The atmosphere was electric in Bolton town centre for the annual Ironman event as locals and family members flocked in to support the athletes.
Victoria Square gave a warm welcome to the runners, who completed a marathon length swim, cycle and run. People were there in their hundreds to support the triathletes by holding flags, donning the Union Jack and of course horns.
After a triathlon more than 130 miles long, the competitors were greeted with rapturous applause and cheers. All of them had been going for more than nine hours - a brutal slog. Read more: The hatch-style bakery launched by lockdown bakers that's bringing a slice of Brazil to Manchester “That last three miles was torture,” Bolton lad George Martindale said after crossing the line first. “I had a terrible swim, I nearly had a panic attack and had to breaststroke for 400m and then I got on the bike and put the hammer down. “I was confident going into the run, I had done the work and I saw the gap.
I had some stomach problems but I was confident I could close the gap. “I am absolutely delighted about this. I am from Bolton myself so that was important to me [the event being local]. “I love it here.
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