Online entry opened today for the 2013 IronKids run to be held on Saturday 3 August, the race weekend of Ironman UK, for 3 to 15 year olds in Bolton. This year’s inaugural IronKids event was a huge success, with a sell-out 1,000 children racing through Bolton’s town centre supported by their families and friends.
Building on the success of the event, race organiser World Endurance UK has confirmed it will be doubling entry numbers to 2,000 to accommodate the major demand for entry in 2013. Families are therefore advised to enter early to avoid disappointment.
IronKids is held in partnership with Bolton Council and is an exciting addition to the iconic Ironman UK race that takes place the same weekend. The event consists of a run in the town centre on Saturday morning, 3 August 2013, the day before the main Ironman UK event.
IronKids is open to kids aged 3 to 15 with different distances depending on the child’s age. 3 to 5 years will compete in a 500m run (accompanied by a parent/guardian); 6 to 10 years – 1.5K run; and 11 to 15 years – 2.5K run.
IronKids aims to inspire and motivate youth through sport, to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle. It is the perfect opportunity for local children, and the children of those competing in Ironman UK, to be involved in the action, offering sporting inspiration for the next generation.
To enter, parents or guardians need to complete an online entry form at ironkids.co.uk or visit Bolton Council’s Sports and Active Living Unit reception desk, at Paderborn House in Bolton city centre. The entry fee is £2.00 per child.
The ethos of the event is to encourage participation and does not focus on results, so there will be no place prizes. Instead, on completion of the race, each child will receive a special commemorative IronKids t-shirt and medal.
Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Sport, Councillor Christopher Peacock said, “We have been overwhelmed by the response to IronKids, especially how quickly it sold out. Next year’s event promises to be a great day out for families watching their children running with each other through the town.”
Managing Director of Ironman UK and Ireland, Kevin Stewart, said “We were delighted with the turnout for Bolton’s first IronKids event and together with the support of Bolton Council are very much looking forward to seeing so many kids be part of the Ironman experience again next year.”
The race route will use Howell Croft North, Deansgate, and Knowsley Street; with the furthest point of the course reaching out to a turn point before affecting Bark Street. The finish will be in Victoria Square, under the iconic Ironman finish gantry.
www.ironkids.co.uk
www.ironmanuk.com
