CYCLISTS, swimmers, runners and unicyclists will take to the streets of Horwich for the annual Festival of Racing on Sunday.

The jam-packed day of races on foot, in the water and on the roads runs from 8.30am to 6pm, with all the events taking place around Horwich town centre — and this year, for the first time, there will be a triathlon.

It is the 14th event since it was reinstated in 2002 after organisers were inspired by the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

In the past the event has coincided with the Horwich Carnival, with the procession being incorporated into the race timetable, but this year the carnival will go it alone, with the main parade being held on Sunday, June 28.

The route of the races will encompass Lee Lane, Chorley New Road and Winter Hey Lane.

As well as featuring events for hardened athletes such as the triathlon, which starts with a swim at Horwich Leisure Centre at 8.30am and then eight laps of the cycle route, then a 5k run, people will still be able to sign up for fun events on the day.

A one-lap fun run in which participants are invited to wear fancy dress will start at 2.15pm and there is also an orienteering event in Lever Park at 10am and a veterans' cycle race at 4.15pm.

Barbara Ronson, a former Mayor of Bolton, has organised the event with Neil Brown since 2002.

She said: "Each year we try to do something different, and this year, for the first time, we are doing a triathlon.

"It is an invite only event this year, and we will see how it goes and hopefully we will be able to do an open event next year.

"It will be an exciting day for all the family."

Roads will be closed in Horwich from 8.30pm to 6pm, with Chorley New Road closed from the Crown roundabout to Winter Hey Lane.

Winter Hey Lane will be closed for its entirety to Lee Lane, and Lee Lane will be closed to the Crown roundabout.

There will also be no access to these roads from adjoining roads, other than the usual vehicle crossing point at Curteis Street and Rock Street.

Timetable of events:

8.30am - Road closures commence

8.30am - Triathlon Swim - Leisure Centre

9.00am - Youth Cycle Races

9.00am - Triathlon Cycle

9.30am - Triathlon Run 5K

10.00am - Orienteering, Lever Park

10.45am - BMAF 5k Road Running & Walking Championships

11.30am - Youth Cycling Relay Challenge (7-11yrs in teams of 4)

12.15pm - Open 5K Run

1.00pm - Unicycle Road Race

1.40pm - Orienteering Final

2.15pm - 1 Lap Fun Run

2.35pm - Senior Cycle Race (16-39yrs)

3.40pm - Adapted Cycle Ride

4.15pm - Veterans Cycle Race (40-80yrs)

5.20pm - 1 Lap Cycling Street Race (6-15yrs)

5.45pm - Finish

6.00pm - Road closures finish