ENTRIES for an extra 500 places in next year’s Ironkids race open this evening.

It was announced last week that slight changes to the route of the course meant that it is able to accommodate more than the original 2,500 children scheduled to take part.

The race, on July 14, has become a key annual fixture on Bolton’s events calendar following its introduction five years ago.

When the first round of entries was released, every place was snapped up in just six hours — so families will have to be quick if they want to secure a spot.

Registration opens at 6pm at ironman.com/ironkidsuk. The fee is £3.50 per child.

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

Ironkids UK Race Director, Abi Jones, added: “The response to the Ironkids UK opening in October was phenomenal. Such was the demand for places that we have been working on increasing the capacity of the event to allow more children the opportunity to be part of the fun and excitement in Bolton.”

For more information call Ironman UK on 01235 390880 or visit www.ironman.com/ironkidsuk