The results are in from an amazing competition held yesterday in Bolton and Bolton shows how fantastic it is at hosting great events.
The Iron Man competition was held in Bolton for the second time and Frazer Catmell crossed the finishing line first after an awe inspiring test of endurance in just over 8 hours 40minutes.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets as the competitors completed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile run. The event started in Leigh at 6am with the swim, the athletes then cycled their way through Rivington and Blackrod, ending up at Rivington and Blackrod school before then running a marathon through Bolton and finally crossing the finish line in front of the town hall in the town centre.
Other winners included fasted woman, 30 year old Yvette Grice from Eastbourne and first Bolton winner to cross the finish line Neil Mercer only 12 places and 64 minutes behind the overall winner.
It was not only the athletes who won in this competition, the towns economy benefited from an estimated £2.7 million pound of extra revenue. With friends and family of over 1100 athletes from 39 countries, the pubs, hotels and restaurants across the town did a roaring trade.
Before the event, the athletes were given a party with a difference at the Reebok Stadium. Deputy Mayor , Bolton Cllr Norman Critchley welcomed the Ironman competitors to a 'Pasta Party' where athletes were encouraged to tuck in and fuel up before the even.
