THE race to win a place in next year’s Ironman triathlon in Bolton is over.

All 2,650 slots have been snapped up for the gruelling triathlon which will be held in Bolton on Sunday, July 19, next year.

The race has grown in size year on year — 1,500 athletes competed in 2011, and Ironman 2014 saw 2,250 take on the challenge.

Organisers then made changes to the bike route this year, which has enabled them to add an extra 400 race spots for 2015.

Ironman involves a 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash, a 112-mile cycle ride through Rivington and Chorley, finishing with a marathon to Bolton town centre.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne said: “The news that the race has sold out and is the largest ever is brilliant news for Bolton.

"Residents have really taken it to their hearts and now with more numbers taking part than ever before, together with Ironkids, the Ironman race weekend is one of the highlights on our events calendar.

“Hosting Ironman and other events like the British Transplant Games and SkyRide enhances Bolton’s reputation as a destination which is capable of successfully hosting huge sporting events.”

Ironman regional director for Northern Europe, Kevin Stewart, believes that the demand is testament to the development and reputation of the race.

He added: “We are delighted to have sold out of general entries for Ironman UK 2015.

“This reflects the development of the event since 2011 into one of the best events in the Ironman calendar. Working with the authorities, we have been able to improve the event year on year.

"The biggest step was taken this year, with the change from a three lap to a two lap bike course and the use of the Macron Stadium for transition.

“This has enabled us to meet some of the additional demand but we are still unable to accommodate the numbers eager to race this event.

"In conjunction with Ironkids, it is creating a spectacular weekend of racing in Bolton.”

Entries for Ironman UK are now only available with Ironman UK’s official charity Scope, or its travel partners.

Entries to Ironkids 2015 have not opened yet. For more information visit ironmanuk.com