A number of roads will be closed when Bolton hosts its annual Ironman weekend of sport.

Bolton is gearing up for the world’s largest Ironkids race on Saturday, July 16 and the gruelling Ironman event on Sunday, July 17.

To facilitate both events safely, a number of road closures will be in place around the borough.

Key roads will be closed in the town centre – Ironkids will start and finish on Le Mans Crescent and the finish line for Ironman is also on Le Mans Crescent.

From 1am on Friday, July 15 to noon on Monday, July 18 vehicles will not be able to enter or exit Le Mans Crescent from Deansgate or Ashburner St.

Knowsley Street to Deansgate will be closed for Ironkids from 6am to 1pm and 9am to midnight for Ironman.

Roads will also be closed on Sunday, July 17 in the west of Bolton for the Ironman triathlon, which involves a 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash, a 112-mile cycle ride, and a marathon.

Due to the cycling route, some roads in Westhoughton will be closed from 6am to 9.30am, including Platt Lane from North Road to Park Road.

From 6am to 5.30pm, Chorley New Road will also be closed from Beaumont Road to De Havilland Way to allow competitors to pass through safely.

Chorley New Road will be closed from 10.30am to midnight for the marathon, from Beaumont Road to the junction with St George’s Road and Chorley Old Road. Marshals will be present to allow access for emergency services, residents, and businesses.

Shoppers are advised that Middlebrook Retail Park will be open as usual. Some diversions will be in place via De Havilland Way and Mansell Way between 6am and 5.30pm.

Managing Director of Ironman UK, Kevin Stewart, said: “While the event continues to grow both in size and stature, this would not be possible without the support from Bolton Council and the local residents and businesses.

“While we appreciate that this can have an impact on journeys, the information on our website should help minimise any delays due to the race.

“Spectator support in Bolton is unbelievable and we look forward to thousands of local residents turning out to cheer people on.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, added: “We want to make sure both of these events are once again a success for the town and the road closures are essential to facilitate the events safely.

“We would encourage people to plan their travel and we would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists in advance for their patience.

“This is the eighth Bolton Ironman and the fifth Ironkids that we’re hosting and both of these events brings thousands of people into Bolton and vast economic benefit to the town.”

For more information on the road closures, contact Ironman UK on 01865 596266 or e-mail uk@ironman.com. Full details of all road closures www.bolton.gov.uk/trafficorders.

For information about the event, visit www.ironman.com/uk. Spectators’ guide available at http://www.visitbolton.com/pdf/IronmanSpectatorGuide2016.pdf.