NEIL Critchley is no stranger to Ironman or triathlons in general.

A veteran of the three-discipline sport, he has completed 27 triathlons including the Ironman in 2012.

He will line up alongside more than 2,650 athletes when the event returns to Bolton on Sunday.

But it is not the start that he is looking forward to most.

The Burnden Road Runners athletics club member says the best part of Ironman is crossing the finishing line and soaking up the atmosphere in Bolton town centre.

He recalled: "When I reached the end (in 2012) there were hundreds of club members cheering me on and it was an incredible experience."

Karate instructor Critchley, aged 48, says the 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash will be the most difficult for him to complete.

"Swimming is not my strongest point and I think the first 400m of the swim is the hardest," he said.

If he gets through the swim he sees less risk to his chances of completing the 112-mile cycle ride through Rivington and Chorley and has enough running experience to handle the marathon run.

"I love my running," he said. "And the whole event I think is brilliant for the town. It's a fantastic occasion."