Bolton Ironman: Spectators come from near and far to support athletes

The triathlon took place today, Sunday, July 2, with participants swimming, cycling and running their way to the end.

One of the biggest events on the Bolton calendar, having taken place in the town since 2009, athletes travelled from far and wide to participate.

Dale Parrett-Harris, originally from Hampshire but now of Herefordshire, travelled to Bolton to compete in his first Ironman.

Sandy Harris and Sophie Sharpe supporting Dale Parret-Harris (Image: Newsquest)

His grandmother, Sandy Harris, and his partner, Sophie Sharpe, travelled to Bolton along to support him, along with his mother, Anita.

Speaking in the afternoon, Sandy said: "It's his first time doing any triathlon.

"He's doing so well."

His partner, Sophie, said: "He was debating whether to sign up, and then we were catching a flight at 4am one day when he turns to me and says 'I've signed up for Ironman'.

Clair Martindale, Alfie Buckley and James Buckley (L-R) (Image: Newsquest)

"That was in February, so he's done well to train in that time. He's currently 147th place overall, it is his first time.

Sandy, who is from Hampshire but whose sister in law lives in Westhoughton, said: "We've been there since four this morning.

"We've got three and a half generations here, myself, his mother, Sophie and their dog."

Sophie added: "We got up at three o'clock this morning, it has been a long day, but it has been very good, we're very proud of him.

Spectators on Chorley New Road (Image: Henry Lisowski)

"We were hoping for between 12 to 13 hours, but he's on track for 11.5 hours."

Clair Martindale, Alfie Buckley and James Buckley, from Bolton, spectated the race from the morning into the afternoon.

Speaking in the afternoon, Clair said: "We're just spectators. I just enjoy coming down and watching it and cheering people.

A runner stopping off for a pint (Image: Henry Lisowski)

"I didn't go to Pennington Flash, but we've watched the biking earlier in Tonge Moor where we live, and have followed it into town."

James Buckley, also from Bolton, said: "It's nice to see them doing it. The training and such, seeing what they go through. There's no way I could do it!

"It's a flagship thing, every year in Bolton that we get to see."