IRONMAN returns this weekend, where youngsters also have a chance to test their mettle!

For one year only, Bolton is hosting two Ironman races - the first took place in July and the one-off Ironman 70.3 will be staged this Sunday.

This takes in the best parts of Ironman UK, to give those with the ambition of earning the coveted title of Ironman a unique opportunity to test themselves on the famous course before taking on the full distance triathlon in 2022 and giving seasoned triathletes a chance to extend their season.

The weekend festival of sport will kick-off on Saturday with Ironkids Bolton, before Ironman 70.3 takes place on Sunday, September 26.

To accommodate Bolton’s biggest sporting event, a number of road closures are currently in place.

The full list can be found on the council website at https://www.bolton.gov.uk/downloads/file/3777/ironman-70-3-various-streets but some of the main roads impacted are Le Mans Crescent, Victoria Square, Chorley New Road, Bolton Road, Knowsley Street, Deansgate, Bradshawgate, Scholes Bank, Spa Road and St. Helens Road.

The council say there are diversion routes signposted so road users can get in, around and out of the area with ease.

Follow all the action in our live blog 

The Ironman 70.3 race starts with a one-loop 1.2-mile swim at the beautiful Pennington Flash Country Park followed by a 56-mile cycle through the Lancashire countryside ending with a two-loop 13.1-mile run through the picturesque Queens Park before running down the red carpet in the town centre.

For the full interactive course map and further details go to https://ironman.com/im703-bolton-course.