IRONMAN is “almost certain” to return to Bolton next year.

Organisers of the hugely successful event have declared their intention to bring it back to the town in 2013, but say they need to consult with authorities before the deal is done.

Kevin Stewart, managing director of Ironman Britain and Ireland, said: “We’re looking into dates for next year. They will be around the same time of year.

“The situation will have to go through a review with the others involved and we’re talking to Lancashire County Council and Lancashire police and they all have their opportunity to have an input to the discussion.”

He said the athletes who took part were overwhelmed by the support of spectators.

Mr Stewart added: “These last couple of years it’s really captured the imagination of Bolton people.

“Fraser Cartmell, who finished second, said he felt like giving up at one point, but the encouragement of the crowd kept him going.”

Bromley Cross athlete, 43-year-old tiler Scott Ward, trained for a whole year to compete in Ironman, but his calf seized up half way around the cycle section of the course.

About the Ironman return, he said: “It’d be just fantastic, it’s a great event. I’m already in training now and I’ll travel to wherever it is, but if it’s in Bolton it gives me an advantage because I know the course. I’d be overjoyed if it was in Bolton again.”

And council bosses have said they will “do whatever we can” to bring Ironman back to the town next year.

Cllr Christopher Peacock, Bolton Council ’s cabinet member for sport, said: “I’d absolutely love it to come back here. It’s a fantastic event and it does so much for the town.

“We’ll do whatever we can to support Ironman UK to bring it back.”

Council leader Cliff Morris added: “When it started it was an experiment but it seems we’ve delivered what they wanted and it’s fantastic for the town’s economy.”

l Full list of Bolton competitors' results: see Page 29