ENTRIES for next year’s Ironkids event, the largest in the world, will open tomorrow.

The race on Saturday, July 14, became an annual fixture in Bolton five years ago — and officials are hoping to make 2018 its biggest year.

The event has attracted 2,500 children for the last three years, who compete the day before the 140-mile Ironman.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture, youth and sport, said: “The whole Ironman weekend brings a huge boost to Bolton.

“Ironkids is always a fantastic event, which grows in popularity year on year. It is one of our biggest sporting events and in previous years entries have been snapped up so we would urge people to sign up quickly.

“The event continues to lead the way as the world’s largest, run-only Ironkids event. Children love it and it could well be the making of some future Ironman UK athletes.”

The race is open to children aged three to 14 with different distances depending on the school year of the child.

Nursery, reception and year one children will run 500m and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Youngsters from years two, three, four and five will run 1km, while years six, seven and eight will tackle a 1.5km course.

And year nine and 10 children will run 2km.

All competitors will receive an Ironkids t-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing the run.

Race director Abi Jones said: “Ironkids UK has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. It is a big part of the Ironman UK weekend and really adds to the family atmosphere in Bolton.

“It’s wonderful to see the children emulating their Ironman heroes, getting the chance to run through the same finish chute and finish under the same arch as the Ironman athletes.

“It is so positive to see so many young children choosing to get outside and be active while having fun at the same time.” Registration will open at 3pm tomorrow. Anyone interested should go to ironman.com/ironkidsuk. The fee is £3.50 per child.