PLACES are running out for Ironman UK, one of the world’s toughest endurance races held in Bolton.

Almost all of the 2,700 slots available have already been snapped up - only 50 places remain.

The gruelling triathlon takes place on July 17. The 140.6-mile event starts with a 2.4-mile swim at Pennington Flash in Leigh followed by a 112-mile two-loop bike course in the Lancashire countryside.

The course finishes with a run starting at the Macron Stadium in Horwich. Athletes head into Bolton, where they complete three loops of a circuit before finishing in Bolton town centre.

Ironkids UK - the world’s largest Ironkids - takes place the day before (July 16) and sees 2,500 children running around Bolton town centre.

Ironman UK is one of the largest global sporting events held in the north and the race is filmed and broadcast to an international audience of more than one billion.

Bolton will be hosting the event for the eighth time this year. The event has grown in size since it first arrived to the town - 1,500 athletes took part in 2009, and this year 2,700 will compete.

Once the general entry slots are gone, the only chance for athletes to enter will be through limited places available via Ironman UK’s travel and charity partners.

For more information about the event and to register visit www.ironmanuk.com.