BOLTON is now home to the biggest Ironkids event in the world, organisers have announced.

Last year’s race beat all records with 2,250 children competing – while the 2015 event will be even bigger again as an extra 250 places are up for grabs.

Entries for the event, set to be held on July 18, opened on Friday and families are being urged to be quick off the mark to secure a place.

The main Ironman event, a gruelling 140.6 mile triathlon, has already sold out.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Youth, Councillor John Byrne, said the event has gone from strength to strength since it came to town two years ago.

He said: “We organised the first Ironkids in 2012 in partnership with the Ironman team.

“Back then 1,000 children entered and the event has now more than doubled in size.

“It’s a brilliant event, children love it and, as well as local entrants, we have people from all over the UK coming to Bolton especially so that their child can compete.

“Ironkids encourages young people to get involved in sport and together with the Ironman triathlon, the whole weekend brings a real boost to the town.

“What’s also great to see is that following the success of our race, the Ironman team have introduced three more Ironkids races, to complement their other Ironman triathlons.”

Bolton’s Ironkids race is open to children aged three to 14 with different distances depending on the school year of the child.

Children currently in school year one and below compete in a 500m run, accompanied by a parent/guardian, while those in years two to five run 1km, years six to eight run 1.5km and those in years nine to 10 complete a 2.5km run.

Each child will receive an Ironkids t-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing their run.

Managing Director for Ironman UK and Ireland, Kevin Stewart, said: “We were delighted with the turnout for Bolton’s third Ironkids event, and it’s great that it has proved to be so popular.

“The development of Ironkids across the UK has been a key focus for us and this year we introduced more races, following the success of Bolton.

“With our Ironman events selling out in record time, we are expecting youngsters to be equally as quick off their marks.

“Ironkids is a fantastic way to kick off the weekend’s racing and a great opportunity for more families to keep fit and healthy together.”

To enter Ironkids, which takes place in the town centre, parents or guardians need to complete an entry form at http://www.ironkids.co.uk. Fee is £3 per child.