IRONMAN UK voted UK’s best triathlon
IRONMAN UK won gold in the Best Triathlon Category at the 2018 Running Awards to take the title of best triathlon in the UK, as voted for by athletes and members of the public. The award was announced at The Running Awards gala ceremony on 19 April in London.
The Running Awards recognises various aspects in running, ranging from nutrition, apparel, events, communities, technology and more. Public nominations and votes were collected between September 2017 and March 2018 to create the definitive list of the best in running, including triathlon, with over 150 000 votes received this year.
IRONMAN UK beat out competition from 11 other shortlisted triathlons of varying distances across the UK to take the coveted gold at this year’s awards.
IRONMAN UK celebrates ten years in Bolton this year after making the move to the north west in 2009. It is in Bolton where the event has carved out a reputation across Europe as one of the best supported and most sought-after races and with further improvements to the race venue implemented this year, the event is expected to consolidate its position as the UK’s premier triathlon.
“We are delighted that IRONMAN UK has achieved this recognition. This award is testament to the tireless work of the IRONMAN team, the fantastic support and vision from Bolton Council and the influence of the many role players including our amazing volunteers,” said Sam Brawn, IRONMAN UK Race Director.
“For the award to come in the year in which we celebrate ten years in Bolton makes this accolade particularly special. We also recognise and thank the people of Bolton and Lancashire who come out in their numbers every year to make this event so special, supporting our athletes with such enthusiasm. The Bolton supporters are part of the fabric of this event and we look forward to experiencing that unique atmosphere again this year,” added Brawn.
"It is wonderful news that IRONMAN UK Bolton has won the award,” said Tony Oakman, Chief Executive of Bolton Council. “It is a fantastic event which brings people from all over the country to the town and region to showcase what Bolton and Lancashire has to offer. Every year we welcome thousands of athletes from around the country and world to the town, joining the hundreds of athletes from Bolton who take part.
“It is unique and the award is well deserved for all the hard work that the IRONMAN team, the council, and our partners across the north west put in to making it a success.”
The event continues to be a popular choice for athletes with entries for the 2018 edition already over 90% full. The 10th edition in Bolton has already attracted over 2500 athletes from over 40 countries, providing yet another exciting challenge to competitors, bringing a festival atmosphere to the town of Bolton where spectators are able to see some of the UK and world’s best athletes take on the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.
As part of the IRONMAN UK weekend, the world’s biggest IRONKIDS event, IRONKIDS UK takes place in Bolton 14 July 2018, the day before the main event.
For more information and to enter, please visit the event website, www.ironman.com/uk.
IRONMAN UK Race Director, Sam Brawn (centre) is pictured being presented with the award by the BBC's Mike Bushell (left) and Tri247.com's Paul Shanley