Ironman UK triathlon will not go ahead in 2020

The event, which begins with a swim at Pennington Flash and includes a bike ride through parts of the borough, was due to be held on Sunday, July 12.

There were also plans for a 5km race to be held on Friday, July 10 and a children's event on Saturday, July 11 in Bolton town centre.

But a spokesman announced on Monday: "We are committed to the safety and well-being of everyone in our race community in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have been following and will continue to follow the direction and recommendations of public health agencies and local authorities.

"In alignment with Bolton Council and in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, we can confirm that the IRONMAN UK, IRONKIDS UK and Night Run Bolton originally scheduled for the July 10-12 weekend will not take place in 2020 and has been rescheduled to return on July 2-4, 2021.

"In what has been a continually evolving and challenging time globally, we recognise that this decision due to the above-mentioned unforeseen events may come as a disappointment. Athletes will receive an email with further details.

"While we are prevented from holding the event on the original event date, we are looking forward to providing athletes with an exceptional event experience in the future. We appreciate your patience in this very dynamic time."

The annual race sees competitors travel from around the world to swim 2.4 miles at Pennington Flash, cycle 112 miles through Lancashire and Greater Manchester and run a marathon in Bolton.

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