THE first Ironman to cross the line in Sunday's epic race — was not the winner
Ironman UK put out a correction on Sunday evening announcing Oliver Simon from Bolton as the winner.
But despite the confusion at the end, organisers hailed the weekend's festival of sport as a runaway success.
Sunday's race was Ironman 70.3, a shorter but still challenging race involving a swim, cycle and run, to give people a chance to test their mettle on the world famous course.
Though the first to cross the finishing line was Bolton triathlete James Scott-Farrington, as a professional he was not part of any age grouper race and as such the overall winner was Oliver Simon in the men’s category and Kelly Warrington in the women’s.
Ms Warrington, who came second in the female category two years ago, said: “It feels like a throwback to 2019, I’m just so happy.
“The crowd support is amazing and just keeps you going!”
The first athletes finishing the swim to get out of the water in less than 25 minutes, with Molly Savill, who finished the swim in just 26:33, the first woman out of the water.
PICTURES: Ironman 70.3: Bolton duo first to cross finish line
Bolton: All the Ironman 70.3 action as it happened
Athletes then started on the one-loop bike course where they completed the 56-mile bike route, through the countryside.
Finally, athletes came into town centre around Bolton Town Hall where supporters lined up to cheer them on.
Ironman 70.3 Bolton race director Rachel Jackson said: “We have a long history of Ironman events in Bolton and this year was special.
“We met Will Cooper who had done every Ironkids event since it began and now to take on his first ever 70.3 distance with us was magical.
“This year the atmosphere was incredible and the whole team worked hard to ensure that we gave athletes a memorable racing experience.”
Will, (PICTURED) aged 19 from Bolton, said: “Seeing athletes compete at the Ironman every year definitely inspired me.
“When you’re an Ironkid and you run down the red carpet, you just want that feeling again.
“My mum and uncle have done a number of Ironman UK events before and I wanted to follow in their footsteps."
“Tri-Rivington club has really helped me become a triathlete!”
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