Ironman UK

The date of the next Ironman UK has been announced.

The gruelling 140 mile triathlon is coming back to Bolton on August 1, 2010, following its debut in the town earlier this year.

Athletes can now apply online to enter the event – around 8,000 people have already registered their interest.

The announcement comes on the back of the news that the event injected £4.2 million pounds into the local economy.

The race attracts competitors from all over the world and this year more than 1,500 athletes from 35 countries and thousands of spectators descended on the town for the Ironman UK Triathlon. Around 1,500 athletes are expected to enter the challenge again.

The 2010 race sees a slightly altered route with the 2.4 mile swim taking place in Pennington Flash in Leigh, near Wigan. This means some changes for the cycle and the run and Ironman organisers are working with Wigan Council on the revised route.

The 112 mile bike ride will still take place in Lancashire with a 26.2 mile run finishing in Bolton town centre. The run will head from the lake in Leigh, towards Bolton and pick up the same route as last year, before finishing in front of the Town Hall in Victoria Square.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council, said: “We’re delighted that the decision to bring the Ironman event to Bolton has brought a real boost to the economy. We are looking forward to August 1 next year and will be working closely with all our partners to make the event grow from strength to strength.”

Sheldon Phillips, Head of Regional Major Events at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), added: "Ironman UK is a distinctive major event which attracts athletes and spectators from across the globe. The economic impact from 2009 has surpassed all our expectations and demonstrates not only the success of the first Ironman UK to take place in Bolton, but also how the local area has benefitted.

"The next Ironman in 2010 presents new opportunities for both businesses and residents in Bolton and surrounding areas."

Alison Boon, Ironman UK race owner, said: “We are pleased that once again we’re bringing the Ironman UK Triathlon to England's north west. The reception we got last year from the spectators and athletes was incredible and this race is now firmly established as a favourite on the global map. With the race now back for a second year, 2010 should be bigger and better and we very much hope the people of Bolton are looking forward to once again host this event.”

Lord Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council, added: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Bolton Council and Ironman UK in delivering this regionally significant event, which will bring benefit to our borough and the whole of the north west.”

Detailed swim, bike and run routes are available on the website. Routes are subject to change.

For further information check the website http://ironmanuk.com/ironmanuk/latest-news.