YOUNG people set the pace for this year’s Ironman UK as they kicked off the first race of the spectacular weekend.

A staggering 3,000 children aged three to 14-years-old took part in the world’s biggest Ironkids event.

This year, Bolton Council increased the number of places available in the fun run after 2,500 sold out in record time.

Among those taking part included four-year-old Jacob Reddy who was not going to let anything stop him from taking part — despite sustaining an injury and a stay in hospital meant he missed registration.

So dad Chris put out an appeal on social media and Bolton Council managed to squeeze him in, with Jacob being pushed in the push chair by his father.

Chris, who lives in Egerton, said: “He really wanted to do and enjoyed it while we were doing it.

“I just want to say thank you to Bolton Council for doing this.”

Three-year-old Alfie Ward is following in the footsteps of his dad, Chris, who completed Ironman UK last year.

Alfie, who lives with his family in Astley Bridge said: “I enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun but I had to keep telling my dad to slow down!”

Chris, aged 32, said: “I did Ironman last year to raise money for Royal Bolton Hospital’s special care baby unit because when Alfie was born he spent a week in the unit .

“Now being back here, I’m gutted I’m not doing it this year. But 2020 I will do it again — and Alfie is a world championship Ironman in the making!”

Cllr John Byrne, said: “What an absolutely amazing event.We are so proud to host the world’s largest Ironkids They are the stars of the future, the atmosphere is fantastic and what a way to showcase Bolton.”