Important information for toughest race in the world coming to Darwen on Sunday

More than two thousand competitors are gearing up for this weekend’s gruelling Ironman – swim, cycle and running race – but what are the practicalities for residents and businesses?

This year the country’s biggest and longest running ironman race – which is open to men and women – will come through parts of Darwen and Rural.

Ironman UK competitors have to complete a mammoth 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile cycle and then run a marathon.

Spectators will be cheering on the competitors in their crowds – with 10 brave competitors registered to take part from Blackburn and four from Darwen.

Temporary road closures will be in place in the run up to the event to ensure the safety of the athletes and the wider public.

Residents are advised to be aware of road closures and plan their journeys.

Spectators are advised to view the bike section of the race at the Black Dog pub in Belmont.

Route maps for the bike, run, swim, and route overview can be found here: https://we.tl/t-70UQFVPli8

Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader, Mohammed Khan, said:

Ironman is a huge event bringing visitors and investment into the borough.

There will be some road closures on the day to allow the race to happen safely and we hope that people will embrace the event and come down and support the athletes.

I’d like to say thank you to all residents and businesses affected in the area as we understand it can cause an inconvenience.

The wider benefits are that the event will really help to put Darwen and our beautiful rural landscape on the map, it will be great for tourism, attracting competitors and spectators from all over the world. “We are very proud to have 14 courageous people from our borough competing in this gruelling race and we wish them and all the rest of the competitors the very best of luck.”

The new course also offers the very best of the natural scenery in the region adding to the true British nature of the course.

Ironman UK Race Director, Sam Brawn, said:

 Ironman UK is one of the biggest events of the year and with an event of this scale, certain road closures are necessary to ensure safety.

The support of the people is what makes this event special and we thank everyone for getting behind the event.

We look forward to an exciting race and hope to see the famous support on the course once more, cheering the athletes on.”

Which roads will be closed?

The following roads will be in use for the cycle event, which consists of two laps and will be closed for the race:

– Jackson Heights Road
– Long Hey Lane
– Johnson New Road
– Johnson Road
– Roman Road
– Blacksnape Road
– Roman Road
– Blackburn Road
– Bolton Road
– Green Arms Road
– A666 Blackburn Road
– Stones Bank Road
– Egerton Road
– A675 Belmont Road
– Rivington Road

For more information on the new bike course, road closure times and more details please visit the Ironman website.

For more information on the road closures or access queries, contact Ironman UK on 0333 011 6600 or e-mail uk@ironmanroadaccess.com.

There are no restrictions to the emergency services during the event. Essential access for carers will be facilitated. Where necessary Ironman UK will organise a vehicle pass – please contact them directly.