Olympian Helen Jenkins MBE leads women's team in Ironman 70.3

A high profile women’s fitness team will be among those participating in Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 event, as the town’s biggest sporting event sees a 40 percent increase in female sign-ups.

Her Spirit are a community of sporty women in leadership roles across Bolton, who joined together to empower one another through sports, fitness, and wild adventures.

The group’s "She Moves Bolton" campaign, in partnership with the council and Bolton GP Federation, helps women to be healthier, happier, and more active.

They will now take on a new challenge as they compete in one of Britain’s toughest races at Ironman 70.3 Bolton this weekend.

The group will be competing as two head-to-head relay teams.

Team Fearless is led by two-time triathlete world champion, Olympian and triathlon world series commentator, Helen Jenkins MBE, and includes former BBC presenter Louise Minchin.

The Team Her Spirit cycling team is led by co-founders Melanie Berry and Holly Woodford.

Sunday will mark the first time Helen Jenkins has taken part in a triathlon since she retired from pro-racing, and it’s sure to get competitive between the teams.

She said: “I am so excited to be competing in the Ironman 70.3 Bolton as it’s my first time competing as a relay member.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the bike course and soaking up the atmosphere.

“I haven’t competed at any triathlons since I retired a few years ago, so this race is going to be special, enjoying all the elements of a triathlon I previously loved - challenging myself and having fun.”

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Melanie Berry, co-founder of Her Spirit said: “Having worked with the team at Bolton Council and Bolton GP Federation over the six months, it’s been so inspiring to see so many women in Bolton getting fitter, stronger and healthier, and moving more for their health.

“I am looking forward to taking part in the Night Run Bolton UK on Friday with so many other inspirational women and as part of the relay on Sunday.

Each competitor is on their own fitness journeys, by either returning-to-fitness walks, or first 5k and 10ks.

There is a 40 per cent increase in female participation for the Ironman Sunday race alone, with women accounting for nearly a fifth of participants.

The Her Spirit fitness and movement app offers free premium memberships to Bolton women. To find out more, visit www.herspirit.co.uk.