IT will be a busy day in Bolton, Leigh and other local areas next Sunday.

Ironman UK is returning for the third year and there is every reason to believe more than 1,500 super athletes will appreciate another warm welcome.

According to the event’s website, it “continues to offer a world class event in the heart of the beautiful North West countryside”.

Personally, I cannot begin to understand why anybody would want to swim 2.4 miles in Pennington Flash, cycle 112 miles and then run another 26.2 miles before staggering over the finishing line outside Bolton Town Hall.

Whatever happened to the idea that Sunday should be a day of rest?

That is obviously something that never occurs to these supremely fit competitors.

The event is good for them and for the local economy — it provides an important opportunity for local businesses to make some money catering for the needs of the athletes and their supporters.

A tip, though.

If you are likely to be out and about locally on Sunday you probably need to check the necessary road closures in advance.