BOLTON'S biggest sporting event is to become even bigger.

A new event, Iron Girl UK ­— an evening 5km run ­— has joined the weekend's events creating a full three-day festival weekend.

Women of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in the event, to have fun and be active.

Executive cabinet member for culture and sport, Cllr John Byrne, added: “Just when you thought this annual event couldn’t get any bigger and better, it does.

“The addition of Iron Girl will be yet another feature to an already exciting weekend known as much for its festive atmosphere as for the feats of endurance from the athletes.

“This particular event opens up the Ironman weekend to even more people – not everyone wants to do an Ironman but some might quite fancy a 5k run with their friends."

This will be the second Iron Girl in the UK and the first to take place in Bolton.

Sam Brawn, Ironman UK race director said: "Over the years we’ve seen how the weekend has grown and we are delighted to be able to offer this new event and give even more people the opportunity to actively be part of the Ironman UK weekend.

"Iron Girl is all about inclusivity and having fun. The food and drink stalls and festival area at the finish line will make it the perfect curtain raiser to the weekend."

It is open to women and girls, aged 16 plus and will start in Le Mans Crescent at 7pm on Friday, July 12.

Entries are limited, cost £10, and will open on Friday at 1pm. For more details and to enter, visit www.ironman.com/uk.