IRONMAN UK finish arch.
IRONKIDS UK takes place Saturday, 1 July 2023 with registration for the 2023 IRONKIDS UK event opening Thursday, 27 October 2022 at 2pm.
IRONKIDS UK is the biggest IRONKIDS event in the world with 4,000 children expected on the start line.
The event sees children between the ages of 3 to 15 take part in in a run of various distances. With the 3 - 5-year-old age group category taking on a 500m run, 6 - 10-year olds taking on a 1km run, and 11 - 15-year olds taking on a 1.5km run.
All participants who complete their distances receive a finisher’s medal and finisher’s t-shirt.
There is always a fun, family-friendly atmosphere in the town centre, with large crowds cheering the runners on and supporting local businesses.
Dean Smith, IRONMAN UK Race Director, said:
“This is one of my favourite events on our race calendar. No times are taken, with the emphasis being on participation and enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. Every child is made to feel like a winner simply by participating and finishing,”
“It is terrific to see so many kids getting outside and participating in a healthy activity and enjoying every moment. Hopefully, this inspires the kids to adopt a healthier lifestyle from a young age and maybe even to one day emulate their IRONMAN heroes.”
Entries are traditionally sold out within the first month of registration opening, which is one of the indications of how popular the event is.
Registration opens online at 2pm this Thursday (27 October).
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said:
“Bolton is home to the world’s largest IRONKIDS event and it remains a hugely popular part of our IRONMAN weekend.
"There is always a fun, family-friendly atmosphere in the town centre, with large crowds cheering the runners on and supporting local businesses.
"It also inspires young people in Bolton to get active, and we have already seen previous IRONKIDS participants move on the compete in the adult IRONMAN events.”
The IRONMAN UK race weekend will kick off on Friday, 30 June 2023, with the Night Run, a family-friendly 5km race that sees 1000 athletes take to the start line.
IRONKIDS UK then takes centre stage the following day as 4,000 happy children get the opportunity to run on the IRONMAN red carpet.
The weekend is concluded on the Sunday with 2500 IRONMAN UK athletes taking on a 3.8KM swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run.