Bolton Night Run launches Ironman weekend in style

Nearly 1,700 runners took to the streets of Bolton this evening as the Ironman Night Run returned to launch a packed weekend of sporting action in the town.

Participants gathered in Bolton town centre to tackle either a 5km or 10km route, setting off from Le Mans Crescent at 7pm to the sound of an air horn..

Crowds turned up to cheer on loved ones (Image: NQ)

The event, which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to Ironman weekend, saw runners race through the town centre before finishing in Victoria Square, where crowds gathered to cheer them home.

Harry Moxham was the first runner across the finish line in the 5km race, recording a time of 16 minutes and 14 seconds.

Harry won the 5k this year (Image: NQ)

Rachel Sidebotham was the first female finisher in the 5km, crossing the line in 19 minutes and 13 seconds to claim her third consecutive Night Run title after winning in 2024 and 2025.

Three in a row for Rachel! (Image: NQ)

She said: “I’m tired.

“I’ve been doing it a while now but, yeah, it feels amazing to win for a third time in a row.

“There’s been lots of training and it’s paid off.”

Alex Lowe claimed victory in the men’s 10km race with a time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

Alex won the 10k for his first ever Bolton night run (Image: NQ)

The Bolton runner said: “I’m from Bolton so it’s always special winning a hometown race.

“This is my first time doing the Night Run as well.

“Training has just been consistent – 50 miles a week and having a good group of people by your side spurs you on.

“I run for Horwich Harriers so they’re great – up the Horwich.”

Georgia Elizabeth Heath was the first female finisher in the 10km race, completing the course in 42 minutes and 27 seconds.

Elizabeth was all smiles after her women’s 10k win (Image: NQ)

The Mayor Mohammed Iqbal and Mayoress Sayda , joined organisers in handing out medals to runners after the event.

Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton handed out medals to the runners (Image: NQ)

The Night Run marks the start of Bolton’s Ironman weekend, with the world’s largest IronKids event set to take place on Saturday (June 6) involving around 6,000 participants before Ironman 70.3 returns on Sunday (June 7).