IT’S the wonderful Ironkids competition on Saturday and Ironman UK the following day.

No doubt, many Boltonians will be taking to the streets to cheer on the thousands of competitors who will tackle the 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon run over the familiar course.

The warmth of local people is one of the many outstanding reasons Ironman is such a success. The road closures may inconvenience people a little, but it’s only for one day and it means a huge chunk of revenue for the town and a major outpouring of goodwill on the day.